Description
The typical costume is a sample of the culture of each village in Guatemala. One of the accessories that stands out the most is the famous Tocoyal of Santiago Atitlán. The Tocoyal is a ribbon that is wrapped around the head and measures between 20 and 25 rods long, or approximately 16 and 21 metres. The way it is used is by wrapping it 20 times around the head, simulating a hat. The 20 turns are related to the Mayan calendar and also signify the continuity of life, the feathered serpent and the Tzu'tujil culture. One of the best known personalities who wore this garment was Doña Concepción Ramírez Chonita, from Santiago Atitlán, who in 1936 won the competition to appear on the national 25-cent coin. - 1977
