Religious, Spiritual sights in Chichicastenango
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Pascual Abaj & Morería
On a hilltop south of the town, Pascual Abaj is a shrine to the Mayan earth god Huyup Tak'ah (Mountain Plain). Said to be hundreds - perhaps thousands - of years old, the stone-faced idol has suffered numerous indignities at the hands of outsiders, but local people still revere it. Chuchkajauescome regularly to offer incense, food, cigarettes, flowers, liquor, Coca-Cola, and perhaps even to sacrifice a chicken, in thanks and hope for the Earth's continuing fertility.
Sacrifices do not take place at regular hours. If you're in luck, you may witness one. The worshipers will not mind if you watch, but be sure to request permission before taking any photos and don't assume it…
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Iglesia de Santo Tomás
Dating from 1540, this church is often the scene of religious rituals that are only slightly Catholic and more distinctly Mayan. For much of the day (especially on Sunday), the path to the church smolders with incense of copal resin, while indigenous prayer leaders swing censers (usually tin cans poked with holes) and chant magic words.
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Capilla del Calvario
On the west side of the plaza is another whitewashed church, the Capilla del Calvario, which is similar in form and function to Santo Tomás, but smaller.
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