However, in 1754, due to the borbon reforms implemented by the Spanish kings, the Mercedarins -and the rest of the regular clergy for that matter-, had to transfer their doctrines to the secular clergy, thus losing their Chiantla convent and annexed doctrines.[7]
Climate
At an altitude of approximately 2000m, Chiantla has a climate similar to that of Antigua, though with the extra 600m above sea level it is often a little chillier in the night. The rainy season is from May to October, with mornings starting out warm and humid, followed by heavy rains - and even hail - in the afternoons, which usually dissipate by evening.
Population
The inhabitants of the city are mostly ladino, it is common to hear the languages of Popti, Canjobal, Chuj, and Mam being spoken by street venders, shoppers and residents.
Economy
Mining
Lead production was noted in the area in 1850.[8] Modern exploration of the Chiantla mining district by Firestone Ventures, a Canadian firm headquartered in Edmonton, has produced a promising prospect for a lead, zinc, silver open pit mine at its Torlon Hill Zinc-Lead-Silver Project west of Chiantla at the site of the Cinco Hermanos workings.[9]
Chiantla is almost completely surrounded by Huehuetenango Department municipalities.[11] The city of Chiantla is located within the Northwest sector of the department of Huehuetenango. It sits in the mountainside above the city of Huehuetenango, approximately 2 hours from the Mexican border.