By Brittany Kleinman: Chichicastenango is home to one of the most colorful markets in all of South America maybe even the world. A secluded community atop mountains in the El Quiché section of Guatemala, the market in “Chichi” starts just before dawn every Thursday and Sunday. Some villagers walk throughout the night, over mountains and through valleys to reach the isolated town just to sell their goods. The market is packed with full-time traders that set up shop in one of the many stalls organized within a central plaza while other vendors spill out onto the neighboring streets.

Tourist based souvenirs, now occupy most of the outer square and the surrounding streets to the north.  Beautiful carved masks, hand woven textiles, hammocks and glazed pottery are just a few of the handicrafts you can find at the market.  But if you are looking to dig deeper in Guatemalan life, make your way into the north end of the plaza in El Centro Commercial.  This is where you will find the villagers needs like vegetables, fruit, clothing, spices, fresh meat (both alive and dead), buckets, rope, maize, incense, & sewing supplies. At the heart of Centro commercial are comedores (small eateries) that take on full life after hours of the market around 3 or 4pm.  Despite that Chichi has become one of the largest tourist filled destinations, the market remains a necessary part of indigenous life not only for food but social interaction.

At the east end of Chichi lays the 400-year old church of Santo Tomás. The 18 cobblestone steps that surround its white walls represent each month of the Mayan calendar year. The sky is filled with smells of incense and fresh flowers sold by native women who still wear their traditional Huipile (blouse) and skirt also known as a Corte. Depending on where the women are from, a different pattern of embroidery has been hand sewn on her huipile to represent her village. Tourists visiting the church should enter through the side doors, and not use the front entry.

As always be respectful of the people and culture you are surrounded by and remember that you are their guest.  When you travel it is easy to forget that these are peoples’ every day lives and most do not appreciate a camera being thrust in their face.  Make sure to be respectful of those who do not want to be photographed and value the market as a daily way of life.