“Anti-Columbus Day” Celebrations at Tikal, 2011

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“Anti-Columbus Day” Celebrations at Tikal, 2011
the deer dance depicts many scenes related to the European conquest and is well-known for its elaborate costumes and masks, which belong to a certain groups of dancers and are handed down through generations

For Maya communities in Guatemala and Belize, mid-October is a time to remember and participate in celebrations that were important to mark the passing of years long before Columbus arrived in this part of the world. These photos capture moments during one of these celebrations at Tikal in 2011. Reclaiming sacred centers and continuing to participate in spiritual ceremonies reminds the world that indigenous communities throughout the Americas not only have a rich past that pre-dates colonial conquest, but also a vibrant present despite widespread efforts to control and erase it.

through the night before the journey to Tikal, gatherers bring offerings of candles, food and drink to be burned the next morning
after a night of preparation, a stop is made outside of Tikal to bathe in preparation for the day’s events
As the fire is ignited, the gatherers kneel in prayer- for healing, health and well-being for the next year.
the marimba provides the soundtrack for the deer dance, as well as during the rest periods
the deer dance lasts for several days and is danced in different “acts” through the night leading up to the journey to Tikal
small groups of dancers move with measured grace at the outskirts of the plaza
deer dancers take a break and watch those adding offerings to the fire
participants gather around the fire to present offerings while spectators watch from atop the temple and surrounding mounds
the deer dance depicts many scenes related to the European conquest and is well-known for its elaborate costumes and masks, which belong to a certain groups of dancers and are handed down through generations

Kristina Baines is our resident cool anthropologist. She’s been formally trained in applied, sociocultural, ecological and medical anthropology at Florida Atlantic University (BA, MA), the University of Oxford (MSc) and the University of South Florida (PhD). She has a strong interest in corn, how what we do in our environment makes us well, and using innovative methods to make anthropology relevant and accessible to a wide audience. You can find out more about how these interests translate into projects and pursuits by perusing the rest of our site, or you can contact her directly at kristina@coolanthropology.com

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