Chichicastenango Santo Tomas Celebration

Renowned for its colorful market days (Thursdays and Sundays), Chichicastenango also stages one of Guatemala's best religious celebrations, the week-long tribute (December 13-21) to Santo Tomas, the city's patron saint. The ceremonial center of the festivities is the Church of Santo Tomas, but rituals in this ancient Mayan city mix Catholic with native traditions. Visitors can expect abundant food, lively music and any number of native dances. Also watch for the acrobatic Palo Volador stunts in which performers fly on ropes around a central pole.