Chiapa de Corzo

Before Arriving in San Cristobal, our guide felt that we first had to visit a nearby village called Chiapa de Corzo. Here we would participate in a very old ceremony which is recognized by UNESCO. We had no idea what to expect.

A beautiful woman in a flowered dress welcomed us.

Children in traditional dress posed before a shrine.

Then the adults started to arrive, first in dribs and drabs.

Many women were adorned with beautiful
flowered dresses.

Many of the young men were dressed in amazing getups.
The hats were woven from course fibres and their faces
were mostly covered.

It was a time to show off the hand-embroidered dresses.

And for the children to show off their gear.

Many of the young men wore masks. They were willing to stop to talk and to pose. It seemed that they were eager to share their joy and their pride, Everyone was very happy and very friendly.

Then masses of people came streaming down the road. Drums were sounded and rattles shaken. People were singing and dancing. It was obviously a celebration.

Two of the young men with masks stopped to explain. They said that the ceremony was to honour three of their Saints. They would dance and sing in the streets of town tonight, and tomorrow they would dance and sing in the cemeteries, therefore including the dead in their celebration.

After a few more moments, the crowd moved down the road to stop in a different location. One had the impression that that this was a party that would continue long into the night.

It was amazing.