Travel Experta’s Interesting Facts – Chichicastenango, Guatemala
Chichicastenango is commonly known as Chichi for Guatemalans. This is a great place for those looking for the authentic market experience in Guatemala. This is Central America’s largest market and is known for the amount and variety of handcrafts it offers. The best days to visit this cute town in the highlands are Sunday & Thursday.
Where is it?
How It Became a Popular Touristic Destination
It all started in the 1930 when a traveler opened a small inn and started taking travelers to it from Guatemala City. Now there are a few cheap hotels in the area.
Some History About the Town
It used to be a very important trading spot for the Kaqchikel people even when its people moved to Iximche long before the conquerors found it.
Best Season to Visit Chichi
Its habitants still preserve their Mayan traditions. This is easily seen in December, from 14 to 21. It is when its traditional annual festival takes place. If you visit chichi during these days you will see traditional dances and the fascinating palo volador ritual (men spin from ropes attached to a 20-meter pole).
Places You Have to Visit
Chichicastenango Market
This is a huge outdoor market. In here you will find good-quality weavings, pottery, fabrics, jewelry, clothes and masks, to name just a few. You will also find lots of local produce & animals for sale.
Iglesia Santo Tomás
The town’s church was built on 1540 over a Mayan temple (the steps in front of it are from that old temple). If you come here you will be able to see some Catholic-Mayan rituals both inside and out. There are always people at prayer, swinging incense-laden censers and chanting. This is also where the Popol Vuh (the Mayan book of creation & their gods).
Museo Rossbach
This is a small museum that has a collection of jade objects, ceremonial masks, obsidian spearheads, incense burners, necklaces and figurines found among ruins.
Pascual Abaj
This is a Mayan ceremonial cite where modern Mayans still perform rituals. It is dedicated to the earth god. Ceremonies are performed by shamans and involve lots of incense, liquor, chanting, candles, flowers, and maybe even chickens.
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