Xela

My teacher, Mynor, suggested I take a viaje to Xela (shay-la) for Guatemala's Independence day which was Sept 14th. Xela celebrates their independence more than the rest of the country because it coincides with their patron saint which is the Virgen Rosario - plus I was kind of itching for some stimulation from a bigger city. 

Xela has a fascinating history. It has a couple different names because when it was in the process of being conquered by the Spaniards the Aztecs (who were aiding the Spaniards at the time) mislabeled it Quetzaltenango thinking it was associated with a smaller tribe at the time not the Mayans. 

This is the oldest church in Central America built around 1524 (which is just outside of Xela) 

Some fun facts I learned about many colonial towns: 
1. All Catholic churches are built on the eastern side of the city center because the Sun rises in the east. (Many native Americans oriented their houses around the sun rise & set as well.) 
2. Most of the bigger markets have an alter to pray

3. All cities in Guatemala have a patron saint. There are interesting legends about one in Xela & a neighboring village that were being carried by Spaniard troops "falling & being unmovable" and that is why the cathedral & another church were built in its location in the city center.

Every year each high school picks a couple of reinas (or queens.) I believe there is usually one of sports, academics, & an overall reina. 

 

I love that everything here from this school was made from recycled goods.  

This was easily one of the coolest parts of the parade that I have ever encountered. The kids made transformers out of boxes. When the teacher blew his whistle & shouted "TRANSFORMAN" they all hopped to the ground & converted into cars. Cool use of recycled products & STEM. Click here to see the clip.

These alfombras, or carpets,  were made for the first day celebrating the Virgen Rosario. They will also be created at the end of her feast day. (This is another reason why I want to be in Guatemala for Easter. They have huge celebrations with these alfombras all during the holy week.)

Notice: in the midst of all this pay phones are alive & always being used here in Guatemala  

When they started this procession the lit off all the bombs & The Virgen Rosario did one circle, or vuelta, around the city center. 

Master Weavers

Typically I do not enjoy shopping in the United States. I can generally walk into a store and know within seconds if I like the clothes & if the styles will work with my body etc.

I took one sewing class about 7 years ago in Austin. I had these fantasies of making my own clothes. In the class, I quickly learned I would not be making my own clothing and I would be lucky to be able to come out of the class with the pair of pj pants & 2 pillow cases they guaranteed. Sewing/ clothing construction require a precision, creativity, & problem solving skills that I was not inherently born with. I feel blessed to be able to do the basics: like curtains, hems, & zippers. In many countries, it is a lost or dying art. But it is vibrantly alive in Guatemala.

Our teacher showed us all the different seeds and flowers that were used for dye. Before any of the cotton was dyed it was wrapped in banana leaves to keep them wet & give them certain nutrients to absorb the color more. 

 

When I walk around San Pedro I often see women in small, dark homes still making their own shawls and tapestries like the one that is being created here.

Over the last couple of years I have really been captivated with the way that God masterfully weaves situations throughout people's lives in ways that always seem better than any of us can create. 

Gen. 50: 20-21 "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being down, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children."