The painted facade
Almost no empty surface.
Simon Burchell — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Simon Burchell — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Simon Burchell — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Simon Burchell — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Simon Burchell — CC BY-SA 4.0
San Andrés Xecul Church is among the most colourful churches in Guatemala, in a small town in Totonicapán Department near Quetzaltenango. It is known for its bright yellow facade, covered in red, green and blue ornament, one of the most photographed sights of the western highlands and a popular short trip. The town's name is said to join Saint Andrew with local words meaning «under the cover». It lay within the Totonicapán area that in 1820 saw an uprising against excessive tribute. Most of its people today are K'iche', and the church remains the centre of their daily life and festivals. The facade is filled with twisted columns, niches holding small painted figures, angels, plants and dense patterns, leaving almost no empty surface. In front is a wide square that on market days fills with colourful umbrellas and stalls, completing the picture with traditional dress and small vehicles. The town also has a small yellow chapel on a hill above. It is 9 km in a straight line from Quetzaltenango, an easy short visit by car or minibus. It is an active place of worship, so enter quietly and dress modestly, and do not photograph people at prayer. Ask before taking pictures of people in the square, as many would rather you did not. The light is best before noon, when the facade looks at its brightest.
Almost no empty surface.
Umbrellas and stalls.
On the hill above town.
San Andrés Xecul, Totonicapán
Ask first, and do not photograph anyone at prayer.
Before noon, when the facade looks brightest.