Chichicastenango Market
Listed under Markets in Chichicastenango, Guatemala.
Languages blend into a modern symphony of sound at this riotously colourful native market frequented by Mam, Ixil and Kaqchikel people – all who have a different take on the traditional arts and crafts. United in their love of colour and occasion, the market is quickly awash with smells, costumes and smoke from incense and the home made firecrackers that announce the opening of the markets at dawn.
Flower sellers are grouped on the church steps and the market is organised like a supermarket – like items all together, but the smells and colours couldn’t be more different. Traditional incense, called pom and copal and candles are the market’s signature items, hence the smoke and the scent, with textiles, especially bright coloured women’s blouses are a close third and fourth.
Held in the square, by the town’s 400 year old church, every Thursday and Sunday – Sunday is the big day – vendors get there the night before to begin setting up then it all kicks off as the sun comes up. Animals bleat and bay, crowded out by women in swaying skirts filled with flowers and butchers chop away at meat quickly sold to put in the pot and be resold wrapped in a tortilla. Tourists know about it now and the prices and wares have changed accordingly but this is still the market for the local people as well, so an authentic way to be a little immersed in Guatemalan native life.
Written by 
World Reviewer Staff.
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