When I say that Guatemala is a colorful country, I mean that literally. The descendants of the Maya pride themselves on their weaving, and the women turn out in the most elaborate and wonderful clothes.  I am not at all an expert on this topic, but thought I’d post some of my pictures here, accompanied by what little I know about the weaving.

First: what it’s like in a real Guatemalan market.  This is market day in the town of Solola, near the town of Panajachel, on Lake Atitlan.  “Pana” is touristy, but the market is not, probably because it sells basics for locals rather than trinkets. In my several hours in the Friday market (the locals always wear their finest on market day), I saw not one other tourist.  (Click on the photos to see detail of the clothes.)

Traditionally each village had its own design of women’s blouse…