Chichicastenango:
From Panajachel , the Thursday, we headed off to Chichicastenango or Chichi for the famous handcraft market. We will follow the Good Friday procession here.
Unfortunately, probably due to the Holy Week festivities, the handcraft market was 1/8th of its normal size. Roughly, the same souvenirs were sold here as in Panajachel but at a cheaper price. We had good deals on a lot of presents that we are still carrying with us now!
The Friday, the Procession was a mixture between catholic and indigenous beliefs. In Chichi, 95% of the population are indigenous and 93% of them have got the Kiche as first language. Most of the women were wearing the traditional costume and some local men too. Only few tourists were present but one American guy was particularly annoying even taking pictures of kids that Lee was photographing after giving them some lollipops. The American was playing the stupid guy with lots of stupid "Ho!" and "Ha". Very annoying.
- The market place is situated in between the 2 churches of the village. Thursday and Sunday are market days and the day before, the sellers are installing the framework to be ready early the next day. And at the end of the day, they uninstall the framework. And this, twice a week!
- What a discovery? Are these chicks not cute? Inside the market, 2 boys were selling these coloured chicks. Yes they were alive. We thought at the beginning there were toys! 1 Quetzal for a chick so 5 pence the chick. Not sure if they will grow keeping their bright colours!
- We met this little boy in the street, he was asking for a couple of Quetzals, very common thing here with tourists. In exchange, we could take a picture of him. How proud he looks! We gave him some money and he ran shouting "gracias". I think he was going to buy some sweets!
- As I mentioned in the "Antigua post", the tradition here too is to prepare rugs for the processions. While waiting for the afternoon procession (which started at 4.30pm and not 3pm!), we spent our time watching kids and men (no women around, just only for the finishing touches!) preparing as carefully as possible the rugs. Well, we know how men are doing on DIY jobs and other delicate work!!!
- This little boy was removing the branch of the big husk bizarre plant to use for the rugs. I have obviously forgotten the name of this plant which is used specifically for the Semana Santa, not sure if it is used only in Chichi or also around Guatemala. I was so impressed by this plant that the little kid offered me 2 little branches. I did not keep them because of the strong smell,
- Finally after long hours of work and laughing, the rug was complete and occupied the full street. We can see the white branches on each side of the rug.
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