Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Another Santiago curiosity is the presence of a highland Mayan deity known as Max-
imón, housed in the home of a different member of the local
cofradía,
or Catholic brother-
hood, every year. The effigy is a wooden figure clad in colorful silk scarves and a Stetson
hat, smoking a big cigar and receiving offerings of moonshine, cigarettes, and rum. Local
village children will offer you their services to go see the idol, which you can photograph
forafee.ItisnotsurprisinglyasorepointbetweentheCatholicsyncretistsandtheincreas-
ingly prominent Evangelical Christian churches, which have won over many of Santiago's
residents.
You will probably be approached by innocent-looking children as soon as you arrive
from the boat dock offering any of a number of services, including a guided trip to see
Maximón or assistance in finding accommodations. You have the right to politely refuse,
butyoumightbesurprisedatthecolorfullanguagetheycanresortto(inEnglish)ifthey're
unhappy with you for not hiring their services or if you fail to provide an adequate tip. In-
ternationally recognized finger gestures are also not out of the realm of possibility.
SANTIAGO ATITLÁN
