Gaby, Ali, Lauren, and Frenchfry (dog) here! Volcanyou believe that we are in Guatemala?! This trip rocks and the hike was fire! We all LAVA good hike! Pacayeah we hiked up that! Sorry for the puns, they just keep erupting out of us. But on a more serious note, we’ve had an unbelavable first week here just blowing off steam and going with the flow.
One of the most interesting things we’ve learned about here is Maximón or San Simón. Maximón is a very controversial Maya deity. People visit his shrine and bring offerings, like tobacco and alcohol, in exchange for good health and other favors. Our homestay mom and her boyfriend, like many others, aren’t very fond of him. Many people believe that he is some sort of demon due to rumors that Maximón hurts those who stop bringing him sacrifices. Others see him as a symbol of health and prosperity and have a lot of respect for him.
We were able to visit one of his shrines here in Antigua. Located inside of a shack-like structure tucked behind a local store, there were candles lit all around him, and offerings near and on him. Inside the store they were essentially selling Maximón starter packs (for lack of a better term). These included candles and other little things that one can offer him at the shrine.
Puffin’ a cig
The second shrine we visited was at Santiago Atitlan. This shrine, called a Cofradía, was located inside a house with a shaman, Cofrade, and a Jesus statue. We got to see the actual ritual take place, which is why the shaman was there. There was also a bowl of incense with lots of candles and flowers. This Maximón was also a lot bigger and older than the first one we saw. This specific statue is rotated yearly between the twelve Cofradías of Santiago Atitlan, always accompanied by a parade of dancers and festivities to guide him from location to location.
Guatagood time we’ve had so far!