Mayan Priests denied access to Guatemala ceremonial sites [View all]

[Nambe]

Racism against the indigenous population is rampant in Guatemala, where previous governments waged what was effectively a 36-year civil war against rural Maya. Current president Otto Pérez Molina is a former military officer charged with genocide and torture during that war.

"Institutional, interpersonal, and structural racism" are reflected in the exclusions reflected in the new Mayan era celebrations, Renata continues.

"Let's hope the Mayan priests will be allowed in and celebrate according their traditions and beliefs on the following days, as the festivities end on December 30 and that their voices and demands are finally heard by the international community."

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