“Travesia Sagrada Maya 2012″ - “Sacred Mayan Crossing 2012″ Xcaret Park

Listening to the driving beat of the drum and the haunting call of the conch, you feel the heat of the Yucatan jungle press against your skin as you wipe the flow of sweat from your brow. The sweet dense smoke of the copal incense blows on the breeze as the elder begins to chant and the sun begins to brighten the morning sky. It is time.

The “Travesia Sagrada Maya” or “Sacred Mayan Crossing” is a passage dating back thousands of years in the Yucatan Peninsula, to the time of the ancient Maya civilization. It is a crossing of the sea in canoes, from Xcaret (Ppolé in ancient times) to the island of Cozumel to worship Ixchel, the goddess of fertility, the moon and childbirth. This is an arduous journey of sacrifice and faith and the modern day participants train for months in order to be prepared for the crossing, both physically and spiritually.

2012 marks the fourth year that the event has been recreated at Xcaret Park, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen. More than 300 oarsmen will make the journey and thousands will witness their adventure from land and via the internet. Activities begin on Thursday, May 17th at Xcaret Park with a recreation of the traditional market beginning at 5:45 pm, the inaugural ceremony at 7:30 pm and dances and ceremonies at 7:50.

As dawn breaks on Friday morning, the canoeros will make their way to the shores to begin the crossing to Cozumel, a distance of about 30 kms. Their passage will take approximately 6 1/2 hours of rowing through open water, over ocean waves and powerful currents, all under the hot tropical sun. They will be greeted in Cozumel by a welcoming party and will rest until 8 pm whenThe Oracle of the goddess Ixchel will be consulted and the Fire Ceremony will take place at Chankanaab Park. Saturday May 19 at 5:30 am, the canoeros will bid farewell to Cozumel and make the return crossing to the mainland at Playa del Carmen, landing near the ferry dock and welcomed back by thousands.

Why recreate this ancient passage? To celebrate cultural identity, to create an educational attraction for local and international tourists and to involve the entire community in an event that builds pride and unity. People of all walks of life, all ages and from many regions come together to celebrate this ode to life and death, strength and endurance, faith and perseverance. The Travesia Sagrada Maya is a vibrant celebration, something for all of us to be proud of! Pleases check the official page for details on the live internet transmission if you cannot join us at Xcaret Park. Be a part of something historical, spiritual and enchanting in 2012, the symbol of the end of an era and the start of a new beginning, the Sacred Mayan Journey marks the celebrations of the Mayan World! All of us at Dtraveller wish the pilgrams a safe and enlightening journey, be strong, be wise and be powerful!

Festival of Life and Death Xcaret

“Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life.  ~John Muir”

Through the jungle paths of Xcaret Park, past the flowing rivers, a flock of wild green parrots fly by the skeletal figure walking alone, squawking their greeting at her pale white face. She approaches an altar and lays a flower down, inhaling the heady aroma of incense and closing her eyes for a thoughtful moment.

This is the “Festival of Life and Death” at Xcaret Park in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. The annual event celebrates “The Day of the Dead”, or “Hanal Pixan” as it is called in the Maya language. October 30 to November 2, families throughout Mexico pay homage to their ancestors with altars, prayer, songs and offerings in an ancient tradition that combines Aztec and Roman Catholic teachings.  “The Day of the Dead” has been recognized by UNESCO as “A Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” since 2008, a true honour and a symbol of the event’s importance. The Mayan culture celebrates “Hanal Pixan”, their own regional version of the “Day of the Dead”.

Visitors to Xcaret Park during the celebrations are invited to a day of history and family, with dance and music, theater and art, colorful altars and traditional foods to savor. The event is a lively family affair, the children’s area is filled with activities  for the young ones, from arts and crafts to games of skill to workshops where they can create a traditional “corrido” song and perform as a group. Face painting stations are set up around the park and everyone is invited to create their own “calavera” (”skull”) look. Altars are built along the paths,with photos of ancestors, candles, water, salt, marigolds, and food and drink, with elaborate decorations and details. Traditional foods are served, mucbipollo, tamales, and the oh so yummy churros, served with hot chocolate and “atole”.

The festival is a sensory pleasure, the sights and sounds, the aromas and flavours, history and tradition come alive through the experience. The “Festival of Life and Death” runs October 30- November 2nd starting at 4 pm each day, located at Xcaret Park in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Take a moment to remember those who have passed, with a smile and a toast to their happiness. This is a time to rejoice in life and death and the beautiful mysteries of our world and the ones beyond.

