http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8731 8731 Our cab lets us out on the edge of town and we walk down into the small village. We've heard the rumors and seen the guide books on photos but my guests decide to try anyway :-) http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8734 8734 After only 2 photos, the billy club and walkie-talkie wielding security team of 30 or so surround us. No photos they sternly shout. Oooh my! http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8737 8737 Cisco has warned me for years now but my friends go on shooting from the hip, even capturing the guards as they move to the next photo lariat. Stakes are too high for me so my cam goes in the pocket. http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8740 8740 Well my friends were kind enough to share their criminal payload, so I do the same so you may enjoy this insight to the very special indigenous community. http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8743 8743 On a side street, a vendor grills chicken for the hungry crowd. http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8746 8746 Today is Carnival in Chamula, a small village about 15Km further up the mountain from San Cristobal. http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8749 8749 Normal dress is wild enough; carnival is outlandish! http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8752 8752 The baton crew approaches another would-be photographer. http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8755 8755 Amazing covert shots that my loving couple provide us. http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8758 8758 As the crowds grow, Bettina & Snooky capture the growing excitement. http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8761 8761 Ceremony continues around the Zocalo. The men with straw will eventually cover the parade route in straw, set it afire and they will march through the fire. http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8764 8764 http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8767 8767 http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8950 8950 A walk down a side street shows this guy. He will be someone's skirt before you know it. http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8770 8770 This one has a similar destination, perhaps a serape. http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8773 8773 http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8776 8776 http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8779 8779 Parading continues around the very large central plaza of town. http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8782 8782 http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8785 8785 http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8788 8788 The church; perhaps most unique in the Americas. Statues are in glass because indigenous frequently broke fingers or defaced when prayers went unanswered. http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8791 8791 http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8794 8794 Enchanting but a little scary. Mexican law does not apply in Chamula; they have their own law decree. Want some jail time with the 3 drunks behind bars on the corner? No thanks! http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8797 8797 http://gallery.donanthony.com/main.php?g2_itemId=8800 8800