Another representation of San Simón, this one in Santiago Atitlán. Something I live about visiting this figures is the combination of the sacred and the mundane. Out of frame, a Mayan shaman is performing a ritual ceremony to ask San Simón for a successful business venture. The sacredness of the event is palpable, and at the same time the caretakers of San Simón and the shaman can be seen smoking cigarettes, drinking Coca-Cola, warning Gringos who are literally about to burn their asses on ceremonial candles, and making change for visitors. My uptight Christian upbringing makes me want to force everyone to be pious in such situations, so I really appreciate how ceremony here can feel powerful and not be so rigid that it’s inaccessible.
Jul 29, 2016 3:26 pm