Excursions in Guatemala: Women's Cooperative in Santiago Zamora

It is a fantastic experience to be welcomed into the lives of these women for the three hour demonstration of traditional techniques that they so warmly involve you in.

Guatemalan Women

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• Culture & History

Some of the local ladies in the town of Santiago Zamora have established a cooperative in order to demonstrate their skills, to help contribute to the income of their own community and to improve the future of the local children by raising awareness of the importance of education as well as improving the education opportunities for local children. It is a fantastic experience to be welcomed into the lives of these women for the three hour demonstration of traditional techniques that they so warmly involve you in.

Upon arrival you join other small groups for a welcome ceremony before taking a seat to watch the women demonstrate various traditional techniques that have been passed from generation to generation of indigenous Guatemalan women. The women of the cooperative will explain and highlight some of the techniques used to weave the beautiful and intricate tapestries, clothes and other textiles that Guatemala is so famous for as well as show how they make Petate mats from the reeds harvested from local lakes.

They will also demonstrate the process of making corn tortillas which is another interactive part of the experience enabling you to have a go at making your own tortillas, something they make look very easy but that is much harder than it looks. After they have finished they serve you a traditional meal of Pepito and you have the opportunity to ask questions through your guide about the cooperative and the local community or to browse the locally produced textiles and handicrafts.

All proceeds from any purchases made are distributed amongst the community and also provides investment in the education of local children.

This is a wonderful way to visit a traditional farming community located just outside of Antigua and see how the women of the town have turned age old techniques into a means of improving the future lives of their children and to supplement the communities income.

It is worth noting that the women of the cooperative only speak Spanish but if you do have any questions during the presentation then please feel free to ask them through your guide who can translate for you.