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Calvary chapel of San Andres Xecul - P7280156
Iglesia San Andres Xecul in Totonicapan Craig and I have been wanting to see this church since our first visit to Guatemala. The name of the church translates to "Saint Andrew under the blanket," since it is in a part of the highlands which is considered to be significantly colder than surrounding areas. The church is unlike anything we've seen before. It is painted in bright primary colors, with a yellow facade. There are lots of three dimensional ornamental details such as angels, saints, and flowers painted in vivid blues, reds, and greens. The angels appear to be frolicking, and one is even upside down. It is whimsical and you can't help but smile when you look at it. The steeple is topped by an ornate metal cross. At its base are two jaguar motifs, representing the Hero Twins of the Popol Vuh. This is yet another example of the syncretism which exists between pre-Columbian religion and colonial Catholicism. They must have to repaint it fairly often to keep it looking so vivid. Near the dates of the church's construction (1900-1901) was the date 2016, presumably the date of the most recent paint job. - P7280162
Detail of the exterior of Iglesia San Andres Xecul - P7280163
Topsy turvy angel, Iglesia San Andres Xecul - P7280172
Detail of the exterior of Iglesia San Andres Xecul - P7280173
Iglesia San Andres Xecul - P7280180
Iglesia San Andres Xecul - P7280189
Detail of the exterior of Iglesia San Andres Xecul - P7280190
Detail of the exterior of Iglesia San Andres Xecul - P7280197
Ice cream at Iglesia San Andres Xecul - P7280206
Humberto and Paulina - P7280212 - Copy
Iglesia San Andres Xecul The steeple is topped by an ornate metal cross. At its base are two jaguar motifs, representing the Hero Twins of the Popol Vuh. This is yet another example of the syncretism which exists between pre-Columbian religion and colonial Catholicism. - P7280222
We then crossed the street to a coffee shop whose exterior was painted to match the church. Sale of coffee and souvenirs benefit the church. While we were drinking delicious locally grown coffee, it became noon, and we could see a man in a bell tower of the church ringing the bells frenetically by hand. I bought several souvenirs as well as a small bag of coffee from a friendly woman named Yolanda. - P7280232
Craig enjoys coffee at Xecul Cafe - P7280239
Xecul Cafe