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GUATEMALA Comalapa

Set in Guatemala's scenic western highlands region, San Juan de Comalapa is in the Chimaltenango department of Guatemala. 97% of the local people are indigenous Kaq'chikel with only a 3% non-Indian population. Most are farmers depending on the land for their livelihood, although other economic activities such as producing weavings, handicrafts and folk art paintings are being undertaken by many of the residents. These groups of families and cooperatives producing handicrafts are growing in importance in this otherwise agricultural area.  

Most women wear the traditional clothing. "Huipiles (blouses), sobre huipiles (over-blouses), perraje (shawl), sash, wrap-around skirt and apron. Huipiles, sobre huipiles and sashes are woven locally on either backstrap or treadle looms. You will see these colorful textiles in the local market, an authentic market taking place on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. A variety of wares are on sale from utilitarian items such as pots and pans to flowers, fish, vegetables and fruit to their colorful and beautifully woven textiles.    

San Juan de Comalapa is well known for its naif paintings with several interesting art galleries in town including well known painters such as Oscar Peren, Ivan Gabriel as well as the Casa de Don Andres Curruchich. The people of Comalapa have also recorded their history on the walls at the entrance of their city in a mural painting depicting the major events in Guatemala's history up to the signing of the peace accords in 1996.