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May / June - Sacred Mayan Canoe Crossing |
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Tourist Information -
Cozumel Events and Public Holidays
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 Paddling to Cozumel. |
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The 'Sacred Mayan Crossings' take place in May or June each year, in 2009 they were held from May 21 to 23.
Around thirty 26-foot canoes, each with a crew of four to six, paddle from the mainland to Cozumel and back.
The 3 day event recreates ancient ritual pilgrimages undertaken by the original inhabitants of Yucatán to Polé (Xcaret) and then on by canoe to Cuzamil (Cozumel). |
The celebration begins with a pilgrimage to Xcaret. All night long, guests participate in rituals and supplications to the goddess Ix Chel, as they wait for the first rays of dawn, when they send the canoes off to Cozumel.
In Cozumel, offerings are made to the goddess, who sends a message back to the inhabitants of Mayan lands.
The canoes then paddle to Playa del Carmen on the mainland, bringing with them the goddess' omens of good fortune. |
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 Sacred Mayan rituals. |
For the Maya, this journey was a mystical undertaking in which they were profoundly affected by their intimate contact with the forces of nature.
For more information visit the Travesía Sagrada Maya website.
You can also see our article about the 2009 crossing, book day trips to Xcaret or learn about Ix Chel and the Mayan ruins at San Gervasio, in our Things To Do section. |
