Tour Overview

Chichicastenango, or “Chichi” as it is called by locals, was the ancient capital of the Quiché Kingdom and is a vital center of Maya culture in Guatemala. Known for its thriving artisan traditions, the town is often called the “Mecca of the Mayas.” It is historically significant as the place where the Popol Vuh, the sacred Maya text, was discovered in the Spiritual Temple, the same location where the Church of Santo Tomás now stands.

The heart of Chichicastenango’s cultural event is the Patron’s Day Festival on December 21st, celebrating Saint Thomas, the town’s patron saint. The festival is a lively mix of traditional dances, colorful costumes, marimba music, and Mayan ceremonies, showcasing the deep cultural and spiritual roots of Chichicastenango’s habitants. These rituals and performances offer a unique insight into the local’s rich heritage, blending ancient practices with modern festival elements like the multiple groups of traditional dancers, musicians, and cofradías participating in high spirited street processions.

The festival is further enriched by a vibrant atmosphere of collective joy, where a deep sense of community and pride fills the streets, uniting locals and visitors in a shared experience of Maya culture. Chichicastenango Patron’s Day stands as our most glorious living expression of the Maya spirit, with a taste of our cultural resilience and joy that continues to thrive across generations.