Mexican Caribbean & Yucatan News

Gran Museo Maya de Chichen Itza now open

Chichen Itza has a new site museum. The Gran Museo Maya de Chichen Itza is a fascinating introduction to the history, architectural styles and power of this Maya metropolis. Exhibits include ceramics, stone carvings and offerings found during excavations of the ancient city and there are also replicas of some of its most famous treasures which are on display in the Regional Anthropology and History Museum in Merida.

Memorable May events

Celebrated in late May in the Riviera Maya, the Travesia Sagrada Maya, Sacred Mayan Journey is the reenactment of an ancient Mayan pilgrimage in a fleet of wooden canoes to the sacred island of Cozumel to worship at the shrine of the goddess Ixchel. Around 300 oarsmen board the canoes, setting off at dawn from Xcaret with the blessing of Mayan priests, the ruler and villagers dressed as the ancient inhabitants of the port of Pole.

Whale shark season starts in June

From June to September, you’ll be able to have your own face-to-face encounter with the largest fish in the sea, the whale shark, true gentle giants.

Normally solitary, during the summer, whale sharks gather in large numbers to feed in the Gulf of Mexico between Holbox and Cabo Catoche and in the Mexican Caribbean to the east of Isla Mujeres and Contoy. As many as 400 have been spotted on one day, the largest whale shark gathering in the world.

Soaring temperatures cause plankton blooms on the ocean surface and the filter feeding whale sharks lap up this nutrient-rich soup. Whale shark researchers working in the area have also discovered that the whale shark is partial to fish eggs, and it is the bonito or little tunny spawning season in the summer.

Ask your Concierge about eco trips to see the whale sharks.

Summer opening for Ichkabal archaeological site in southern Quintana Roo

Located near Bacalar Lagoon in southern Quintana Roo, Ichkabal archaeological site is set to open in August. The ancient city dates from the pre-Classic period (400 BC) and was still inhabited in the Late post-Classic period (AD 1500).

Four buildings, including a large temple pyramid, have been excavated and restored so far and there are many more still in the dense jungle undergrowth.

Ichkabal means “between the lowlands” in Maya.

Source: INAH

El Meco archaeological site to open this summer after restoration work

El Meco archaeological site near Punta Sam is currently being excavated and additional buildings restored. It will reopen in the summer.

In other Maya World news, restoration has been underway at the Tulum archaeological site, with special attention being paid to the Descending God or Diving God sculptures on the facades of seven of the temples. The entrance to the site has been renovated, with improved visitor facilities and a site museum to open this year. It forms part of the Jaguar National Park, which will have beach access and a new viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the coast.

Also coming this year, a site museum at Kabah archaeological site, and there are new clusters of restored buildings to visit in Chichen Itza, Uxmal, the Izamal area and in Kohunlich in southern Quintana Roo, among others.

Xcaret Mexican Folk Art Fair to take place, September 19-22

If you are interested in the variety, colors, creativity and traditions associated with the fascinating world of Mexican folk art, you won’t want to miss the Feria Xcaret de Arte Popular Mexicano, September 19 to 22 in Xcaret Park’s Henequen Hacienda.

You will have the opportunity to see 140 gifted Mexican craftsmen and women from all over the country, watch them work, learn about their techniques and purchase the art that they produce.

These artisans, some experienced, others up-and-coming, will also be competing for prizes in the categories of ceramics, textiles, wood and miscellaneous crafts.

There will be live Mexican music and traditional Mexican food during the fair, lectures by Mexican folk art experts and even catwalks to show the impact that traditional Mexican designs, colors and garments have in the fashion world.

Source: Xcaret