Day 5: a taste of Chiapas life and culture

Traveling through Chiapas we've had the opportunity to witness the culture and daily life of the people. Horizons of Friendship has organized a trip that allows us access to things that most tourists would not get to see. It is difficult to describe these experiences in words, and so we hope the following photos will help to describe a few of the things we have seen.

Located in a valley beyond the mountains surrounding San Cristobal de las Casas, la Chamula is known for its vibrant church life. Originally a Dominican parish, this church has now separated from the Catholic diocese and is now a centre for “family services”. We were able to obtain a special permit to enter this church, and were overwhelmed to witness the healing ceremonies and extended families worshipping in this place filled with candles, chickens, coca-cola offerings, and the walls lined with saints dressed in elaborate embroidered robes.

The above photo is of the Saint John the Baptist church in La Chamula. Note the traditional men's long Chamula black wool ponchos and broad brimmed hats.

This is a typical small Chiapas town street, lined with vendors, narrow stone sidewalks, and dominated by the impressive surrounding mountains. As you pass by, vendors pursue tourists with their handmade bracelets, bags and crafts.

These three girls from la Chamula asked us to take their photo in exchange for five pesos. They were delighted that we agreed. The children here are very inventive with regards to making money to help support their families. They often work along side their parents selling goods and creating crafts often until late at night.

Amiech is a centre for preservation, education and production of traditional Mayan medicine. We toured the facilities and museum and learned about the traditional healing practices of the Mayan people. Gathering herbs and plants from the rain forest and local mountains, they produce tincures, teas, salves used for a wide variety of cures. They offer healing and midwife services to the local community and train new practitioners in these ancient practices across the region. 

Much like the traditions of the aboriginal people of Canada, Mayan healing practices may include the use of a sweat lodge.

It is currently election time in Chiapas, at the Federal, State and Municipal level. This simultaneous election at all levels of government is unprecedented in Chiapas, and the streets are filled with election signs. The above photo includes a typical sign, which reads "More sports, less violence". The Zapatistas refuse to vote, as their experience has been that the election processes are corrupt and rigged by ruling drug lords such as Carlos Salinas.