Practically all daily activities were subject to ritual calendars. Along with complex ceremonies presided over by the high priests, which at times involved the self-sacrifice of monarchs, we find a range of specific activities aimed at favouring agriculture and improving production or the health of the people. In all cases, procedures included burning copal and other natural substances in special recipients (incense burners), and the consumption of hallucinogenic products. It seems clear that such activities were also accompanied by music, although the only evidence of this are the diverse whistles that have been conserved.

Ritual scene showing a Quiché Mayan swinging his censer at the entrance to the church of St. Thomas at Chichicastenango in the highlands of Guatemala.	Sacrificial scene dedicated to the rain gods in Chichén Itzá.