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               Chichicastenango Market

 

 

 

 

 

 

            The market in Chichicastenango runs on Thursday and Sunday.  In the past it was more of a local market where actual indigenous people get together and trade goods.  Lately it has become more of a gringo market which sort of provides great contrast photography type of shots [gringos contrasting with locals] but has changed the cultural integrity of the market, with many more marketers showing up having very little to sell, other than their picture for another gringo with a camera.  They actually have a guy walking around with a loudspeaker explaining that if you take pictures of the people selling goods you should give them a couple Quetzals [the Guatemalan Currency].

Click on the image of the little girl in the second picture and try not to feel something.

 

These two kids actually reminded me more of Eskimo or Alieut indian kids than Mesoamericans. Regardless, they were happy about that bucket.

This may be the most captivating photo I've taken. I can't look at it without getting lost in this little girls' eyes.

Faces, lots and lots of 'em.

This church was sort of the hub of the market place.

Same as before.

Lots of colors and gringo contrasts.

Just two old guys talking - I think they're talking about fixing the wiring issues on the pole behind them.

Corn and cotton goods, very important here.

Sometimes finding the seller is a game of "Where's Waldo".

Market grub.

These two young ladies were having a very serious discussion about something, I have no idea what, but it was cute as hell!

pots.

The steps to this church are about 3 blocks in front of the previous, and the two similar churches face each other. The market is in between.

Both churches had people burning incense in these little bucket things.

My new girlfriend.

People.

Selling oranges just tuckered this poor guy right out.

He just seemed so proud of his corn.

I walked by her several times and she always seemed angry, or maybe sick.

School kids wandering through the market.

Enthused ice-cream seller.

People.

Chocolate, nuts and banana study.

People.

More incense, on the steps of the first church.

Star from previous picture.

More gringo contrast.

A Mayan ritual that had to do with burning 12 candles, I didn't get the details.

Another incense burner, you can see the other church behind this guy.