We are a large indigenous population known as the Maya K’iche’ of the Guatemalan Western Highlands. We maintain our indigenous language with honor and pride, as well as our traditional dress, customs and traditions. The patron festival of El Novillero is celebrated from the 26th to the 29th of October with the 28th being the principle day to honor to the Apostle St. Simon Judas.

The municipal festival is the 8th to the 16th of December; the principle day is the 13th of December in honor of the virgin Santa Lucia. The first catholic colonists of Santa Lucia Utatlan established these festivities. The majority of our community members identify themselves as Catholics and Evangelical Christians.

However, more than 10 years ago a group of community members began their initiative to salvage their original religion, “Cosmovisión Maya” (Mayan Cosmo-vision). A Mayan Altar for ceremonies was contructed in honor of the ancient ways of the Mayan along with the formation of Corazón del Bosque.

To this day Mayan ceremonies are performed upon this stone altar in the woods as a way to pay respect and admiration to the respectable beliefs of our Mayan ancestors.