Xel-Ha Chacah Garden 5th Anniversary

Xel-Ha Park is well known to Riviera Maya travelers, it’s one of the top tour choices in the region for its beautiful lagoons teeming with tropical fish and the natural jungle setting. Families visit to enjoy a little snorkeling, some relaxation and to connect with nature.  What many people may not know is that Xel-Ha is not just another theme park, it is a place committed to sustainable tourism and the conservation of our natural environment.

The Chacah Garden is a representation of this dedication to the eco-system.  Created five years ago, it is a place of tranquility within the park, where visiting celebrities and personalities plant “Chacah” trees and leave a message for all about the importance of caring for our planet.  In a simple ceremony on July 9, 2011, guests Guillermo Ochoa Sr and Guillermo Ochoa Jr, Kristoff, Mauricio Clark y Fernando del Rincón were invited to plant a tree and share some words on the importance of conservation.  Local school children from Chemuyil shared their thoughts, asking everyone to plant a tree at special moments in their lives and to be conscious of our effects on the planet.

The Executive Director of Xel-Ha, Elizabeth Lugo Monjarras, stated that more than 9 000 students are invited each year to experience the Xel-Ha environmental education program. “Moreover, Xel-Ha has planted more than 402 000 plants of the region to protect and preserve our ecosystems,” said the executive.

Xel-Ha also provides support to the “Public School Reforestation Program” in Playa del Carmen, in charge of organizing Flora, Fauna and Culture of Mexico. Thanks to this program more than 60 schools in the Riviera Maya have participated in the planting of trees to keep their playgrounds green.

The Executive Director of Xel-Ha added that besides being an entertaining example of sustainable tourism, this is the first natural park in the world certified silver with Green Globe-Earth Check and has one of the most successful waste management programs in Mexico, with 90% recovery of solid waste recycling.

We thank Xel-Ha for their commitment to the planet and to being an ecologically and socially responsible company.  Their dedication demonstrates the great possibilities that exist in sustainable tourism, creating an entertaining environment that will be enjoyed by many future generations. Please visit the Chacah Garden on your next Xel-Ha trip and be sure to take the childrens’ message to heart.  Plant a tree, save the planet, feel the joy of giving back to our earth!

Whale Shark Festival 2011- Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Every year between May and September, the whale sharks gather off the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula to enjoy the warm waters rich in their favourite foods.  Whale sharks are the largest fish in the sea, reaching lengths of up to 12 meters or more and weighing up to 36 tonnes!  Hundreds of whale sharks congregating in one area is extremely unusual, it’s a unique opportunity for visitors to Cancun and the Riviera Maya to experience swimming alongside these magnificent creatures.

The small island of Isla Mujeres is home to the “Whale Shark Festival”, an annual celebration of the “dominoes” as they are lovingly called for their spotted skin.  2011 marks the fourth annual festival, featuring local cuisine, art, dance and of course the chance to snorkel with the whale sharks and on the reefs surrounding the island.  The festival prides itself on creating awareness of sustainable tourism and the need to protect and conserve our oceans and the life beneath the surface.

Apart from the fun of sampling great food and enjoying the underwater world, the Whale Shark Festival brings an opportunity to hear presentations from experts in marine biology, the ecosystem and Mayan culture.  This year the esteemed biologist Rafael de la Parra of “Project Domino” presents his study “An Unprecedented Aggregation of Whale Sharks, Rhincodon typus, in Mexican Coastal Waters of the Caribbean Sea.”   Other speakers include Dr. Robert Hueter, Director of the Center for Shark Research, Mote Marine Laboratory,biologist Beatriz Galvan a researcher for Project Domino, and Alfonso Morales, Mayan Archaeologist.

“Research and education together serve as the backbone for preservation.  We are proud such distinguished speakers will present at the Academic Seminars as part of the Whale Shark Festival,” said John Vater, who co-founded Ceviche Tours with his wife, Adriana, and longtime friend and Isla Mujeres native Luis “Cuco” Refugio and his family.

The Whale Shark Festival 2011 comes to Isla Mujeres July 15-17.  This is a family friendly event with activities for kids of all ages, bring the children to play in paradise and to learn how they can help to protect our oceans and wildlife for the future.

Enjoy our blog “Swimming with Whale Sharks” to read about a first hand experience with these gentle giants and check out our whale shark photos on Flickr. Book your own swim with whale shark tour and immerse yourself in a whole new world!

