News

Cross-cultural conceptions of beauty, specifically feminine beauty, are fascinating and telling. For many women, like one Trama Textiles volunteer, visiting another culture always involves some amount (usually quite a bit!) on unique beautification rituals and practices of another country or culture. A volunteer reflects on her observations and learnings about the striking ways in which Guatemalan women adorn and wear their hair; how their hair-pieces and hairstyles are both an extension of their cultural heritage as well as a reflection of their female beauty. 

Mindfulness, emotional wellness, and meditation--the past few years have witnessed an explosive interest in improving our emotional and spiritual well-being. But did you know that weaving is scientifically proven to boost our happiness levels and allow us to access a meditative state? Read on to find out exactly how weaving can bring bliss into your life.

The ancient Mayan pantheon is expansive. I say 'is', rather than 'was', because for many communities in Guatemala, Mayan beliefs and ceremonial practices are still part of daily life, co-existing alongside the Catholicism that's now the state's primary religion. Active Mayan altars can be found all over the country, including at a number of ruin sites of ancient Mayan towns, like Iximche, near Tecpan.

“Expectations vs. reality…” This is the simple yet complex mantra I’ve been whispering to myself over and over my last month here in Xela, while also chuckling about it under my breath and sharing impression...

Mayan Culture meets Catholicism Have you ever been in Guatemala during Easter? If so, then you know it is can be quite the event. A cozy hardboiled egg breakfast at home or your mother’s best Easter egg hun...

Combatting Violence in Guatemala March is a special month for the fight against violence in Guatemala. On the 13th and 31st, the National Day Against Violence towards Minors and the Day of National Dignity ...

Maize was one of the most important things in the Maya culture, and not only regarding diet. Here, we will see other roles of maize in Maya civilization. The base of food and agriculture The ancient May...

As we step into a new year, we often reflect on the passing year, and look forward to the new year, a fresh start. Perhaps you made a New Year’s resolution, started that new project you had out on hold or ma...

Has this ever happened to you – in your process of growth, to stumble upon by-products of your efforts and actions that in your perception have no resemblance or connection to the final outcome? It has happened to me to dismiss some of them because I did not find them helpful or good enough for my growth. That day, during the weaving lesson, I reminded myself that small outcomes count, even when they don’t look like they do – they are stepping stones of progress.  

Although Spanish is Guatemala’s most widely-spoken language, it’s not the native tongue of every guatemalteco. Alongside Mexico, Peru and Bolivia, Guatemala has one of the highest Indigenous populations in Latin America. Nowadays, many of the country’s 24 indigenous (and official) languages are still widely spoken. 

Each year Guatemalans are very passionate about celebrating their freedom and events leading up to the anniversary are festive and feverishly proud. Festivities are held around the country showing the patriotism of the Guatemalan people, you will find blue and white all over the houses and buildings and flags too!

Guatemala is the birthplace of the Mayan civilisation, the presence of which is still made very visible today. Towns and cities all across the country are rich with the vibrant colours of Mayan clothing and...