Although there appears to be a very strong Catholic influence in Latin America, it quickly is clear that the Catholic aspects are just a facade to cover up what really is believed here. There are 300 Shamans in Chichicastenango - 150 men and 150 women. Each one of them performs ceremonies for individuals and families in the cemetery or in the churches. There were several shaman burning candles, incenses, and doing all sorts of things (I wasn't able to get a photo of them because they didn't allow such.) These two churches are on each side of the town. You can stand on the steps of one and look over the market to see the other church. The big church - Santo Tomas - has steps that equal the number of months in the Mayan calendar. The graveyard was incredible because it was so colorful. I wish I would have taken the time to venture over there.
