Guatemalan Mayans venerate old saint for Holy Week

Residents of the Santiago Atitlan gathered Wednesday to praise their local saint, deemed their overall protector and mark the start of their Holy Week celebrations.

A figure representing the 'Rilaj Mam,' or the grandfather of the town, was adorned and celebrated with offerings during the day. It was carried to the rhythm of the music offered by the townsfolk.

The Tz'utujil Indigenous people chose Francisco Chiyal, 28, to be the designated carrier for the procession.

Chiyal said he took the honour because the "grandfather" is the protector of his town and every other one in the surrounding area. 'Rilaj Mam,' sometimes referred to as Maximon, is a folk saint venerated by Mayan Indigenous communities in the highlands of Western Guatemala as part of Holy Week celebrations.