Sacred Mayan Journey (17, 18 and 19 May)
Once again, the preparations begin for the “Sacred Mayan Journey,” a recreation, 500 years later, of one of the most beautiful rituals of the Maya, maintaining a strict historical accuracy in details such as clothing, rituals, dances , music, gifts and canoes.
In this mystical and sacred ritual, the canoes used part from Ppolé, today Xcaret, crossing the sea towards the most populated island in Mexico: Cozumel. The ceremonies and rituals were performed to ask the goddess Ixchel for fertile soil, good climate, health and continuity of life.
To carry out the voyage, the Maya always followed a ritual and at present, a program is carried out with various activities before and after sailing toward the sanctuary of the goddess Ixchel. This experience is an adventure, there are currently over three hundred canoeists that conduct the Sacred Journey; it takes a lot of teamwork and discipline and they have already started training for the big day, a tradition that never dies, one that is still preserved and transmitted to everyone.
Program of the Sacred Mayan Journey (Courtesy: Xcaret)
Day 1
Archaeological Zone. Platforms at the crossroads: Visit the interactive pre-Hispanic Mayan market where the recreation of a Kìi’wik in the style of the Late Postclassic marks the eve of the Journey, with the mixture of colors, smells, tastes and the diversity of ancient Mexico. You can interact with products, elements and characters of the time.
Av. Palmeras Shrines: Leaving the Kìi’wik, each participant walks barefoot the passage of the shrines, receiving incense purification prior to their arrival to the town of Ppolé, on the beach, where they will be well received by the residents. The current currency is changed for the pre-Hispanic one.
Part 1 “The seven tribes reach Ppolé.”
Canoes arrive to Ppolé from Acalan, Conil, Ochtankah, Zama, Xcambo, Xamanhá and Ichpatun, with offerings and pleas for Ixchel to leave in her sanctuary on the island of the swallows. Preceded by ancient rituals.
Day 2
Xcaret Park: Two Beaches
Part 2. “The parting of the 7 tribes from Ppolé to Cuzamil-Cozumel.” Farewell ceremony at the first ray of sunshine for the canoeist who set out to Cuzamil – Cozumel to worship the goddess Ixchel. Thus begins the journey of the canoeists-messengers to Cozumel Cuzamil-to worship the goddess Ixchel.
Cozumel: Caletita by the Lighthouse
Part 3. “The canoeists arrive at the Cuzamil-Cozumel beach.”
The islanders welcome travelers, offering them comfort, food and helping them to freshen up.
Caletita by the Lighthouse
Part 4. “Ixchel speaks to the seven tribes, Chankanaab or Caletita at night.”
The canoeists bring their offerings and pleas to Ixchel. Message from the oracle of Ixchel to the seven tribes; worship and dance.
Day 3
Cozumel: Caletita by the Lighthouse
Part 5. “Farewell to the messengers of the seven tribes.”
Farewell ceremony and departure of the canoeists from Cuzamil-Cozumel towards Xamanhá-Playa del Carmen, conducted by the Chilam of Cozumel.
Playa del Carmen
Ferris Beach Pier / Playa Fundadores (Beach of the Founders)
Part 6. “Arrival and delivery of the message to people of Xamanhá.
Arrival of canoeists of the seven tribes at Xamanhá to the welcome from the Bataoobs of Ppolé-Xcaret and Xamanhá-Playa del Carmen. Dances of joy for the newly arrived and of gratitude for the goddess Ixchel.
Final Protocol.
Such is the annual recreation of one of the most spectacular pre-Hispanic shipping adventures, with religiosity and courage coming together in the blood of the Mayan sailors.
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Oficial site: http://www.travesiasagradamaya.com.mx/
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