Paddling to Cozumel: Sacred Mayan Journey

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. Luckily 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 relationship to 1250 to 1519 A.D. Students say it’s a method to honor and worship Ixchel, goddess of the moon, tides, fertility, delivery and drugs. Ixchel’s temple was stated 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. Immediately, 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 data led to the timing of the annual occasion in the course of 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 Sort 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 have been greeted by music, tribal drumming and chanting, burning torches, and native dances by teams of younger ladies and babies.

Additionally on the seashore have been the households and mates of the oarsmen. Extra conventional Mayan wood canoes have 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 following day noticed a good bigger crowd collect on the seashore anticipating the return of their relations and mates. The temper was celebratory, however some have been anxious to see their family members once more and to listen to how they fared.

Extra music and dances have been carried out, indicators and banners waved, and trays of fruit have 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 have been welcoming them.

It was such a shifting 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 is determined by 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 a purpose 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 folks, largely Mexican however some worldwide individuals as nicely, signed up for this outstanding 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, 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 “really 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 secure return to the mainland, we have 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 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 quickly re-locate with a purpose 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 informed her, “Belief us. We all know you are able to do this.”

She gained our group over along with her humble and unassuming nature, and we teared up when she described how she was so stuffed with emotion.

Visiting Xcaret

Xcaret Park is a cultural nature park combining animal and pure components with a concentrate on Mexican tradition.

Observing the Sacred Mayan Journey is open to all visitors 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. In case you 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, in fact, was witnessing the Sacred Journey. I’m not a lot of a swimmer so it was very highly effective. I smile whereas fascinated about the attractive new butterflies we let loose. 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 stay the Mexican traditions, colours and flavors of this superb tradition. Your entrance consists of 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 manner. You grind cacao beans by hand, pulverizing them with seasonings comparable 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 high a day spent at Xcaret. The connoisseur meal (an added charge) 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 folks 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 lovely Mexico.