One Saturday we wanted to do a little exploring and decided to visit some ruins in the city. With map in hand and WAZE (our GPS) on the i-phone, off we went. What a wonderful surprise we were about to encounter. As we entered the Kaminaljuyu Archaeological Park, we noticed there was some type of celebration in progress with people in native dress and ceremonial rituals taking place. Asking if 'outsiders' were allowed in today, we were told that throughout the country it was a special Mayan day of celebration and we were welcome to see the event. What a wonderful treat! We were just in time to watch the Mayan New Year Celebration. This is when Mayans celebrate life and renewal in many sacred sites around the country. The Kaminaljuyu Ruins are considered one of the earliest and most important sites in the Mayan empire. Originally, the site covered about 5 kilometers with more than 200 mounds. Only about 33 remain today. Because of its strategic location, it became a powerful center of trade networks throughout the Mayan empire and even had a long-distance relationship with the prestigious city of Teotihuacan in Mexico.(We have been there and it is amazing!)
Kaminaljuyu is a sacred place where rituals were practiced to communicate with the Lord of Creation. Ceremonies of thanks, petition, and commemoration of special days in the Mayan calender took place. Here are a few of those rituals being performed by Mayans decendants of those ancient ones.
As we entered the park, we were greeted by the haunting sounds of flutes, marimba, and drums made from turtle shells being played. It echoed throughout the park.
This older gentleman was intriguing. I have never seen a man dressed so completely "typica". I can only assume this is his ceremonial dress.
We are constantly amazed at the traditions, culture, and people we find here in Guatemala. We are so grateful to serve and live in this wonderful country.
