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Colorful, and mysterious. Be sure to notice the coffin style graves, and to visit Ildefonso Rossbachs mausoleum. Indigenous ceremonies happen at the cemetery.
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Date of experience: December 2020
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While most tourists come to Chichicastenango for the market, the cemetery should also be on the menu for visitors as well. It is one of the most colourful and interesting I have visited anywhere in Latin America. I first spotted it from the grounds of the Mayan Inn and knew I had to see it up close. My first question upon arriving at the cemetery and seeingthe huge mausoleums was, "How can they afford this?". After all Guatemala is a poor country and some of these tombs are as big as small houses. The answer apparently lies in the combination of Mayan and Christian beliefs. The Mayans very much believe in the practice of honouring the dead, in fact, failure to do so can lead to the soul being trapped between life and death and no one wants that. Every year just before the Day of the Dead ceremonies at the beginning of November, the families repaint the graves, whether they be mausoleums or simple crosses. The colours do have a meaning as well. That is why everything looks so bright and fresh and some of the mausoleums are works of art in themselves. Others are dedicated specifically to one individual and reflect that person's overriding passion in life. In one case, car racing apparently as there was a miniature race track incorporated into the structure. Obviously not every person in Chichicastenango has the means to afford a grand mausoleum, but the simple painted crosses in their varying colours are almost as interesting and photogenic. What I did not take a picture of in the Chichicastenango cemetery was the most interesting thing we saw there. At the highest point in the cemetery there is a flat covered concrete floor which is there specifically for sacrifices. Now the word 'sacrifice' has many connotations and the pre-Columbian Mayans practiced many of them including human sacrifice. Post conquest, the sacrifices were toned down, but they have continued over the years with the addition of a few Catholic additions, especially candles. There was a family who had gathered for a sacrifice which was a circular collection of offerings including modern Mayan essentials - food, alcohol and tobacco. Over the next few days we would see a number of Mayan sacrifices and all would involves these three elements. Along with dozens of candles, all this is lit on fire and prayers made while the sacrifice burns. It is a sacred moment for the family and not one that should be photographed without permission which the family was not giving. If we were feeling like strangers when we set out for the cemetery, watching this ceremony cemented the feeling. Definitely do not miss this place if you find yourself in Chichicastenango.…
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Date of experience: February 2020
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For the people that like to see cementeries in this countries, CHchi is a amazing for the surprises you will find wlile you visit, because you will find Sajurines or persons that are spiritual guides for the comunities,or priest that look affter their people in their villages,and keep the well bieng and spiritual protection for every boddy. Could be that each time you go you will find different ceremonies remember each day of the MAYA MONTH IS DIFFERENT…
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Date of experience: March 2020
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Not a cemetery chaser and did not walk the trail to look at the tombs but I saw this cemetery fromone of the many hills of chichicastenango and it is so pretty and cheery compared to European and American cemeteries that I have to say it is THE BEST cemetery I have ever seen. The colors are magnificent and representative of what I think of the next life being. I believe we go with peace and this certainly is upbeat so I have to say though I do not hang out in cemeteries like some people who actually went and visited , this is a wonderful place compared to the macabre cemeteries everywhere in Europe -except Romanias Satu Mare and the States. Definitely worth a look form the hill if not a visit-lol!…
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Date of experience: January 2020
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An amazing experience where you can discover the mayan healing and experience it in Chichicastenango
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Date of experience: January 2020
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