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Meet a deitySantiago, Guatemala
Scarf-wearing, cigar-toting Maximón is believed to be the reincarnation of the Mayan God, Mam. A scarecrow-esque effigy of this curious character moves house every year in the Guatemalan village of Santiago, and attracts a steady stream of worshippers. Local children will lead you to Maximón for a fee, and you can make an offering of incense, whisky (his favourite) or cigars, but that will cost extra.
Maximón’s short stature, according to legend, was a result of the men of his village cutting off his arms and legs – his habit of sleeping around with their wives while they were working in the fields was not appreciated.
