Guatemalan ceremonial cocoa

Cacao q’eqchi’

Kakaw is an ancient drink of the Q’eqchi’ Mayan people, used in many Mayan ceremonies.

In the mountainous region of Alta Verapaz in Guatemala, indigenous Q’eqchi farmers grow some of the best cocoa in the world.

In the Lachuá Ecoregion there is a beautiful lagoon considered a National Park since 1976: the Lachuá Lagoon, around which numerous Q’eqchi’ Mayan families live, dedicated mainly to the cultivation of cocoa.

Q’eqchi’ native village

Q’eqchi’ is a Mayan town that still exists in Guatemala. They settled around some hills near the Chixoy and Polochic rivers in approximately 600 BC, and had contact with ancient civilizations such as the Pipil, Toltec, Chichimeca and the great Mayan cities.

Until the arrival of the Spanish, they were governed by chiefs who in turn depended on a great lord chosen by all the principals.

Archaeological sites with signs of jateado stone construction are Chajkar, Chimax, Chinama, Ku’k’uch in Chinapetén and behind the Calvary of San Pedro Carchá. The Calvary of Cobán is one of the most important Mayan ceremonial centers.

The main economic activity is represented by agriculture; Corn and beans are planted, which constitute the family food, complemented by the raising of birds, pigs and other domestic animals.

His name is written Kekchí (according to current spelling), or Q’eqchi’ (according to ancient spelling).

 

Mopan native village

The Mopán people are one of the Mayan towns of Belize and Guatemala in the department of Petén. Their indigenous language is also called Mopán, and it is one of the Yucatecan Mayan languages ​​of Mexico, considered an endangered language.

Their diet is based on corn, from which they derive a large part of their traditional recipes: nuk (bun), tait (corn tamale), k’a k’aan ek’en (smoked cellular thistle), chu’ uk wa ( sweet toast).

The Mopán community specializes in fabric embroidery, with which they make shirts, blouses, bags, brush holders, tablecloths and covers. Dacron fabric, wool and thread are used to create embroidery.

The Mopán language is part of the Mayan language family of Mexico. Although it has suffered a decline due to the influence of Spanish and English, it is still spoken in many Mopan communities. Some common words in Mopán include “K’iche’” (forest), “No’j” (wisdom) and “Tz’ikin” (bird). The preservation of their language is considered a crucial component to the survival of their culture.

Currently, the Mopán face numerous challenges, including the preservation of their culture and lands in the face of modernization and globalization, keeping their traditions and language alive, adapting to changes without losing their essence.

The Mopán worldview understands the world as an interconnected entity where each element, whether human, animal or natural, has a vital role. This worldview influences all aspects of their lives, from agriculture to social relationships.