Amstar dmc not only offers the best in Cancun airport transfers and top Riviera Maya excursions, we also bring you closer to the myriad of wonderful cultural activities the region has to offer. Here, Amstar’s destination manager in Cozumel shares his appreciation of the Travesia Sagrada Maya, or Sacred Maya Journey.
Cozumel Island is truly a place planned in heaven. This island is home to the archaeological site of San Gervasio, where the Maya went to pray to the fertility goddess Ixchel, and a beautiful destination for a family event. Every year during the month of May, hundreds of people make a traditional pilgrimage to this site, a sacred Maya journey: La Travesía Sagrada Maya.
Our Maya ancestors prayed to the moon goddess Ixchel for wisdom in form of a sacred message, and for fertility in women or in the land. They made an amazing crossing from Xcaret, which was then a market port and city called Polé, or from the Maya city of Tulum all the way to Cozumel. Nowadays, many canoes depart from these very places to arrive in Cozumel around midday, honoring the ancient tradition of this sacred Maya journey.
This year, they embarked at Xel-Ha and after several hours in the sea, reached the eco-park of Chankanaab. Once in the island they performed beautiful offerings to the goddess, purification rituals, folklore dances, and other activities dedicated to recalling our ancestors and their traditions. A wonderful family event ideal for local and foreign visitors.
The next day, the pilgrims departed once more, now carrying a message from the goddess Ixchel, to continue this sacred Maya journey and return to land, arriving at Xcaret.
Today, the Travesía Sagrada Maya of 2013 is over, but you can come over next year and be part of this living history! Bring your kids, who will love the many activities they will encounter in both the island and the beautiful water parks of Xel-Ha and Xcaret. You can all swim in crystal-clear waters, play in the smooth ocean waves, learn about our culture, and maybe even interact with marine animals, such as dolphins, manatees, or sea lions!
Featured post photo by Xichen Tours
