The Living Mayas
The World of the Maya has many faces: some of them as ancient as those found carved in towering temples, others as modern as those of the people who live in Guatemala today. These are the descendants of a mighty Maya people whose customs and traditions are still part of the fabric of Guatemalan life.
Guatemala is a showcase of natural history and dramatic landscapes yet its most distinguishing asset is the rich and colorful traditions of the various ethnic communities. Each group has its own language and special folklore, yet they share a common ancestral heritage as expressed in religion, music, dance, foods and social organization. The purest of the Maya influences can be found in both the performing and design arts. The handicraft of textiles, in particular, is purely Mayan and a wonderfully colorful part of the everyday dress.