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Guatemala, Quiche Department, Chichicastenango, sunday market, maya textile

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Overview

Surrounded by valleys with mountains serrating the horizons, Chichicastenango can seem a world away from the rest of Guatemala. When its narrow cobbled streets and red-tiled roofs are enveloped in mist, it's downright magical. The crowds of crafts vendors and tour groups who flock in for the huge Thursday and Sunday markets lend it a lively commercial atmosphere. Mashe帽os (citizens of Chichicastenango) adhere strongly to Indigenous religions and ceremonies, and the town's various cofrad铆as (religious brotherhoods) hold processions in observance of their saints around the church of Santo Tom谩s.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Market

    Market

    Chichicastenango

    Some villagers still walk for hours carrying their wares to reach Chichi's market, one of Guatemala's largest and a highlight of many people's trips to鈥�

  • Pascual Abaj

    Pascual Abaj

    Chichicastenango

    On a hilltop south of town, Pascual Abaj (Sacrifice Stone) is a shrine to the Maya earth god Huyup Tak'ah (Mountain Plain). A stone-faced idol stands amid鈥�

  • Iglesia de Santo Tom谩s

    Iglesia de Santo Tom谩s

    Chichicastenango

    This church on the plaza's east side dates from 1540 and is often the scene of rituals that are more distinctly Maya than Catholic. Inside, the floor of鈥�

  • Centro Comercial Santo Tom谩s

    Centro Comercial Santo Tom谩s

    Chichicastenango

    Even on non-market days, the covered market on the north side of the square buzzes with activity. The fresh produce on display is a reflection of鈥�

  • Mural

    Mural

    Chichicastenango

    Be sure to admire the mural that runs alongside the wall of the town hall on the east side of the plaza 鈥� it鈥檚 dedicated to the victims of the civil war鈥�

  • Galer铆a Pop-Wuj

    Galer铆a Pop-Wuj

    Chichicastenango

    On the way down the hill to the shrine at Pascual Abaj, you might stop into this interesting gallery. Developed as an art institute for local children鈥�

  • Museo Arqueol贸gico Regional

    Museo Arqueol贸gico Regional

    Chichicastenango

    Chichi's archaeology museum holds the collection of Hugo Rossbach, a German who served as the town's Catholic priest until his death in 1944. It includes鈥�

  • Capilla del Calvario

    Capilla del Calvario

    Chichicastenango

    On the west side of the plaza, this whitewashed church is similar in form and function to Santo Tom谩s, but smaller. Ceremonies go on continually in front鈥�

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