Mysterious Collapse of Sacred Ceiba Tree in Xocén, Yucatan_UNIFORM

A towering ceiba tree, standing over 30 meters tall, has mysteriously collapsed into a cenote in the Mayan community of Xocén, Yucatan. This cenote, an underground spring, is considered the "center of the world" in local cosmology. Indigenous priests and Mexican officials are now investigating the strange event.

Last week, residents of the Valladolid municipality in southeastern Mexico were startled by thunder-like noises. On investigation, they discovered a massive hole where the tree once stood, caused by the collapse of a cenote vault. One local resident, Luis Emanuel Ku Ku, described the event as sudden and alarming. "It sounded like rain was coming. My mom and I went out to see what was happening, and we heard the well collapse. We thought everything was going to fall, and we were about to retreat when we heard the second sound and saw that the tree was completely gone," he said.

The cenote is over 30 meters deep. However, due to the fallen soil and branches from the ceiba tree, the water has become extremely murky, reducing visibility significantly.

Xocén, while a part of the Valladolid municipality, is governed by its own customs and has its own elected authorities. These officials are chosen by the 13 Mayan sergeants, who are the guardians of a sanctuary of the Speaking Cross. This sanctuary has strict rules, including a prohibition on photographs and videos. The mayor explained, "Valladolid has 38 commissions and Xocén is one of the few that is governed by customs. It has a municipal commissioner, a communal commissioner, and still maintains a structure called a sergeant."