Preserving Guatemala’s Ancient Dance of the Gods

Adorned in hand-carved masks and animal hides, the dancers bob and weave before delighted onlookers who’ve traveled from near and far. This is Baile del Venado, one of many Mayan dances integral to Guatemalan history and religion. The “Deer Dance” signifies the coexistence of humans, animals and the greater natural world; and it blesses the lives, work and harvests of those who perform it. In Patzún, Guatemala, villagers perform the Deer Dance the day before the Feast of Corpus Christi, a Catholic holiday celebrated throughout Central and South America.

SUBSCRIBE: https://goo.gl/vR6Acb

This story is a part of our Human Condition series. Come along and let us connect you to some of the most peculiar, stirring, extraordinary, and distinctive people in the world.

Got a story idea for us? Shoot us an email at hey [at] GreatBigStory [dot] com

Follow us behind the scenes on Instagram: http://goo.gl/2KABeX
Make our acquaintance on Facebook: http://goo.gl/Vn0XIZ
Give us a shout on Twitter: http://goo.gl/sY1GLY
Come hang with us on Vimeo: http://goo.gl/T0OzjV
Visit our world directly: https://greatbigstory.com