A chuchkajaue swings a censer, with burning incense outside Santo Tomás church in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. The Catholicism practiced there is heavily influenced by ancient Mayan beliefs and traditions. (Richard McGuire Photo)
Today I was up before sunrise to go to the famous market in Chichicastanango. I rode in the back of a pickup truck watching the sun slowly rise on the volcanoes of Lake Atitlan as the truck zigzagged up the steep cliff to Solala. The air was crisp and clear. Two hours and a couple of buses later, I arrived in Chichicastango.
I followed the crowds to the main square that is the centre of the market and is also where the Church of San Tomas is. Although ostensibly a Catholic church, much of the activity at this church involves rituals dating back to the Mayas. On the stone steps leading up to the church a number of Indian women sold flowers. A fire burned incense filling the air with fragrant smoke, and men swung tins containing burning more incense. Groups of men dressed in costume and belonging to cofradias paraded from the church and performed rituals in the street.
I spent a number of hours photographing the action before browsing through the market. There were many colourful cloths, clothing, bags, masks, fruit, vegetables and other items. I bought a mask, and was tempted to buy more if not for the problem of having to carry things for the rest of my trip.
A woman sells an array of masks in the market at Chichicastenango, Guatemala. This famous market attracts many Gringo tourists from nearby Panajachel in search of handicrafts. (Richard McGuire Photo)
The steps in front of the church of Santo Tomás in Chichicastenango, Guatemala are covered with sellers of colourful flowers. (Richard McGuire Photo)
The steps in front of the church of Santo Tomás in Chichicastenango, Guatemala are covered with sellers of colourful flowers. (Richard McGuire Photo)The steps in front of the church of Santo Tomás in Chichicastenango, Guatemala are covered with sellers of colourful flowers. (Richard McGuire Photo)The steps in front of the church of Santo Tomás in Chichicastenango, Guatemala are covered with sellers of colourful flowers. (Richard McGuire Photo)Two chuchkajaues swing censers, with burning incense outside Santo Tomás church in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. The Catholicism practiced there is heavily influenced by ancient Mayan beliefs and traditions. (Richard McGuire Photo)A chuchkajaue swings a censer, with burning incense outside Santo Tomás church in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. The Catholicism practiced there is heavily influenced by ancient Mayan beliefs and traditions. (Richard McGuire Photo)A man scrambles up the steps of Santo Tomás church in Chichicastenango after lighting a mortar. (Richard McGuire Photo)A woman carries a young child on her back and flowers in front as she walks through the market at Chichicastenango, Guatemala. (Richard McGuire Photo)Two women interact in the market at Chichicastenago where flowers and masks are for sale. (Richard McGuire Photo)A stall in the market at Chichicastenango, Guatemala, is draped in colourful fabrics. The clothing worn by the Mayans, especially the women, is among the most colourful in the world. Although this market is a popular tourist destination, most of the products are sold to the local people. (Richard McGuire Photo)A stall in the market at Chichicastenango, Guatemala, is draped in colourful fabrics. The clothing worn by the Mayans, especially the women, is among the most colourful in the world. Although this market is a popular tourist destination, most of the products are sold to the local people. (Richard McGuire Photo)The market at Chichicastenango, Guatemala is colourful and busy on a Sunday. (Richard McGuire Photo)A stall in the market at Chichicastenango, Guatemala, is draped in colourful fabrics. The clothing worn by the Mayans, especially the women, is among the most colourful in the world. Although this market is a popular tourist destination, most of the products are sold to the local people. (Richard McGuire Photo)A cofradía procession makes its way through the streets of Chichicastenago, Guatemala on Sunday, market day. (Richard McGuire Photo)A woman carries her infant as she shops in the market at Chichicastenango, Guatemala. (Richard McGuire Photo)A woman wears colourful clothing decorated with flowers. Behind her, flower seller do business. (Richard McGuire Photo)Colourful peppers are on sale in the market at Chichicastenango, Guatemala. (Richard McGuire Photo)
