- IMG 20180703 150044
Church of San Jacintho ("La Ermita") Salcaja The first church built in Central America (1524) - DSC07415
Church of San Jacintho ("La Ermita") Salcaja The first church built in Central America (1524) - DSC07427
Salcaja is known for its production of Caldo de Frutas, a homemade red liquor made from fruits. Though we had anticipated buying it at a liquor store, the reality was that we showed up at a lawyer's office, knocked on the door, and a man let us into the waiting room. A woman came out with bottles of the liquor and some fruit soaked in it. We tasted the liquor and the fruit. Humberto bought a bottle for us to enjoy over the weekend. It was a surreal experience. - IMG 20180703 150609
Lawyer's office where we bought Caldo de Frutas - IMG 20180703 150854
Caldo de Frutas and fruit soaked in it - DSC07428
Tyson bought some Caldo de Frutas to bring home - DSC07431
Sector MS Multiple Sclerosis? LOL - IMG 2441
Next we went to San Andres Xecul, a uniquely colorful church which we had visited once before. In the early 1900's there was no parish priest here, so the Catholic community took it upon themselves to decorate the exterior of the church in a way which was pleasing to them; in fanciful angel motifs as well as Mayan jaguars, flowers, and vines. 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. - IMG 2429
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. - IMG 2430
Iglesia San Andres Xecul - IMG 2432
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. - IMG 2435
Ian Ivan and Aracely in front of Iglesia San Andres Xecul - IMG 20180703 164711
Colorful dome of Iglesia San Andres Xecul - IMG 2449
Admiring Iglesia San Andres Xecul - IMG 2450
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.