Maximón
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Maximón is a saint worshipped in various forms by Maya people of several towns in the highlands of western Guatemala. The origins of his cult are not very well understood, but he is believed to be a form of the pre-Colombian Maya god Mam, blended with influences from Catholicism as well as legends about the conquistador of Guatemala, Pedro de Alvarado.
Maximón may also be called San Simón. Where he is venerated, he is represented by an effigy which resides in a different house each year, being moved in a procession during Holy Week. During the rest of the year, devotees visit Maximón in his chosen residence, where his shrine is usually attended by two people who keep the shrine in order and pass offerings from visitors to the effigy. Worshippers offer money, spirits and cigars or cigarettes to gain his favour. The effigy invariably has a lit cigarette or cigar in its mouth, and in some places, it will have a hole in its mouth to allow the attendants to give it spirits to drink.
Maximón is generally dressed in European 19th century style, although with many local variations. In Santiago Atitlán he is adorned with many colourful garlands, while in Zuníl (where he is known as San Simón) he has a much more intimidating style, with his face obscured by dark sunglasses and a bandana.
The worship of Maximón treats him not so much as a benevolent deity as a bit of a bully whom it's wise to keep on the right side of. His expensive tastes in alcohol and cigarettes indicate that he is a very human character, very different from the ascetic ideals of Christian sainthood. Devotees believe that prayers for revenge, or success at the expense of others, are not unlikely to be granted by Maximón.
