Modern Mayan People

Today, modern Mayan people continue their tribal groupings in the south of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and the western regions of El Salvador and Honduras.

According to statistics there are an estimated seven million contemporary Maya living in this area. Mexico and Guatemala are the countries with the highest number of tribal groups - approximately 35 in Mexico and 22 in Guatemala.

Mayan communities of Guatemala:

Achi', Akateka, Awakateka, Ch'orti, Chalchiteka, Chuj, Itza', Ixil, Jakalteka, K'iche', Kaqchikel, Mam, Mopan, Poqomam, Poqomchi', Q'eqchi', Q'anjob'al, Sakapulteka, Sipakapense, Tektika, Tz'utujil, Uspanteka.

Each village shares a common world view, traditions and beliefs, but maintains its own distinctive language and dress.

In 2003 the National Languages Law was established. This decree confirmed Spanish as Guatemala's official language, but also recognised the other indigenous languages. This is a big step in preserving the nation's linguistic diversity as in the past Mayan languages had been marginalised, and even made illegal.

Today's Mayan communities number over 5 million people, with the majority distributed throughout the highlands of Guatemala.

The Sacred Skulls a Mayan Itza' tradition

The Sacred Skulls tradition has been part of the Itza' Mayan community's identity since prehispanic times.

This special celebration, held every year on the 1st of November, is dedicated to the ancestors and it is believed that the spirits of deceased relatives return on this night.

The event begins at 7pm with a special mass in the San Jose Catholic church. As a result of the Sacred Inquisition imposed by the Spanish, today Catholic influence has merged with the original Mayan elements. The most important part of this ceremony are the Sacred Skulls themselves.

There are three of them, though legend has it that there were once many more. After the mass the church's bells are rung and one of them sets out on a procession to visit homes of the townsfolk.

At each stop the hosts provide traditional foods and drinks, such as ixpasa, chicken soup, fish and sugared fruits. Offerings of these are left on the family's altar and the rest is shared amongst the participants in the procession. Everything is served piping hot, as the ancestors are believed to partake of the offerings by way of the steam. 

Also on the altars can be found photos of passed relatives that the family are hoping will return, as well as offerings of liquor and tobacco or other things that those particular relatives were fond of.

The bells chime, and the procession moves on to the next home. It is common for at least 15 families to welcome the 'Santa Calavera', and the procession has been known to last for 24 hours.



Those who have been present at the mass are obligated to see the procession to its end.

Families ask to receive them in the hope of attracting good luck and health, and must do so for three consecutive years, so that they have received all three of the Sacred Skulls.