On December 31, in Santa Eulalia, Huehuetenango, the transition ceremony of ancestral authorities was held, an act that renews the commitment of the spiritual guardians of the town. This event symbolizes the transfer of responsibilities and keeps alive a tradition that fuses spirituality and the preservation of the ancestral worldview.
By Lencho Pez and Wellinton Osorio
On December 31, in the municipality of Santa Eulalia, Huehuetenango, the symbolic presentation and the ceremony of transition of authorities took place, an event that renews the position of guardians of the spiritual life of the communities. This act marks a crucial moment in the life of the community, in which the ancestral authorities, custodians of the people’s worldview and spirituality, hand over command to their successors, in a process that has lasted for centuries.
The ceremony began in the Ceremonial House, a sacred place where the ancestral authorities reside during their period of service. At 6 in the morning, the municipal mayor, accompanied by his Municipal Council, went to the communal headquarters to pick up the grandparents and ancestral authorities.
They walked to the municipal hall, a journey that symbolizes the union and respect between the different levels of power in the municipality. Upon arrival, the protocol acts took place, where the importance of communication between the ancestral authorities and the municipal authorities was highlighted, a call for cooperation for the well-being of the people.
One of the key moments of this transition was the symbolic entry of Matías Francisco Pedrowho, as bearer of the year 2024, has guided the spiritual life of the Q’anjob’al people during his period. Originally from a village in the municipality of Santa Barillas, Matías Francisco renewed his position at the hands of Miguel Franciscoformer ancestral authority for three consecutive periods.
This act, held in the municipal hall, was a symbolic formality, since the official transition took place in the Jolom Konob’ Ceremonial House, a space where Matías Francisco and his wife renewed their spiritual commitment before the sacred altar, occupying its position until December 2025.
During this public event, Princess Jolom Konob’ was present, who represented the people of Santa Eulalia, as well as the granddaughter of the Q’anjob’al people. The presence of these young leaders highlights the importance of the continuity of the legacy and the integration of new generations in community leadership processes. Matías Francisco, who assumed his second year of service, symbolically received the position again, reaffirming his commitment to the community.
A traditional dance
One of the most emotional and distinctive moments of the ceremony was the traditional dance that followed the delivery of office. This dance was not only a moment of joy, but also a symbol of solidarity and respect between the old and new leaders. In this ritual, men and women danced separately with their respective ancestors, and then changed partners, reflecting the transfer of authority. This act also has a deep spiritual meaning, since the ancestral authorities are not only political figures, but the spiritual guardians of the people. In their role, they perform daily prayers and ceremonies in the Ceremonial House, ensuring that the town remains in harmony with nature and its traditions.
The transition process culminated with the return of the ancestral authorities to the Ceremonial House, where the ceremony of transferring the “sacred wand” was carried out, a symbol of power and responsibility. The ancestral authorities serve a two-year mandate, during which they must leave their homes in their communities to go live in the Ceremonial House, which reflects their total commitment to safeguarding the spirituality of the community. This act concluded the cycle of the first year of service and began the second year of the period of the ancestral authorities, reaffirming their commitment to ensure both the material and spiritual well-being of the people.
The tradition of these transitions, which dates back centuries, even before the Spanish invasion, continues to be a fundamental pillar in the community life of Santa Eulalia. The arrival of the Catholic Church in the 19th century marked a point of contact between ancestral beliefs and new influences, but the ceremony for the transition of authorities has kept its essence intact, being a clear example of cultural and spiritual resistance.
Today, ancestral authorities not only represent the spiritual power of the people, but also serve as a reminder of the importance of keeping traditions alive, adapting to new times without losing their connection with history and the ancestral worldview. This activity is a legacy of resistance and continuity, a tradition that remains essential to the social and cultural fabric of Santa Eulalia.
With this annual renewal, Santa Eulalia not only celebrates the transition of authorities, but also the preservation of an ancestral legacy that has transcended generations.
