Sacred Mayan Journey

SACRED MAYAN JOURNEY From May 19th to 21st, 2011

The voyage will be done in traditional Mayan canoes starting in Polé, today Xcaret, towards the island of Cozumel, as well as the return from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen (former Xamanhá part).

25 handmade canoes are prepared on the old traditional Mayan model, and 300 rowers from the communities of Xcaret, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen are trained for their navigation. The Sacred Mayan Journey involves approximately 50 kilometers (total return), representing 6 to 7 hours of free paddling each way in the Cozumel Channel, which is 420 meters deep with a current from south to north 2 to 4 knots, adding to the crossing a level of risk and great physical effort for the rowers.

The project of the Sacred Mayan Journey was founded with the purpose of recovering one of the most significant traditions of the ancient Mayan people of the region: the ritual journey of the Cozumel Channel to worship the Ix Chel. Goddess. This event began in 2007 to revive interest in the Mayan culture and strengthen the cultural identity of people of the area.

To find out more visit: http://www.xcaret.com/sitios/sacred_mayan_journey/home.html

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Source: http://www.islacozumel.com.mx/play/event-calendar/