A cofrade receiving the image in his house

Chapter Two: The culture of the Maya Ixil

5. A Cofrade receiving the image in his house

There are many people who have another religion, but this man said, “I am a Catholic and I follow the traditional religion of my ancestors, which for me means a lot. If I did not receive the saint into my home, it would be an insult to the culture of my parents and grandparents who are Cofrades.” They venerate the saints and we celebrate the saints’ days with marimba. This is why he feels contented and very proud of his tradition.

Our wish is that the traditional religious rituals of our ancestors be maintained because they have existed for so many years, even though there are other religions and each person is free to choose. We hope that the elders who carry out the traditional rituals teach them to their children and to other people so that they follow them and they are not lost.