Agua as Hunahpú and Fuego as Ixbalanqué

Here’s another panoramic vista of volcanoes Agua, Fuego and Acatenango during the sunset of this delicious canícula or heat wave, which in Guatemala it translates as days without rain. I have read or heard the following story. The enormous volcano that stands south of Antigua Guatemala is known as Volcán de Agua at present, but … Read more

Ceiba Trees Are Portals to Xibalbá

As I have shared with you before, the ceiba tree (Ceiba pentandra) is very important in Guatemala. For one, the Ceiba tree is Guatemala’s national tree. There are Ceiba trees all over Guatemala. The Maya believed that Ceiba trees were portals to Xibalbá (The Underworld). Xibalba is described in the Popol Vuh as a court … Read more

The Day Thor Visited Antigua Guatemala

Capturing Lightning from a Balcony in Antigua Guatemala by Rudy Girón

Last night was the night. Thor, the hammer-wielding god associated with thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, the protection of mankind, and also hallowing, healing, and fertility decided to pay a visit to the Maya Hero Twins Hunajpu and Ixbalanque who are the central figures of a narrative included within the colonial K’iche’ document called … Read more

Ceiba tree: Portal to the Underworld

The Ceiba tree (Ceiba pentandra) is very important in Guatemala. For one, the Ceiba tree is Guatemala’s national tree. There are Ceiba trees all over Guatemala. The Maya believed that Ceiba trees were portals to Xibalbá (The Underworld). Xibalba is described in the Popol Vuh as a court below the surface of the Earth associated … Read more