The 11thSacred Mayan Journey takes place in Cancun on May 26-27. It’s an experience well worth recommending to clients who may be visiting those days.
The journey reenacts the ancient yearly pilgrimage of the Maya to worship the powerful “moon goddess” Ixchel. In today’s version of the journey, dozens of hand-carved canoes are rowed by Mayan people from Polé (modern day Xcaret) to Cozumel and back.
The event celebrates Mayan tradition, history and heritage, and the importance of the Caribbean.
The sea has always held special significance for the Maya. Like the cenotes, it was seen as the entryway to the underworld. Key locations such as Polé served as seaside ceremonial centers and trade hubs. It was here that a traditional marketplace, or Kíi´wik, was held the night before each pilgrimage.
Today, that same marketplace is recreated at Xcaret the day before the Sacred Mayan Journey. Villagers come from surrounding communities dressed in traditional attire and colorful face paint. They bring homemade goods, handicrafts, textiles and food. Visitors can stroll around, watch demonstrations, performances and buy gifts. No actual money changes hands, though. Cocoa beans are used instead of currency, just as in ancient times.
The next morning, crowds of onlookers gather at Xcaret before dawn to witness the canoes depart. It’s a sight that’s both exhilarating and moving. The rowers train for several months to make the journey. A veritable cheering frenzy takes place as the canoes get underway, lit by the flickers of torchlight.
The canoers arrive at Chankanaab Park on Cozumel Island later that day. After a night of rest, they depart once more back to Xcaret. Chankanaab opens one hour before the Welcome of the Canoers on May 26 and the Farewell to the Canoers on May 27.
Occidental Cozumel
Two hotels — Occidental Cozumel and Allegro Cozumel — plan special programming during the event.
“The Sacred Mayan Journey is a multi-day celebration of an ancient tradition that is at the core of our authentic guest experience. During the festival, guests can take part in the arrival and departure of the hand-carved canoes that are rowed by Mayan people,” Occidental Cozumel activities manager Sandra Garcia tells Travel Agent.
Mayan botanical tours, Yucatan food tastings and a Mayan night show on the beach are on the Occidental Cozumel lineup from May 26-29.
At Allegro Cozumel, guests can enjoy a Mayan treasure hunt rally and Mayan dance lessons, among other offerings.
“To complement the traditional pilgrimage, we will offer special programming on property including storytelling of Mayan myths and legends, traditional lunches of fried fish and coconuts and a fire show,” Raul Hernández, activities manager of Allegro Cozumel, tells Travel Agent.
Allegro Cozumel
At Grand Oasis Cancun, entertainment of a more contemporary kind is in the news. Part of the Oasis Hotels & Resorts collection, Grand Oasis is styling itself these days as the “Grandmaster of Fun.”
A multi-million-dollar renovation program has enhanced accommodations, food and beverage and service standards across all ten Oasis properties. New to Grand Oasis is the Red Casino, a sure bet for gambling buffs. Another addition, the Oasis Arena, is set to open this week.
Red Casino at Grand Oasis Cancun is the first resort casino in Cancun. It will offer black jack, roulette, poker and slot machines. The two-level casino also includes dedicated sports bar venues.
The new Oasis Arena includes nearly 30,000-square-feet of combined event space. A 2,500-person arena will host music concerts and sports events. Additional facilities include outdoor deck areas, a beach club stage and 20,000-square-feet of poolside terraces.
"Our goal is to position the Oasis Hotels & Resorts brand as a market leader through the varied entertainment offerings at our guests’ disposal," Jesus Almaguer, director of marketing and communications for Oasis Hotels & Resorts, tells Travel Agent. "We are proud to house Cancun’s first resort casino and with the launch of the new Oasis Arena, we look forward to conducting even higher caliber events and performances that will solidify Grand Oasis Cancun as the destination for show-stopping entertainment.”