Guatemala's most famous Indian market
Chichicastenango is located 2000 meters in the plateau of Guatemala. The population in this part of Guatemala is largely of Native American (Mayan) origin and honors its traditional customs. Chichicastenango therefore has two separate religious and government institutions, one from the Catholic Church and official state and the other of religious and administrative leaders chosen by the Native American population. The colourful market in Chichicastenango (on Thursday and Sunday) is one of the social events in the highlands. It is a meeting place for the Maya where they exchange and sell products. In and around the town there are several shrines that unite elements of the ancient faith and Catholicism. In front of the San Tomas church you can see the religious brotherhoods, the cofradias, and the chuchkajaus, local shamans, performing their rituals.
