This year, The Mayan Sacred Journey, will be performed once again in traditional canoes, leaving Polé, known today as Xcaret, to the Island of Cozumel, and returning from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen (ancient port of Xamanhá).

This project was initiated with the strong purpose of recovering, every year, one of the most significant traditions of the ancient Maya of this region: the ritual crossing of the Cozumel canal to revere the goddess Ix Chel. The first recreation of this ritual was carried out in 2007, with the intention of reviving interest on the Maya culture and to culturally strengthen the inhabitants of the area.

The canoes are handcrafted following the Maya model, and a large group of oarsmen from the communities of Xcaret, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen prepare to sale on the sea in the same manner of the ancients, almost 500 years after the last time the journey was made.

The journey will be difficult as the tide will force them to make a coastal trajectory to the south of Xcaret before crossing the canal, in order to reach the center of Cozumel. The total distance will be 28 km and will be completed after 8 hours of rowing. The return will be somewhat similar from the Island to Playa del Carmen.

For two years, Xcaret Park has carried out an extensive interdisciplinary effort in various fields, with consultation from the Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia (INAH - National Institute of Anthropology and History), as well as the support of historians, anthropologists, ethnologists, expert sailors, dance masters, musicians and choreographers. The project will bring to life a careful reconstruction of the ancient maritime journey, as well as various rituals, dance and music of the Maya which will abide by the research performed in the pertaining fields.

The invitation has been extended to once again become part of history, to fill ourselves with pride for our knowledge and practice of the enormous wealth of the Maya culture, now performed and put together by the community, and also to show that our region is a relevant option for cultural tourism.

Dress code: White attire

Event date: Friday, May the 30th, 23:00 hrs.