Santiago Atitlán is home to a wooden figure made by shamans to shield against witches. It had the opposite effect until the shamans twisted the figures' head around and broke its legs; now it protects the town.

The effigy is displayed in a different home every year and people are constantly making pilgrimages to it, asking for favors in exchange for offerings.

Maximón is a fascinating and controversial figure in the indigenous Mayan culture of Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala. Often referred to as a "saint" or a "holy man," Maximón is actually a complex blend of pre-Columbian deities and Catholic symbolism.

It is a representation of a syncretic blend of Mayan spirituality and Catholicism. His appearance is often that of a dressed-up doll or puppet, adorned with colorful clothing and surrounded by cigarettes, rum, and other offerings. This figure is believed to possess supernatural powers and is seen as a protector and problem-solver.

People visit Maximón to ask for favors, seek advice, or make offerings. Tobacco smoke and rum are commonly used in rituals, and it's not uncommon to find people leaving gifts like money or food. While Maximón is often associated with partying and drinking, he is also respected as a spiritual figure.

The worship of Maximón has been a subject of controversy, with some viewing it as a harmful blend of paganism and Christianity. However, for many people in Santiago Atitlán, Maximón is a deeply ingrained part of their cultural and spiritual identity.