A very positive moment in people's lives is considered respectful attitude to the history of their people and the culture of their ancestors. That is why, lately, folk traditions can be given great importance even at the state level.
The La Paatch ceremony, held annually in Guatemala, has been given high status as a cultural heritage site. This is a maize worship ceremony that has been practiced by the Indians of Guatemala for centuries. The ceremony is a dance mystery (to the sounds of marimba), imitating the process of growing corn and collecting ripened ears. The dance is accompanied by prayers. After the end of the action, participants will have a compulsory meal. This action is a kind of tribute to the culture of the country, its customs. The ceremony clearly shows a return to the roots of Guatemalan culture.
This mystical ceremony originated in Guatemala back in the pre-colonial period. After the conquest of the territory by the Spanish conquistadors, the ancient Native American ceremony took over some of the features of the Catholic church services. So, at this ceremony, along with gratitude to the forces of nature for the given harvest, the memory of two Catholic saints - the apostle James and Francis of Assisi, is honored. However, despite the presence of Christian elements in the mystery, for a long time it was conducted secretly by local Indians.
Today's youth are rapidly losing interest in the sacred ceremony of their ancestors. Guatemala hopes that the assignment of a high status will help the country not to lose this tradition.
