Diario las Américas., 1958-06-12
Know thy
Nei9hbor
By ANTONIO RUIZ

lEMALA SAASShS
mango is one of the real gems OF
the Maya-Quiche region, as well
as a center or starting point for
many interesting places in the
GuaIemalan Highlands Native life
and color are found at their hight
there. Chichicastenango'S costu-
mes are unique and highly pictur-
esuue. Men wear short trousers OF
black wool, with shirts OF the
same material highly embroidered
with tribal patterns in red ana
yellow.
Groups of indians may be seen
burning their incense and candles
on the high steps or the beautiful
interior of the little church, and
later they probably go to worship
at pagan affairs on nearby MIL
tops, several of which can be visit
ed on foot or horseback.
The "Popol Vuh," perhaps the
most precious record of Mayan
mythology, in the Quiche dialect,
was written in the little church
of Chichlcastenango shortly after
the conquest, and before the old
myths had disappeared from the
scene.
The Sunday and Thursday mar
ketS at Chichicastenango are real
spectacles, of which visitors never
tire, and are the most picturesque
market gatherings in all of Cen
trail America. About 5000 natives
in their distinctive and colorful
tribal costumes attend these mar
kets In a short time one gets to
recognize the typical dress of vari-
Gus districts. The diversity of local
color and of exotic products is
almost overwhelming. The collec-
ton of American jade of the late
Father Rossback is celebrated
throughout the world. His Museum
of several visits, which become
more interesting all the time.
The town itself has a great
charm, with its picturesque streets
lined by white houses with bright
red tile roofs. Located in the cen
ter If a vast cup-shaped valley,
surrounded by high green mount
aims, it offers the most beautiful
views from every sire. orner
and is considered a Mecfr Tor art
ists.
Chichicastenango is the logical
center of what are known as the
Maya-Quiche Highlands. From it,
short trips can be made into every
corner OF this colorful and in
teresting region, comfortably, and
at a minimum of time and expense.
Automobiles and guides are al
ways available for these trips at
the Magyar Inn, and any combina-
ton of routes and interesting Wis
its to nearby Indian villages can
be arranged.
Among the innumerable places
that can be reached easily from
Chichlcastenango is Santa Cruz del
Quiche, a quaint native WALLACE,
with a colorful market twice a
week. Here the Spaniards destroy
ed the might of the powerful Qui-
che nation, and levelled their mag
nificent capital, Utat!an. Vestiges
OF its stone palaces still remain.
Sacapulas is located at the foot of
the Cuchumatanes, highest mount
ain IN Guatemala. Fray Bartolome
de las Casas, friend of the Indians,
built a bridge across the Rio Ne
gro here The Indian women wear
a headdress resembling that of the
women OF Bali. Salt is extracted
from the mines by the most pri-
mitive means. The market is held
under a large ceiba tree. Natural
mineral baths, where the Indians
battle in the nude, line the banks
of the river
Also very interesting are Santo
Tomas Chiche, a most picturesque
village, where an animal market is
held on Saturdays; Zacualpa, chief,
ly noted for the beautiful small
WOODEN bags woven by the In.
dams. There are interesting arch.
geological ruins nearby, but these
must be visited by muleback. The
church as a remarkable fine ia
cade, Joyabaj, a former important
stopping point for travellers en-
route over the old Spanish Trail
from Mexico to Antigua. The WON.
en- weave beautiful "huipiles" in
fascinating designs.
Continued tomorrow
Spanish Version Page 8