Paach is a Mayan ceremony that has pre-Hispanic origins, but acquired characteristics of syncretism after being adopted by the Catholic religion after the conquest by the Spanish in 1492, and has remained in use today, despite the indigenous practicing it in hiding for centuries.
It is performed every year from July 25 to October 4, as part of the syncretic rites of gratitude to "Mother Earth" for the corn harvest, and in homage to Santiago Apóstol and San Francisco de Asis. This dance originates from the municipality of San Pedro Sacatepéquez, located in the highlands of the department of San Marcos, in the west of the country. A committee made up of priests and indigenous elders maintain the secrets of the ceremony.
In Guatemala, the word "La Paach" is derived from pre-Hispanic origins. It is currently listed as a material subject of Urgent Safeguards, which is in effect since 2013. The Nan Paach ceremonies are composed of four main essential components. They are Lords of the Pagon, Parlimentos or Godmothers, Assembly of Elders, and Dancing of the Nan Paach.
This ceremony demonstrates the close connections that the people of San Pedro Sacatepéquez have with nature. Participants and gatherers pray in the Mam language as well as the corncobs that are used in the ceremony. At the ceremony, paraparlamenteros or prayer sayers, offer prayers, assisted by four auxiliary paraparlamenteros, whereas four godmothers dress ceremonial corncobs and prepare food.
The Nan Paach ceremony focuses on older farmers from San Pedro. By holding this ceremony, the community strengthens its identity and knowledge of nature. Members are instructed at workshops by their group leader. The transmission process is both oral and practical, with new members attending workshops and children accompanying their grandparents during the ceremony.
In recent years, Nan Paach ceremonies have become less frequent, largely due to the decline in the number of young people who see them as relevant. Furthermore, financial insecurity has caused many traditional bearers to withdraw from the practice. The elders, however, may also be aging, and diminished transmission may lead to this cultural expression disappearing.
Even so, the heritage of Guatemala dates back 3000 years. Before the Spanish conquest, the syncretism that was practiced during the colonial period left the tangible cultural property and non-material manifestations and it still exists today. Furthermore, these forms are part of their identity as a nation that recognizes its differences and roots that inspire our country in modern times.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/USL/nan-pach-ceremony-00863) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nan_Pa%27ch_ceremony) (https://ichngo.net/network_detail/?category=&id=31&subject=INVENTORIES) (https://www.iccrom.org/cprofiles/doku.php?id=countries:gtm) (https://ilamdir-org.translate.goog/recurso/45/ceremonia-de-la-paach?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=id&_x_tr_pto=sc) |Subject=Belief, dance, Ritual |Country=Guatemala |Region=San Marcos |SDG=(11) Sustainable Cities and Communities |Media_URL=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLdKZX6Iufs }}