Mexico Family Vacation: Riviera Maya Escape

“Mommy mommy mommy, look what I can do, look what I can do!”  Splash!  It’s the fourteenth time this morning that my son has shown me his cannon ball skills in the resort pool, and his face still lights up as though it’s the first.  I sip my coffee, give him a “Good job buddy!” and spray a little more sunblock on my shoulders.  It’s early morning on day two of our Riviera Maya family vacation, a break from school and work and a chance for all of us to let loose a little.  (Yes, even living in Cancun we need a vacation sometimes!).  My munchkin suddenly jumps out of the pool and shrieks “Kid’s club!!!!!”  I look up to see the smiling face of the young woman who wrangles, ahem, entertains the younger guests as she approaches.  She greets my son by name and invites him to join the other children in building sand castles and tells me she’ll have him back to me by lunch time.  I turn to ask if he would like to go, but all I see is his dust as he tears off to the beach.  I take that as a yes, lay back in my lounge chair and settle in with the book I’ve been trying to read for months.

Lunch time rolls around and my five year old beach bum returns, covered in sand from head to foot and full of stories about the kids he has met and the fun he has had.  We rinse off in the outdoor shower and make our way to the pool-side buffet.  (All inclusive is a parent’s dream, always something that even the pickiest kids will eat!)  We fill our plates, chow down and energize ourselves for the afternoon adventures.  Sated and refreshed, we take a stroll through the gardens, greeting the iguanas, smelling the flowers and not missing cartoons or video games one little bit.  The afternoon is spent running between the beach and the pool, playing soccer and frisbee and discovering how to cannon ball for maximum splash.  The sounds of the waves and the laughter of kids, the smell of coconut sunblock, the taste of fresh mango juice and tangy guacamole, the warmth of the sun on the skin, these are the sensations of paradise.

The rest of our vacation is divided between frenzied activity and complete relaxation.  There is so much to do in the Riviera Maya, particularly with kids!  We spend a day at Xcaret, exploring the underground river, oohing and aahing in the aquarium and learning about the Mayan and Mexican cultures.  We spend a few mornings snorkeling, following fishies and getting very pruney fingers.  One day we enjoy an amazing experience swimming with dolphins in Puerto Aventuras (perhaps my son’s favourite part of our vacation).  Since five year olds are not into “chillaxing”, the kids’ club is a treat, he does arts and crafts and a million other activities while my better half and I recharge in our lounge chairs.  It’s really the ideal combination, time together to reconnect as a family and time apart to savor in our own way.  We enjoy meeting and hanging out with families from all over the world and all agree, the Riviera Maya is the ideal place for a family vacation of sun, sea and sand.

The Riviera Maya is located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, set on the Caribbean Sea.  With year round tropical temperatures, it’s a hot destination for a family winter break escape.  There are many Riviera Maya resorts to choose from, something for every taste and budget.  Activities in the area include the famous Mayan ruins, some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world on the Meso-American reef, swimming with dolphins, adrenaline-fueled day trips with zip lines, rappeling and ATV’s, eco-parks, cenotes and much much more.  Visitors can fill each day with excitement or simply lounge around the resort enjoying the world-class service of the friendly Mexican people.  Enjoy your family vacation in Mexico and the memories you’ll have for years to come!  Dtraveller and Cancun Travel are locally based companies, experts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, we look forward to assisting with your Riviera Maya family vacation plans!

Love is in the Air- Romance in Cancun

February 14th, a date which inspires great visions of candle light dinners, dewy red roses and faces lit up with joy in reaction to the perfect romantic gift (diamonds anyone?).  Sadly, the reality is often a rushed dinner with the kids throwing nuggets, wilting convenience store flowers and a forced smile as the stuffed teddy bear holding a heart is pulled from the cellophane with the price tag still on.  Why not shake things up this year, start the new decade off right with a magical, spur of the moment jaunt to Cancun with that special someone?

Finding the right hotel for romance is your top priority.  When I am dreaming of a romantic escape, my thoughts turn to the Bel Air Collection in Cancun.  This hip boutique hotel was made for lovers, with sweet details such as private dinners on the beach, couples spa treatments and jacuzzi-suites.  The staff will go out of their way to make your stay extra-special, decorating your room with rose petals, candles and drawing a heavenly scented bubble bath for two or arranging moonlight couples massages on the beach.  Stroll hand in hand down the gorgeous stretch of sand, enjoy a cool glass of champagne by the pool and simply enjoy being with the one you love on a worry-free romantic getaway.

For couples looking for something a little spicier, Temptation Resort and Spa in Cancun will definitely heat up your Valentine’s.   This unique adults-only hotel offers a sensual concept for open-minded couples, with “risque” pool-side games and wild nights in their onsite night club, “Nice Shoes”.  The all-inclusive resort offers deluxe and jacuzzi suites, a variety of dining options and a white sandy beach on the Bay of Mujeres.  A stay at Temptation is sure to light a spark in your love life, add some sizzle to your romance and will certainly be a couples’ vacation you’ll never forget.

