The Spanish conquest stripped away most of the defining features of Maya Civilization.
However, many Maya villages remained remote from Spanish colonial authority, and for the most part, continued to manage their own affairs.
The basic Mesoamerican diet of maize and beans continued, although agricultural output was improved by the introduction of steel tools. Traditional crafts such as weaving and ceramics continued to be practiced. Community markets and trade in local products continued long after the conquest.
At times, the colonial administration encouraged the traditional economy in order to extract tribute in the form of ceramics or cotton textiles, which were popular among the Spanish.
Besides that, the Maya language and beliefs proved resistant to change.