Market Day at Chichicastenango

On the Wednesday we were at Lake Atitlán we took a day trip to visit Chichicastenango. Chichi, as it is called by the locals, is about an hour away from Panajachel and is famous for its market. The market usually happens on Thursdays and Sundays, but I was told that on Holy Week, the Thursday market is moved to Wednesday to make way for the festivities. The market is reputed to be one of the largest in Central America, with locals from nearby villages coming in as early as the day before to set up.

Setting up in the morning

We had read about the crowds that the market draws, and were prepared to be pushed and shoved, and have to squeeze our way through people. Nevertheless, it was a fun day (we love to shop, and my mom is an amazing haggler). We started off near the Iglesia de Santo Tomas which is the main point of the market. The steps were crowded with flower vendors, and we opted not to go inside the church anymore.

Flower vendors on the steps of the Iglesia de Santo Tomas

We meandered through the stalls and found ourselves on the opposite end of the market where El Calvario Chapel is. From there we saw all the canvas awnings of the vendors that have set up shop. 

View from El Calvario

Then we walked back down, ready to shop. I love going through markets and seeing all the colors of the artisanal handicrafts, and this one was no exception. A few pictures from the market below :)

Assessing colors and prices

Not so crowded morning

Beautiful stuff

The stall of our first purchase of the day -- table runners

Wooden figurines

Honey, I think?

Our best buy were huipiles from this lovely woman named Anna. A huipil is the traditional blouse of the local women, not just in Guatemala, but in Central America. It's so interesting because, as you may have noticed from all the pictures, the women really do continue to wear it in their every day lives.

Anna told us a little bit about the huipil, and how each region in Guatemala has its own style, design, and pattern. I got a one for myself with a design that comes from Nebaj in the El Quiché department.

We spent the rest of our time walking around, admiring the beautiful textiles and huipiles, and then grabbed a quick lunch before our shuttle back to Pana at 2pm.

The afternoon crowd

There are definitely more authentic markets around the country, but despite the huge tourist presence here, it is still overcrowded with the locals and makes for a nice market experience (if that's something you like). :)