In the Maya ceremonial calendar, the beginning of the ceremonial new year of the ajq’ijaa’ (spiritual guides) is the day Waxaqii’ B’atz’ or 8 B’atz’, to thank and receive the spiritual gifts of the new ajq’ijaa’. For the former ajq’ijaa’, this is the day to give thanks and to clean and regenerate the life of the gifts and the mission to support the community.

In this painting Pedro Rafaél depicts a celebration for the ceremonial new year of the ajq’ijaa’ on behalf of the people of San Pedro la Laguna. We see all the offerings to the Creator: the four colors of corn, representing the four cardinal directions; colored candles; a drink called atol made from corn; flowers; and a tambor (drum) and marimba to play music. These are some of the elements of a traditional Maya ceremony. The ceremony itself depends on the intention of the people or the community, in accordance with their needs.