The religious 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 Could 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 technique to honor and worship Ixchel, goddess of the moon, tides, fertility, start and medication. Ixchel’s temple was mentioned to be on the island of Cozumel. Due to this fact, the Maya, hoping for fruitful crops and households, paddled there from the mainland in canoes to pay homage. In the present day, 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 throughout the month of Could. It takes place yearly in mid-Could and all ceremonies and rituals use conventional music and dances. It’s a really particular time to go to; nonetheless the area is attractive year-round. (Learn Riviera Maya’s Underground World and My Type of Seashore at Playa Del Carmen — different tales on FTF — for an full overview of native sights.

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 girls and babies.

Additionally on the seashore had been the households and pals of the oarsmen. Extra conventional Mayan wood 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 surprising second.

Day 2 The Return of the Voyagers

The following day noticed an excellent bigger crowd collect on the seashore anticipating the return of their relations and pals. 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 house. 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 Contributors Put together for the Sacred Mayan Journey

Every leg of the 18-mile Sacred Journey takes from 4 to 12 hours. Timing depends upon the currents and situation of the open sea. That’s why individuals spend the evening on Cozumel earlier than arriving again on the mainland in the midst of the following day. Data of swimming is required and coaching is rigorous. This journey requires an actual dedication. Some particpants transfer to the world as a way to practice. Bodily preparation takes place from 6am to 8am 3 times per week for 4 months.

Contributors have to be between 18 and 65. Once I was a spectator a decade in the past, 500 folks, principally Mexican however some worldwide individuals as nicely, signed up for this exceptional problem. In the long run, 370 folks — 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 should 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, religious 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 conclusion 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.

One in all our hosts had participated final yr 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 title? After her protected return to the mainland, we had been thrilled to satisfy with the 64-year-old eldest participant within the journey. Born within the Yucatan, Beatrix spent her grownup life in Veracruz. She got here house to go to a relative final Could, coincidentally on the time of the Sacred Journey. Moved and impressed, this energetic, exercise-loving girl determined to briefly re-locate as a way to practice, and to take part earlier than her sixty fifth birthday.

Guess what. She’s able to do it once more subsequent yr!

Ms. Solis Ramirez mentioned 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 girls; the youngest was a 21-year-old man. She mentioned that her teammates accepted and cheered for her, and her trainers advised her, “Belief us. We all know you are able to do this.”

She received our group over together with her humble and unassuming nature, and we teared up when she described how she was so crammed with 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 friends at Xcaret each Could. (Examine 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. For those who can’t make it then, there are various different causes to trip right here any time of the yr.

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 desirous about the attractive new butterflies we let loose. Overcoming concern, 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 stay the Mexican traditions, colours and flavors of this superb 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 method. 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 evening present is the cherry on high a day spent at Xcaret. The gourmand meal (an added charge) is great. The thrilling present features a demonstration of the traditional ball sport of pelote with fire-lit balls. Get pleasure from 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.