Guatemala
Culture and Language
Guatemala’s Mayan history dominates the culture throughout most of the country today, especially in rural areas. We’ll see traditional dress worn in the highlands region, especially at the local markets. The intricately woven patterns and embroidered motifs in the indigenous clothing still worn by many highland residents indicates in which village the wearer lives. An example are the birds woven into clothing of residents of Santiago Atitlan. When you visit markets, see if you can see themes in the clothing among different groups of men and women.
Religion in Guatemala is a fascinating mix of Catholicism and indigenous Mayan beliefs. The mixing of these two seemingly irreconcilable religions is embodied in Santiago Atitlan, in the combination of Catholic churches and the local deity Maximon (pronounced mosh-ee-mon). If we told you more about Maximon you probably wouldn’t believe us, so you'll just have to wait until you meet him in Santiago.
Spanish is the main language of Guatemala, although in rural areas some people speak only one or more of the 23 recognized indigenous languages, which include Quiche, Cakchiquel, and Kekchi. In popular tourist areas such as Antigua you'll find some people who speak English, but not many. We'll have an English-speaking guide in the highlands; and our guide in the Peten speaks Spanish and Quiche. Hearing the indigenous languages spoken by the guides in the jungle on our way to Tikal is a highlight of the trip, reminding us that Guatemala and much of Central America was and still remains predominantly an indigenous region. Many guests enjoy learning a few Spanish words and phrases, and locals appreciate any effort to communicate in their language.
