Playa del Carmen Events: The Sacred Maya Journey 2010

Not everything is about my Playa del Carmen real estate job and I thought I would share this not common event that occurs once a year.  This past weekend marked the 4th year that a magical event has taken place in the Riviera Maya. It is a historical journey back to 500 BC, and is a re-enactment of the sacred pilgrimage of the Mayan culture  to the island of Cuzamil (now known as Cozumel). Today in Playa del Carmen, the journey is accomplished as it was back in the day by handcrafted canoes and the oarsmen, many are brave volunteers, wear similar attire from that time as well.

The festivities are sponsored by Solidaridad, Cozumel and Excaret, the nature park where the group begins their quest. There is a detailed program for the re-enactment including a market trade and preparation for departure of the oarsmen, all centering around a goddess named Ixchel. This is a very important goddess as she is goddess of the moon, the tides and fertility. The ceremonies objective was to honor her and ask for her blessings.

Early in the am of the 21st, groups leave both (Dos Playas) Xcaret and Xaman-Ha, (now known as Playa del Carmen) and head towards Cozumel. Once they arrive, the exhausted oarsmen are greeted with food and drink. That evening the ceremony of offerings, petitions and dance honors to the goddess.

The following day, the oarsmen return to Playa del Carmen to deliver the message of Ixchel to the community to be greeted with joy and dancing.

For the more details, photos and videos of this year and previous years event click here.

Andy Welbourne
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www.TOPmexicorealestate.com
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