Sacred Mayan Voyage, June 1, 2008

[John]

I attended the arrival of the canoes, ending this year's sacred Mayan Voyage and fertility ceremony from Xcaret to Mamitas Beach, by way of Cozumel. Unfortunately, due to the rough water, only 3 of the (30?) canoes made it to Cozumel this year. The canoes we saw arriving were coming from the South, probably launched from Xcaret yesterday morning, to make it a bit safer for the passengers. The Mayans of the past would probably scoff at everyone for re-routing the canoes due to inclimate weather, but such is the way of progress.

I would have posted this yesterday, but as Libby said elsewhere, things were wonky with our internet connection and/or YouTube yesterday. Sorry for the delay.

YouTube - Sacred Mayan Voyage 2008

Beach shots showing the rough waves:



The arrival area on Mamitas Beach, taken from the North:


Mayan families and the video crew:





The first canoe arrives:




The crowd of spectators:



Some canoers were not so lucky, and had to finish along the beach:



The women await the arrival of more canoes:



I did not stay through the rain to see the fertility ceremony. Maybe Marissa can share her photos - hint, hint.

[SUNBABY]

Thanks John...that was really cool. Does it mean you are really fertil for just watching and being at the ceremony???

[Michele]

I was so disappointed to miss this event. Thanks for the great photos. It's on the list for next year!!!

[Libby]

Originally Posted by SUNBABY

Thanks John...that was really cool. Does it mean you are really fertil for just watching and being at the ceremony???

Well, there's a reason I didn't attend this event! According to one of the rowers I know, a seemingly high percentage of last year's rowers were with child by this year's event!

Seriously, though, I think the fertility thing is more about abundance -- abundance of good weather, crops, prosperity, and of course healthy babies.

We did not attend the ceremonies at Xcaret on Saturday night, which started at midnight and went til 6am! But I found a video of last year's ceremony on YouTube. Actually, there are 4 parts. I haven't had time to watch all of it, but it looks interesting.

YouTube - Travesia Sagrada maya

YouTube - Travesia Sagrada Maya Parte 2

YouTube - Travesia Sagrada Maya parte 3

YouTube - Travesia Sagrada Maya 4

[marissab]

John
My pictures of the final ceremony are not anywhere worth sharing. Too many heads in from of my lense... But it was so interesting to watch. And I am glad I stayed thru the entire event.


Sure hope Libby's idea of abundance is correct...not just fertility! I could use more abundance in my life.

[PlayaLove]

John and Libbly thanks so much for sharing the video and wonderful pictures wish we could be there. Maybe next year. Well done.

[Coccinelle]

Thanks so much for sharing this event. I had no idea that this was an annual happening. heck...I had no idea.

I love this forum!

Thanks John...thanks Libby.

[marissab]

A friend, one of the paddlers, told me alittle about the journey.

On saturday morning the water was so rough that most boats did not make it to cozumel. Everyone was rescued when their boats flipped in the waves. They were then either taken back to XelHal or could continue on to Cozumel where the rescue boat put them back in their canoes one mile from Cozumel so they could paddle into Cozumel.

Sunday the water was worse. Most everyone started out again. Most paddled up the shoreline from XelHa but only 3 made it into shore. He said it was the worst water he'd seen since Ivan came close but did not hit PDC.

He will send me pictures if ya'll would like me to post them.

I still find it all very interesting.

[JoanieBlon]

Originally Posted by marissab

A friend, one of the paddlers, told me alittle about the journey.

On saturday morning the water was so rough that most boats did not make it to cozumel. Everyone was rescued when their boats flipped in the waves. They were then either taken back to XelHal or could continue on to Cozumel where the rescue boat put them back in their canoes one mile from Cozumel so they could paddle into Cozumel.

Sunday the water was worse. Most everyone started out again. Most paddled up the shoreline from XelHa but only 3 made it into shore. He said it was the worst water he'd seen since Ivan came close but did not hit PDC.

He will send me pictures if ya'll would like me to post them.

I still find it all very interesting.

Mike and I were in Playa from Thursday until Monday afternoon and the weather and wind were EXTREME on Saturday & Sunday ~ in fact ~ on Sunday, around noon, it was so rough that the Mexican Navy boat on patrol near the pier almost capsized! We didn't head down to Mamitas, as we thought that the event must have surely been postponed. Maybe we'll be fortunate enough to catch the event some other time. Thanks for posting the photos and videos.

[MsRubio]

Thanks John and Libby....I never knew they did this every year...very cool!

[lovbuds]

That is so interesting ... I've never heard anything about it before ... it would be really neat to attend the ceremonies sometime. Thanks John and Libby!

[TAPPY]

Wow - thanks for posting.
I know the seas were stil very rough when we got in last week.'

[Beachnutt]

Really awesome. Thanks for posting. I would love to be there to see that in person. Maybe next year.