Featured Gallery: Guatemala

Temple of Saint Simon (Maximón), San Andrés de Itzapa, Guatemala

In the small mountain town of San Andrés Itzapa, Guatemala, pilgrims come to pray and make sacrifices at the alter of Saint Simon, known in local Mayan dialects as Maximón. A blend of a Catholic saint and Mayan deity, Maximón is said to represent both light and dark and is known as a trickster. He is both a womanizer and a protector of couples. The worship of Maximón is believed to have started around the time of the Spanish conquest of the Mayan civilization. Guided by Shaman, believers of Maximón, construct elaborate pyres from cigars, alcohol, corn and other materials. These are set ablaze in front of the temple.

The following photographs were made at the temple and depict the worship of Maximón.