Church in Chiapas, Mexico

San Juan Chamula is a village which is located 11 kilometers from the city of San Cristobal de Las Casas in the Mexican state of Chiapas. It owes its fame to the magical atmosphere that permeates his temple, the church of San Juan Bautista, better known as the Church of San Juan Chamula. This place is portrayed in numerous publications and travel blogs.

San Juan Chamula. The NatureI did to me. Travel Blog.

San Juan Chamula.

The ancient inhabitants of the area were among the last to succumb to Maya Spanish and his rebellious spirit has been revived since the city holds a special autonomous status within Mexico. So in terms of religion, the church of San Juan Chamula has gained legendary status due to its complex mixture of Christian and pagan beliefs.

The church is located on the main square of the city, and tickets cost about 10 pesos to be paid at City Hall but I think I got sneak in without paying. Outside, the church of San Juan Chamula is like most Christian churches of its period.

San Juan Chamula. The NatureI did to me. Travel Blog.
Outside of San Juan Chamula.

San Juan Chamula: ritual

Upon entering the church, I immediately realized that actually is not a Christian church use. Inside there are no banks and the ground is always covered with pine needles. Sitting on the pine needles were several groups of people, each with its own shaman.

The air was always full of the scent of incense and myrrh, give San Juan Chamula a mystical aspect. There is also no electricity, only hundreds of candles of different colors, depending on the request made to the gods, as they explained later.

As I mentioned before, on the floor of the church many candles line and shamans burn incense to achieve the right mood for healing and prayer. Meanwhile pox drink, an alcohol sugar cane and pineapple.

Also pour the drink on the floor because their beliefs are that the Saints are more likely to grant favors when they have drunk a little. It's like the drunk wanted ... The shaman also sings the names of saints and seeking help when a person is very sick shaman provides the life of a chicken to the gods, which is quite funny to watch. To me it did not touch me but it is usual to find a shaman twisting his neck.

The use of cameras is totally prohibited inside of San Juan Chamula although there are numerous internet images as illustrating this post. If you do not respect this rule you risk being hit, or they destroy your camera as the question of images to Chamula is of the utmost gravity. They think the camera will steal your soul.

Finally, it is very interesting the introduction of Coca Cola in religion. As the pagan rite Christianity mixed with purified considered to burp, you can see old ladies drinking Coca Cola and then burping while praying in the Church.