WHY IT RATES: Culture enthusiasts can share in a recreation of an ancient pre-Hispanic tradition at Hotel Xcaret Mexico. —Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Senior Writer
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Priding itself on sharing the very best of Mexico’s authentic culture with guests, Hotel Xcaret Mexico invites travelers to experience one of the oldest traditions from the pre-Hispanic era, the Sacred Mayan Journey, from May 17-18, 2019.
The pilgrimage recreates an ancient tradition where canoers, also known as Messengers of the Moon, departed from Xcaret’s Caleta beach to Cozumel to worship the goddess Ixchel. This year, 223 canoers from 14 different countries will participate in the event, on board 38 canoes. The experience is part of the resort’s All-Fun Inclusive offering to guests, which includes complimentary access to the Scared Mayan Experience at Xcaret Park and eight other nature park and tours. Hotel guests who wish to bid farewell to the canoers at dawn will be transported to the park between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. Visitors not staying at the hotel can also attend the event by buying an admission ticket online or at the Park’s ticket booths.
“Our mission at Grupo Xcaret is to preserve our Mexican culture and share it with all those who visit us,” explains said Marcos Constandse, Counselor of the Board and VP of Finance and Business Administration at Grupo Xcaret. “Witnessing the Sacred Mayan Journey takes visitors back in time, allowing them to appreciate one of the most fascinating rituals that dates to Pre-Hispanic times.”
On this nearly 20-mile voyage, the Messengers–dressed in traditional attire—take offerings with them to present to the goddess Ixchel in Cozumel. Upon arriving back to Xcaret Park, a welcome ceremony takes place with traditional dances, prayers and celebration that praise the Messengers’ hard work and dedication.
Visitors can join in on both the farewell and welcome ceremonies, a unique opportunity to immerse with the local culture. The participants, who sign up and train for the mission months in advance, join the Sacred Mayan Journey as an opportunity for internal transformation that tests endurance, character, strength and teamwork skills.
Grupo Xcaret has been at the forefront of sustainable tourism in Mexico for over 25 years, offering family-friendly activities that highlight the best of Mexican nature and culture.
The group is committed to the conservation and dissemination of Mexican folklore through yearly events such as the Sacred Mayan Journey, but also daily activities at Xcaret Park, where visitors can enjoy any day the year shows such as the Papantla Flyers (a ceremony declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO), a choreographed Aztec horse show, and Pre-Hispanic dances at the Mayan Village, a replica of an ancient Mayan City, and most notably a show called “Xcaret Mexico Espectacular”, where more than 300 artists take the audience on a journey of Mexico’s history in a display of traditional dances, enactments of Mexican history, legends and a full jamboree from the different regions of the country.
After the Sacred Mayan Journey, guests can return to Hotel Xcaret Mexico to enjoy the many amenities available.
The 900-suite property is an opulent haven where nature-driven experiences, superior service and the authentic Mexican spirit come to life.
From the 10 distinct restaurants that showcase an array of options including traditional Mexican cuisine to the Muluk Spa that offers ancient treatments with innovative methods, guests can enjoy the best of Mexico’s authentic culture in many more ways at the Resort.
SOURCE: Grupo Xcaret press release.
