The canoe crossing in May Cozumel and Xcaret Sacred Mayan Crossing, and it’s a reenactment of an ancient Mayan pilgrimage. Here’s some history:
- The Mayan Practice: It represented a spiritual journey to the Mayan people. They paddled from the mainland to Cozumel to honor Ixchel, the goddess of fertility, love, and medicine.
- The Modern Event: This reenactment takes place in May or June every year. Participants wear traditional clothing and travel in handcrafted canoes similar to those used by the Maya.
- The Ceremony: It’s a two-day event that starts with rituals and ceremonies on the mainland. The canoes then depart for Cozumel, where offerings are made to Ixchel. Finally, they return to the mainland, carrying symbolic messages from the goddess.
The Sacred Mayan Crossing:
- Purpose: It honors Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of fertility, love, medicine, and the moon.
- Event: It’s a two-day event held annually in May. Participants wear traditional clothing and travel in handcrafted canoes similar to those used by the Maya.
- The Journey: The crossing starts with rituals and ceremonies on the mainland, followed by a canoe trip to Cozumel, a sacred island for the Maya. Once in Cozumel, offerings are made to Ixchel. Finally, the participants return to the mainland, carrying symbolic messages from the goddess.
Ixchel and the Crossing:
- Importance: Ixchel was a very important deity for the Maya. They believed she held power over fertility, childbirth, medicine, and the cycles of the moon (including tides).
- The Pilgrimage: The crossing reenacts the journey the Maya undertook to appease Ixchel and seek her blessings for good harvests, healthy families, and safe journeys at sea.
- So, the Sacred Mayan Crossing is a positive and celebratory event, not a fearful one. It’s a way for people to connect with their Mayan heritage and honor the goddess Ixchel.
If you’re interested in learning more about the specific dates or how to watch the event, I can provide the exact details since it happens in May. But I can recommend searching for “Sacred Mayan Crossing 2024”
More on YouTube @cindyeverythingcozumel
