The small villages in the in San Cristobal area have changed little in the past 100 years. We visited a few churches which proved to be an interesting experience. The walls were covered with colored candles lit for the departed. A number of musicians played traditional handmade instruments. Tribal leaders conducted a ceremony, swinging smoking metal bowls containing a burning resin which released a powerful odor. An old woman sacrificed a chicken! The whole scene was intoxicating to the senses. I was obviously dying to take photos, but it is strictly prohibited.

About 200 years ago the pope banned sacrifices in churches. An important priest told these people they were no longer allowed to perform the act. With the power of the pope behind him he made it his mission to put an end to it. The people promptly killed him and no one has tried to stop them since.