Chichicastenango – World Famous Markets and Riotous Festivals in Guatemala
Travellers wanting to see the Mayan culture alive and well in the present day can’t do much better than the town of Chichicastenango. As 95% of the population of the town is recognized as indigenous, you’ll find it difficult not to be surrounded by native culture! Apart from being a mouthful of a name, the town (also known as Santo Tomas Chichicastenango) is surrounded by mountains which gives it a secluded feel even though it is only about 140 kilometres outside Guatemala City.
The handicrafts market
Every Thursday and Sunday, thousands of vendors and visitors descend upon Chichicastenango, attending what is said to be the largest native market in North America. Since pre-Hispanic times, the town has been one of the largest trading centers in the Maya area. Not much has changed; despite plastic sheeting for shelter and greater attendance, visitors will hear Quiche predominantly spoken and native dress is commonly worn. The vendors represent many of Guatemala’s linguistic groups such as Mam, Ixil and Kaqchikel.
The night before the big market, vendors can be seen setting up their booths in the main plaza and adjacent streets and continue in the early daylight hours. In announcement of the event, firecrackers start being let off early in the morning and continue sporadically throughout the day.
Rich variety of colours in the wide range of traditional dresses worn by the women attending the market. Those knowledgeable in the designs can even tell which part of the country the wearers are from, as the designs are unique to each community or group. The women wear the traditional multi-coloured Huipile (blouse) and a skirt, otherwise known as a corte, composed of a striking selection of natural dyes.
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