Between Heaven and Earth

Between Heaven and Earth there is a connection that not everyone is able to perceive and accept. However, for the Tzeltal people, deep in the Lacandon jungle, it is easy to find that emblematic moment on specific dates: the 3 May is one of them.

On that day, the community leaders, accompanied by the most joyful sounds, form a very peculiar connection between Heaven and Earth at specific sites. In their prayers, they pray for their health, daily food and the welfare of the community. They sacrifice farm animals at the foot of the cross and in the sacred places, pour cocoa, liquor, pozol and broth into them; but they also offer up their dance, performing it in front of the cross.

Seen from the outside, this is folklore, but for the Tzeltal, it is honour and glory to the Supreme Being, a connection “between Heaven and Earth”.