Holy Week, Santiago Atitlan. Guatemala

Holy Week or Semana Santa, in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala, is a mix of Catholicism blended with traditional Mayan culture. Semana Santa is the time where god sky (Jesucristo nahual) has been sacrificed and his twin brother god earth, the Rilaj Mam, or Maximon, takes over while Jesus awaits ressurection. The effigy of the "dirty eating" saint Maximon crucified during the Holy Week celebrations in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. His exact origin is unknown, but he is thought to be a blend of ancient Maya gods, Pedro de Alvarado and the biblical Judas. In return for taking on the problems of the people, he is offered cigarettes and alcohol to cleanse him from the sins and pain he has to take from visiting pilgrims.

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Copyright: Mike Abrahams
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Contained in galleries: Mike Abrahams - Faith, Mike Abrahams - All pics

Holy Week or Semana Santa, in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala, is a mix of Catholicism blended with traditional Mayan culture. Semana Santa is the time where god sky (Jesucristo nahual) has been sacrificed and his twin brother god earth, the Rilaj Mam, or Maximon, takes over while Jesus awaits ressurection. The effigy of the "dirty eating" saint Maximon crucified during the Holy Week celebrations in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. His exact origin is unknown, but he is thought to be a blend of ancient Maya gods, Pedro de Alvarado and the biblical Judas. In return for taking on the problems of the people, he is offered cigarettes and alcohol to cleanse him from the sins and pain he has to take from visiting pilgrims.