Update - October 10, 2005

Santiago Atitlan suffered heavily from the rains of Hurricane Stan, Sept. 30-Oct. 4, 2005. Mudslides from the Vol. Atitlan
engulfed parts of the community killing at least 200 individuals. I have debated whether to take down this gallery, or not, but
have decided to keep it so people can be aware of the community and that it was affected by a natural disaster.

Gene Paull, Brownsville, Texas
-------------------------------

Located on the south shores of the Lago de Atitlan, Santiago Atitlan, a Tutzujil Mayan speaking community, is in a dramatic setting, surrounded by three volcanoes. The patron saint is Santiago Apostol - July 25 is the main fiesta day. Traditionally, highland Mayan society has been a mix of the religious traditions of the Precolumbian and 16th Century Catholic beliefs. However, with modernization, much of the old traditions have been lost. The Baile de la Conquista and El Convite are no longer performed in this community. However, I was able to photograph the very colorful procession of Santiago Apostol and the associated fiesta.