AND XCARET DOES IT AGAIN!
The immense nature park in the Riviera Maya is famous not only for its endless activities and gorgeous atmosphere, but also for its one-of-a-kind cultural events that highlight Mexico's colorful traditions. This week was the TravesÃa Sagrada Maya ("Sacred Mayan Journey"), where over 30 canoes rowed from sister park Xel-Ha all the way to Cozumel. But I'll be honest, my favorite part of the 3-day event was the inaugural festival at Xcaret park on Thursday evening.
The night started at 6 pm with Xcaret's interactive Mayan market, set up around the park's Mayan ruins. As I entered the market, the area was already packed hundreds of attendees dressed all in white (the norm for most Xcaret events). Several booths offered cacao services: guests could purchase cacao beans, which they would then exchange for artisanal products, vegetables, fruits and handmade jewelry from the Mayan vendors.
Meanwhile, performers in simple white Mayan linens danced their rituals right in the middle of the market, drawing spectators to whip out their camera phones to document the experience.
At sunset, the crowd made its way through jungle paths lined with torches until we reached one of Xcaret's inlets, where a sea of people sat in bleachers and on the beach in preparation for the nighttime show. Mayan shamans chanted their blessings on the next day's Sacred Mayan Journey and cleansed the area with copal smoke, while children and women in beautifully crafted Mayan costumes danced on the beach and on the coastal stage. Mayan warriors spun and did acrobatics right by the water, while painted drummers accompanied it all with their song. Lasting about an hour, the show managed to captivate the audience with every new dance and ritual in a truly spectacular setting that was lit by the bright full moon.
Thank you Xcaret for "wow"ing us all once again!