Handicrafts Market and Regional Costume Museum: The Cultural Heart of San Antonio Aguas Calientes

In the vibrant center of San Antonio Aguas Calientes, just a few kilometers from Antigua Guatemala, lies a meeting point between tradition, art, and memory: the Handicrafts Market, a space where colors, textures, and aromas tell the living story of the Maya communities.

The market: where textile art comes to life

Located in the central plaza, the market brings together local artisans and merchants who, with expert hands, transform threads, fibers, and natural materials into true works of art. Among the most notable stalls are Artesanías La Cainita and Artesanías Anita, known for their meticulous selection of pieces handcrafted with care.

On their shelves, visitors can find:

• Tzutes – ceremonial and utilitarian cloths woven with ancestral symbolism.
• Tablecloths and huipiles hand-embroidered, each with a unique textile language.
• Cortes, the base garment of traditional women’s dress, in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
• Cloth dolls dressed in traditional outfits representing different regions of the country.
• Bags, wallets, and bracelets made from recycled textiles.
• Hammocks and other accessories that invite you to take a piece of Guatemala home.

The market experience is much more than a purchase—it is a cultural dialogue. Each piece is accompanied by stories and explanations that reveal the origin, materials, and meaning behind its designs.

The Regional Costume Museum: a journey through Guatemalan textiles

On the second floor of the same building is the Regional Costume (or Typical) Museum, an intimate yet valuable space that preserves and showcases Guatemala’s textile diversity. Each costume on display is a testament to identity, worldview, and community pride.

Among the most representative sets are:

Chichicastenango, Quiché

• Huipil – held by a sash embroidered with suns; a central sun at the neckline; on the front, a double-headed eagle symbolizing the blend of Spanish and Maya heritage. Purple and brown colors represent nobility, while sleeve embroidery depicts the cardinal points.
• Corte – dark blue with linear designs and a multicolored stripe called ranta, joining the fabric panels into a single piece.

San Juan Comalapa, Chimaltenango

• Huipil – a textile representation of the cosmos—sky, earth, and underworld—dominated by intense red and floral motifs.
• Corte – deep blue with light-colored stripes representing the sky and purity; the tzute worn on the head symbolizes feminine nobility and purity.

Todos Los Santos Cuchumatán, Huehuetenango

• Shirt – long-sleeved, striped in violet tones, with embroidered geometric figures on the collar, cuffs, and pockets.
• Pants – striped textile with predominant red tones, complemented by other colors that harmonize with it.

San Antonio Aguas Calientes, Sacatepéquez

• Shirt – long-bodied, dark-colored, with fringe at the lower hem.
• Pants – short, made of cotton cloth, tied with a multicolored sash; complemented with a hat.

San Martín Jilotepeque, Chimaltenango

• Huipil – woven with embroidered stripes featuring geometric figures and organic motifs like flowers and birds.
• Corte – in solid colors with light lines that enhance the textile design.

Sustainable tourism and cultural preservation

Visiting the market and museum is not only an aesthetic and educational experience but also an act of responsible tourism. Buying directly from artisans supports the local economy without exploitative intermediaries, while the entrance fee and support for the museum strengthen the preservation of textile heritage.

This duo—the market and museum—is a living example of how a community can integrate its cultural heritage into the present, offering visitors an authentic, respectful, and deeply enriching experience.

---

📍 Location: Central Plaza, San Antonio Aguas Calientes, Sacatepéquez, Guatemala
📅 Hours: Open daily, with local guides available at the museum
🎯 Recommended for: culture lovers, textile enthusiasts, living history seekers, and travelers in search of authenticity