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| The Journey begins at dawn (photos: Michelle Richmond) |
It’s 4:30 a.m. in this ancient port of Ppolé (modern-day Xcaret on the Riviera Maya, Mexico) and as I trudge through the pelting rain I can’t help but question my sanity as I’m led to the “Sacred Maya Journey” (Travesía Sagrada Maya), following the path embarked upon by the mighty Maya eons ago.
Around me, my companions are silent except for the occasional curses being muttered by one of the photographers as he tries to shelter his expensive camera from the elements. Between the pelting rain, his colorful expletives and the crackle of plastic poncho covering my ears, I try to find some humor in his colorful rant. I’m just as miserable as he is.
For more than a 1000 years, people from all over the Maya world made the 17-mile canoe trip from this important trading center to the island of Cuzamil (Maya word for “swallow”) to pay homage to Ixchel, goddess of the moon, childbirth and medicine. Their pilgrimage began with a marketplace (Kii’Wik) where objects were traded and offered to the goddess. The currency they used – the cocoa bean – was considered “food of the gods.”
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| Kii’Wik recreates ancient markets |
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| Masquerading as “Death” |
When night fell, a local shaman staged a colorful purification ceremony by the sea devoted Ixchel. People young and old participated and it was definitely “fiesta time” in the Maya world.
Now, as we near the beach in the early light, I can sense the excitement as the wail of the conch draws us closer and the pungent odor of copal incense reaches us. The pounding of the surf and the dark menacing clouds rolling in do nothing to dampen my enthusiasm of being a part of this mystical celebration.
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| Maya youth prepare for the “fiesta“ |
Around 5:30 a.m. the canoeros (rowers) clad largely in traditional white Maya garments emerge in a torch-lit procession. As a loud roar bursts from the crowd, some 300 men and women who have trained for six months – both physically and spiritually for this journey – climb into the 28 waiting canoes.
The Journey Begins
After a final blessing from the shaman and the release of dozens of colorful macaws, they head off to sea, accompanied by dolphins – seemingly appearing out of nowhere – along with two Mexican Navy vessels and a host of private boats – including the one I am sailing in. We accompany them for about an hour, and then bidding them Godspeed with a flourish of hand gestures and shouts, we head back to shore.
The next day, at 5:30 a.m., the canoeros bid farewell to Cozumel and make the return crossing to the mainland at Playa del Carmen, where they are greeted with yet more fanfare.
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| Local chieftan welcomes us |
This looks incredible! I'm definitely not an early riser, but some of the best experiences I've had while traveling have required getting up very early. I love your photos!
I don't like getting up that early, either but this was definitely worth the experience. Thanks so much for checking in.
I would have loved to be at this event in person. Thanks for taking me along! More wonderful ideas about the area, http://travelswithcarole.blogspot.com/search/label/Riviera%20Maya
My pleasure. I'll check your site out…thank you!
Fascinating post, Michelle. Thanks for sharing your journey~
It was my pleasure. You should try to do it sometime. It's definitely a memorable experience.