Description
This municipality is 2,200 meter over sea level and has more than 58,920 inhabitants. The Chamula village was found almost after
Chiapanecos Indians were defeated in the battle that took place in 1524. Three neighborhoods, San Juan, San Pedro and San
Sebastián conform a Tzotzil Ceremonial center, in a valley, that according to the legend, was chosen by San Juan Bautista.
Not only the holy hills frame the sacred spaces but also the crosses, whose meaning is related to Christian tradition with
prehispanish roots. In one side of this place’s main entrance are the ruins of Iglesia de San Sebastián. The central plaza is the site
of religious and civil authorities, the market and the church.
The most outstanding aspect of this community is the magic atmosphere kept in the main church’s interior; there the Chamulas
participate in the syncretic rituals with unique devotion and solemnity; this rituals were introduced by the XVI century evangelizer
and adapted to the most ancient religious traditions.
San Juan Chamula was the main scenario of the caste war in 1869.
Emotion starts to flow when this place is entered and the small door, opened daily, is crossed to the great door, opened only
on June 24, San Juan day. The scent of incense, sedge and thousands of lit candles is perceived.
Historical monuments
· Iglesia de San Juan Bautista ·
Composed by only one aisle with a two sides roof, covered with cooked tile. The frontispiece is similar to the ruins of San
Sebastian, the half point arch is very wide respect to the rest of the frontispiece, it was designed to permit the altar’s visibility
located inside, this element is characteristic to all colonial Central American churches, due to the use of archivolt shape stepped
jamb. The main altar, dedicated to San Juan Bautista, community patron, is inside, the main aisle lacks benches, because this is
the only church for more than 58,000 inhabitants. Saints are distributed along the main aisle in wooden cases.
· Ruina de San Sebastián ·
The ancient San Sebastián church is just located at the community entrance, it was built of raw stone. The frontispiece is covered
with stucco, it has a big door with half point arch, the frontispiece surface is totally flat, four niches are integrated, baroque
style inspired. At present, this building ruins frame the community cemetery.
Handcrafts
Varied products in this big community area produced with lamb woolen fabric (the lamb is Sacred) and also blouses, bags, rebozos, huipiles and mud items.
Ethnics group
Tzotziles are considered one of the most important communities, both for its population number and for its customs.
How to get there?
The community is located 10 Km from San Cristóbal de Las Casas, on the same road to San Andrés Larráinzar.
Services
There are daily guided tours in different languages at San Juan Chamula.
Travel hints
Foresee following recommendations:
· Not to photographing in the rituals and ceremonial and nor to authorities.
· Rituals and ceremonial space should no to trespass that space.
· · If handcrafts could be acquired, let it be done at the Tianguis at side Municipality Palace.
Places nearby
San Andrés Larráinzar and Zinacantán.
Festivity
· Carnaval Chamula K’in Tajumoltic ·
Is celebrated four days before Ash Wednesday in a festivity summarizing the heaven cycle in
accordance to the ancient Maya calendar; participating the three neighborhoods who organize, pay all expenses for the festivity;
a sacred drink known as posh, based on cane and corn can be mentioned.
Outstanding characters are: passion, commissaries,maltajimoles and xinolanes or Nana María KoKorina. Tuesday Carnival is the last
festivity day, with a very weird rituals in Mexico, the corporal purification in the San Sebastián and San Pedro fountains, as well as
spiritual purification to walk over a flames way.
· Fiesta de San Juan Bautista ·
Another important festivity for the community honored Santo Patrono, for who special masses and
processions to the Saint goes to different neighborhoods community.
Contact
Turistic Delegation at:
Av. Miguel Hidalgo No. 1 Local “B”
Tel: (967) 67 865-70, 67 814-67
Or contact 01 800-280-3500
