Samuel Arriola of Yaguarandi Band This blog was written by Rayna Viera, an intern for Grupo Cajolá this past summer. With her strong interest in music, we asked her to interview Samuel Arriola, who has been supporting Grupo Cajolá by playing his and his band's music at some of our events. You can find his contact information below. Introduction to Samuel: Guatemalan music and its Mayan origins have long created a lasting imprint on its people’s music today. I had the privileg

Collaboration between Maya Mam Weavers & Marlon Davila Written by Caryn Maxim As a gringa immersed in the Mam town of Cajolá for more than twenty years, I have been able to observe the contemporary Maya Mam culture of Cajolá to consider whether it is consistent with the Maya Mam Cosmovison. The Maya Mam Cosmovision is the overall worldview that everything is interconnected. I have studied Maya Cosmovision through lots of reading and workshops and have always shared my tentati

Photo by Melida Rodas Written by Luis Emilio Romero, artist and Board Member The Chapines Festival 2026 at Industry City in Brooklyn, New York, was a beautiful return to our roots. Being surrounded by so many Guatemalans—our people, Nuestra Gente—all gathered in one place felt like a dream come true. The festival was filled with the beautiful sounds of marimba music, and everywhere people were dancing, celebrating, and enjoying the day. It was especially joyful to see our vib