A very positive moment in people's lives is considered to be respectful of the history of their people and the culture of their ancestors. That is why in recent years, folk traditions can be given great importance even at the state level.
The high status of a cultural heritage site has been awarded to the La Paach ceremony held annually in Guatemala. It is a maize worship ceremony that has been practiced by the Indians of Guatemala for centuries. The ceremony is a dance mystery (to the sounds of a marimba), imitating the process of growing corn and collecting ripe cobs. The dance is accompanied by prayers. After the end of the action, the participants will have a compulsory meal. This action is a kind of tribute to the culture of the country, its customs. The ceremony clearly shows a return to the roots of Guatemalan culture.
This mystical ceremony dates back to the pre-colonial period in Guatemala. After the conquest of the territory by the Spanish conquistadors, the ancient Indian ceremony took over some features from the Catholic church services. So, at this ceremony, along with gratitude to the forces of nature for the given harvest, the memory of two Catholic saints is honored - the Apostle James and Francis of Assisi. However, despite the presence of Christian elements in the mystery, for a long time it was carried out secretly by local Indians.
Today's youth are rapidly losing interest in the sacred ceremony of the ancestors. Guatemala hopes that the high status will help the country not to lose this tradition.
