The non secular traditions behind the Sacred Mayan Journey (Travesía Sagrada Maya), a canoe journey to Cozumel, have put this Mexico journey on many bucket lists. Thankfully for you adventurers, SMJ returns in Might 2025!
A Little bit of Maya Background on the Sacred Mayan Journey
The Sacred Mayan Journey is a pre-Hispanic ritual courting to 1250 to 1519 A.D. Students say it’s a strategy to honor and worship Ixchel, goddess of the moon, tides, fertility, beginning and medication. Ixchel’s temple was stated to be on the island of Cozumel. Subsequently, the Maya, hoping for fruitful crops and households, paddled there from the mainland in canoes to pay homage. At present, they once more carry presents in a ritual that has not been practiced for 500 years.
Many historic particulars, together with maritime routes of the voyage, have been uncovered. This information led to the timing of the annual occasion through the month of Might. It takes place yearly in mid-Might and all ceremonies and rituals use conventional music and dances. It’s a really particular time to go to; nonetheless the area is engaging year-round. (Learn Riviera Maya’s Underground World and My Form of Seashore at Playa Del Carmen — different tales on FTF — for an full overview of native points of interest.
Canoeing to Cozumel and Again
Gathering earlier than daybreak on the shore of the Caribbean Sea, we had been greeted by music, tribal drumming and chanting, burning torches, and native dances by teams of younger ladies and young children.
Additionally on the seaside had been the households and buddies of the oarsmen. Extra conventional Mayan picket canoes had been lined up on the water’s edge. Lastly, the proud and energized women and men wearing native garb arrived to welcoming applause.
Timed completely, they took off one after the other, with the final canoe leaving our line of sight at dawn, whereas colourful scarlet macaws flew overhead.
It was a shocking second.
Day 2 The Return of the Voyagers
The subsequent day noticed a fair bigger crowd collect on the seaside anticipating the return of their members of the family and buddies. The temper was celebratory, however some had been anxious to see their family members once more and to listen to how they fared.
Extra music and dances had been carried out, indicators and banners waved, and trays of fruit had been carried to the shore.
Lastly one, then one other, and one other of the canoes appeared within the distance. With adrenalin pumping, the oarsmen paddled furiously in unison to succeed in dwelling. As soon as they hit the shore, exhausted however elated, they jumped out of their boats. Every raised their oars, and hugged one another and people who had been welcoming them.
It was such a transferring sight, it introduced many people to tears.
How Individuals Put together for the Sacred Mayan Journey
Every leg of the 18-mile Sacred Journey takes from 4 to 12 hours. Timing will depend on the currents and situation of the open sea. That’s why individuals spend the night time on Cozumel earlier than arriving again on the mainland in the course of the subsequent day. Data of swimming is required and coaching is rigorous. This journey requires an actual dedication. Some particpants transfer to the world with the intention to prepare. Bodily preparation takes place from 6am to 8am 3 times per week for 4 months.
Individuals have to be between 18 and 65. Once I was a spectator a decade in the past, 500 individuals, largely Mexican however some worldwide individuals as effectively, signed up for this outstanding problem. In the long run, 370 individuals — 15 oarsmen had participated in each yearly occasion — made the journey and accomplished the round-trip. The eldest paddler was a 64-year-old girl from Veracruz.
Captaining a Canoe is a Sacred Honor to the Maya
The crew on every canoe selects a Captain, who will need to have accomplished the journey earlier than.
Intensive security precautions are taken to guard the individuals. Canoes are adopted by a convoy of wave runners, Navy and Coast Guard ships. Every vessel is outfitted with GPS.
Folks take part on this occasion for a lot of causes. Most cite causes such because the bodily problem, non secular connection, in honor of somebody, or to pay tribute to the Mayan forefathers. As I watched the returning canoes, I used to be struck by the belief that this isn’t a race. It doesn’t matter which canoe hits the shore first. This occasion is all about teamwork, camaraderie and honoring the previous.
Certainly one of our hosts had participated final 12 months and spoke about how the expertise was “actually life-changing and unforgettable.”
A Glimpse Into the Coronary heart of Maria Beatrix
Beatrix del Perpeturo Socorro Solis Ramirez
Who was this girl with the very lengthy identify? After her protected return to the mainland, we had been thrilled to fulfill with the 64-year-old eldest participant within the journey. Born within the Yucatan, Beatrix spent her grownup life in Veracruz. She got here dwelling to go to a relative final Might, coincidentally on the time of the Sacred Journey. Moved and impressed, this energetic, exercise-loving girl determined to briefly re-locate with the intention to prepare, and to take part earlier than her sixty fifth birthday.
Guess what. She’s able to do it once more subsequent 12 months!
Ms. Solis Ramirez stated that the toughest half was doing the push-ups throughout coaching. She admitted the journey itself was simpler than anticipated as a result of “the ocean was merciful.” Her canoe consisted of 5 males and 5 ladies; the youngest was a 21-year-old man. She stated that her teammates accepted and cheered for her, and her trainers instructed her, “Belief us. We all know you are able to do this.”
She gained our group over together with her humble and unassuming nature, and we teared up when she described how she was so full of emotion.
Visiting Xcaret
Xcaret Park is a cultural nature park combining animal and pure components with a deal with Mexican tradition.
Observing the Sacred Mayan Journey is open to all company at Xcaret each Might. (Test their web site for the precise dates, and if you wish to take part.) Visiting throughout this time provides a memorable dimension to your trip. If you happen to can’t make it then, there are various different causes to trip right here any time of the 12 months.
This go to, my second to Xcaret, was extraordinary. The excellent occasion, after all, was witnessing the Sacred Journey. I’m not a lot of a swimmer so it was very highly effective. I smile whereas serious about the attractive new butterflies we let out. Overcoming worry, I rode a raft on the underground Paradise River. We fed a flock of sea turtles swimming within the lagoon, and visited with a sea turtle who was severely injured and misplaced her entrance two legs.
Go to Xcaret Park and dwell the Mexican traditions, colours and flavors of this wonderful tradition. Your entrance contains reveals, white sand seashores, underground rivers and rather more! Save 15% reserving on-line.
Xcaret Celebrates Mexico’s Tradition
Don’t miss a go to to the Chocolate Workshop to observe chocolate being made within the conventional means. You grind cacao beans by hand, pulverizing them with seasonings similar to cinnamon and scorching pepper. The information explains about chocolate’s connection to the Mayans. He additionally makes conventional scorching chocolate,served to us in tiny clay cups to the sound of many “oohs,” “aahs,” and “mmms.”
The Xcaret Mexico Espectacular night time present is the cherry on prime a day spent at Xcaret. The connoisseur meal (an added price) is superb. The thrilling present features a demonstration of the traditional ball recreation of pelote with fire-lit balls. Take pleasure in shows of regional people music and dances by greater than 300 costumed performers.
It exemplified, as soon as once more, Xcaret’s dedication to revive and nurture the historical past and tradition of gorgeous Mexico.
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