The sixteenth edition of the Sacred Mayan Journey is scheduled to take place in the Riviera Maya. The event, steeped in ancient Mayan culture and illuminated by torchlight, aims to revive the ancestral spirit of the region's indigenous peoples.
The event will take place on the 17th and 18th of May at the renowned Xcaret ecotourism park. This year's theme is "Water Sorcerers," a nod to the legends found in sacred Mayan texts that recount the pilgrimage of the Itzaes through the Quintana Roo region.
The organizers have revealed that 312 canoeists, including 16 courageous female helmsmen and two second helmsmen, will participate. The participants will cover the 62-kilometer maritime route from Playa del Carmen to the island of Cozumel. To ensure the safety of the participants, the Navy will deploy a Defender-type vessel and an interceptor, with additional support from the Port Authority in both Playa del Carmen and Cozumel.
Access to the event will be ticketed, with provisions made for the local community and the families of the canoeists. On the first day, free tickets will allow entrance from 04:15 to 05:15 in the morning, just before the canoes set off from Playas bay. Upon arrival in Chankanaab in Cozumel, entrance will be free for island residents who have pre-registered. For the general public, ticket prices range from 236 pesos for Quintana Roo residents to 460 pesos for visitors. The canoeists are expected to arrive at Xcaret on May 18, with attendees allowed entry from 08:30 to 12:30.
Ticket prices for the Xcaret park vary from 699 pesos for the basic plan to 1,549.99 for the Xcaret Plus plan, with a 50% discount for minors. This year, the Sacred Journey aims not only to celebrate the epic journey of the ancient Mayas, but also to showcase the enduring culture, art, and spirituality of a people whose wisdom continues to resonate through time.
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