When we moved here 14 years ago, we thought the December festivities in our town were in celebration of Christmas. However, over the years we finally figured out that they were actually in celebration of the town's patron saint, Saint Thomas. In fact, there is so much traffic and hullabaloo in Chichi during the entire month of December, with main roads closing unexpectedly and twice the normal number of people in town, that we try to stay home as much as possible.
Here is a video posted by a local tourist hotel in early December showing a sampling of what goes on.
Translation: Did you know that the Fair of Chichicastenango in honor of Apostle Saint Thomas is about to begin? From December 4th to 22nd, its streets fill with color, with music, and with tradition. Different celebrations and ancestral dances are in honor of its patron Saint Thomas. The carnival rides, food, parties, and all of the magic make this fair one of the most special celebrations of Guatemala. We invite you to live it with us, to feel its energy, and to enjoy an unforgettable December in Chichicastenango. In Santo Tomás Hotel, it will be a pleasure to receive and accompany you during these festivities.