The Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau is kicking off the 8th annual Sacred Mayan Journey this May. This Xcaret-organized event is a recreation of the ritual pilgrimage undertaken by the ancient Maya who would cross the Caribbean Sea from Cancun to Cozumel in order to worship Ixchel, the goddess of fertility.
Thirty-five canoes carrying 350 oarsmen and women will depart from ancient Pole, now known as Xcaret, and travel 17 miles to Kuzamil, present day Cozumel. Once they disembark in Chankannab Park in Cozumel, the islanders will welcome the oarsmen with ceremonial dances and music. At night, they will visit the sanctuary and present offerings to Ixchel in the form of fruit, corn and copal.
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Tourists who visit Cancun during this time will be there to cheer on the rowers, and will be able to visit a Mayan pre-Hispanic interactive market and be fully immersed in Mayan lore and culture.
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