Tags: Guatemala | Festival

Guatemala Town Celebrates Patron Saint with Dance, Fireworks

Guatemala Town Celebrates Patron Saint with Dance, Fireworks

Saturday, 21 December 2019 08:38 PM EST

CHICHICASTENANGO, Guatemala (AP) —

With dances and fireworks, indigenous residents of a town in the Guatemalan highlands have come to the end of a festival celebrating their patron saint, Thomas the apostle.

Much of the activity in Chichicastenango, including a procession with a wooden statue of Thomas, centered on the centuries-old church in the town.

Founded by the Spanish in 1520, Chichicastenango is a center of the Quiché ethnic group. In the 18th century, a Spanish priest found the Popol Vuh, a text describing Mayan culture and mythology, in the town and translated it into Spanish.

Chichicastenango is a popular destination at this time of year, with many foreign tourists flocking to the main square to witness the annual festival.

© Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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With dances and fireworks, indigenous residents of a town in the Guatemalan highlands have come to the end of a festival celebrating their patron saint, Thomas the apostle. Much of the activity in Chichicastenango, including a procession with a wooden statue of Thomas,...
Guatemala,Festival
119
2019-38-21
Saturday, 21 December 2019 08:38 PM
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