When one thinks of the Maya people, many images are brought to mind: huge pyramids, ancient ruins, hieroglyphics, mummies and sacrifices offered by ancient priests. Yet the Maya are not some extinct race. Although they have long left their ancient cities, the people and the culture are still thriving.

Modern-day Maya inhabit the Yucatán Peninsula and Chiapas regions of Mexico, as well as areas of Guatemala, Belize, and western El Salvador and Honduras. There are about 6.2 million Maya in Central America. This makes them the "largest single block of indigenous people north of Peru" (Maya Civilization). These people belong to about 30 different Maya groups, each with their own different language and culture.

Maya religion has become a mix of Roman Catholicism and ancient Maya customs. In many villages, Christian saints are celebrated as both the saint and an ancient Maya god. The uayeb, the last five days...