 Paddling to Cozumel. |
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The 'Sacred Mayan Crossings' take place in May or June each year, the 2010 event was held from May 20 to 22.
Hundreds of oarsman in wooden canoes, 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.
To learn more about the history of the Maya and the canoe crossing visit the Sacred Mayan Journey website.
You can also book day trips to Xcaret or learn about Ix Chel and the Mayan ruins at San Gervasio in our Things To Do section.
Related News:
Goddesses, Chocolate And Canoes (2010) May 27, 2010.
A Sacred Mayan Journey (2009) May 13, 2009.
Feature: Sacred Mayan Journey (2008) Oct 16, 2008.
Pilgrims Paddle To Cozumel (2008) May 14, 2008.
Sacred Canoe Crossing (2007) June 6, 2007.
Magical Spring Clean May 23, 2007.
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