Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala

Only 2 days in Xela so far, and we've already been to 2 parades.
The first was a student parade of unknown significance but interesting for its colour, music and enthusiasm. It ended on a political note, with a rally in the square, complete with classic Latin American burning of the American flag and an effigy of Uncle Sam, much to the enjoyment of the crowd.
This morning, being the Sunday before Easter, we found the Mayan community carrying this statue of the Virgin of tears through the streets. They were accompanied by a woeful brass band playing dirges and the burning of incense.
There are a surprising number of people who dress in this traditional Mayan clothing in everyday life.
While Ciaran liked the explosions of the Mayan/Catholic religion, Romany is enchanted with the iconic nature of pure Catholicism as practiced here. We told you they would get an interesting education from travel!