Saint Maximon, the Maya saint, smoking a cigarette during Holy Week, Santiago Atitlan. Guatemala

The effigy of the "dirty eating" saint Maximon is given a cigarette during the Holy Week celebrations in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. His exact origin is unknown, but he is thought to be a blend of ancient Maya gods, Pedro de Alvarado and the biblical Judas. In return for taking on the problems of the people, he is offered cigarettes and alcohol to cleanse him from the sins and pain he has to take from visiting pilgrims.

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Contained in galleries: Guatemala, Holy Week in Santiago Atatlan

The effigy of the "dirty eating" saint Maximon is given a cigarette during the Holy Week celebrations in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. His exact origin is unknown, but he is thought to be a blend of ancient Maya gods, Pedro de Alvarado and the biblical Judas. In return for taking on the problems of the people, he is offered cigarettes and alcohol to cleanse him from the sins and pain he has to take from visiting pilgrims.