Chamula

The same Sunday we visited another Tzotzil village that is much more frequented by tourists. Chamula is known for it’s busy Sunday market and unique religious traditions. We were not allowed to get many pictures of the market or inside the church but it was quite a sight to see. Inside the colorful cathedral was unlike any Catholic church I’ve visited here or in Europe. The floor was covered with pine needles and candles. There were no pews but many Tzotzils sitting on their knees, each in front of their own cluster of lit candles. There were a few that also had eggs or bones and sodas next to them. These were the “curanderos” (like a shaman) who intercede in the spirit world for someone sick. John the Baptist holds a higher place in the church than Jesus and there are many superstitions and festivals in Chamula that come from the mix of Catholicism and ancient animistic beliefs. Another interesting fact is that 60% of the Mexican immigrants to the United States from the state of Chiapas are from this town.