This is a romantic vacation and some may not want to leave the suite (wink wink, nudge nudge), but couples with a sense of adventure will find plenty of activities that are ideal for sharing with the better half.  The Lobster Dinner Cruise Cancun is the only “romance” tour in Cancun.  Enjoy a leisurely sail on a wooden galleon, sun setting over the lagoon, stars above, live jazz and a delicious surf and turf dinner.   Garrafon Park on the small island of Isla Mujeres is a great place for a couples day trip, spectacular views of the Caribbean, relaxing hammock gardens, infinity pool on the sea and zip lines, kayaks and snorkeling for the adventurous soul.  Treat your love to the experience of a lifetime with a swim with dolphin program with Dolphin Discovery (though beware, those dolphins are known to kiss even the married ladies!)  Add an extreme adventure to your trip with the adrenaline-filled fun at Hidden Worlds Park.  Ride horses on the beach, snorkel the reef teeming with sea life, or discover history and culture through the Mayan ruins, or do nothing but gaze into each other’s eyes, the possibilities are endless in the Mexican Caribbean.

The most important thing you’ll do on your romantic Cancun vacation is spend quality time with that special person.  No phones ringing, no kids calling your name, no dishes to wash, no laundry to fold.  The time is yours and honey’s alone, leave your worries at home and the smartphones off, “disconnect to reconnect” and return home refreshed, rejuvenated and more in love than when you left.  Trust me men, a surprise trip to Cancun for Valentine’s Day is going to make up for all those forgotten years and lame last minute purchases, book now (before you forget again) and give her something that you’ll both love!

Top 5 Adventures in the Riviera Maya and Cancun in 2010

Looking back over 2010, I realize that I am incredibly fortunate.  “Work” for me includes visiting some phenomenal places, taking photos and writing about my adventures in the Riviera Maya and Cancun, it doesn’t get much better than that.  As I walk down memory lane, I thought I might bring you along for the ride, a look back at my top 5 adventures of 2010.

1.  Swimming with Whale Sharks

This was definitely number one in my books this year, my whale shark adventure was “off the hook” as the kids say (do they still say that?)  On a perfect day in July, a friend and I headed out to the area between Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy to meet the biggest animals in the sea.  Surrounded by about 200 of these incredible creatures, everywhere we turned we came face to face with gentle domino giants, it seemed too good to be true, a surreal moment in time.  There are very few places in the world where the whale sharks congregate with regularity and in such large numbers, the annual appearance near Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula make this a “must do” experience for anyone travelling to this region between May and September.

2.  Visits to the Mayan Ruins

2010 included a few historical adventures for me.  It’s difficult to pick just one Mayan ruins site as a highlight, so I will “cheat” and put them all under one heading.  Of course everyone knows Chichen Itza, one of the “new” seven wonders of the world, its importance in history and its incredible architecture make it a vital part of a visit to the Yucatan.  I was thrilled to be able to bring my  young son for the first time (he loved shocking the tour guide with a few phrases in Maya).  I visited the Tulum ruins a couple of times this year too, the beautiful site set on a cliff on the Caribbean Sea always brings me peace.  If I must pick a fave for 2010, I’ll have to go with Coba.  It was my first time there and it really knocked my socks off!  Climbing the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan and seeing the world spread out below was an unforgettable experience.

3.  Scuba Diving with Dolphins in Cozumel

My first home in Mexico was Cozumel, I always love returning to this island paradise.  This year I had the opportunity to visit the island, explore Chankanaab Park and don the tank and mask for a unique underwater experience.  I’ve swum with dolphins many times, I always enjoy the experience but this was extra special.  Playing with “Titan” the dolphin in his undersea home was an honour and a privilege, seeing him dance, gettting a kiss and hearing him sing put a smile on my face for days.

4.  Eco-parks in Cancun & the Riviera Maya

Ok, I am cheating again, going to put a few items under one heading (this whole top 5 thing is too hard!).  There are several “eco-adventure” parks in the Riviera Maya, places to enjoy nature, discover history and culture and get an adrenaline fix all in one day.  Xplor Park is one of the newest in the region and this year my co-workers and I had an absolute blast zooming down the zip lines, discovering the underground rivers and cruising through the jungles and caves in the amphibious vehicles. To fulfill my need for snorkeling (yes, it is a need), Xel Ha fit the bill, a luscious lagoon teeming with undersea life.  I made the trip to Xcaret a few times this year, always fantastic, the highlight being the “Festival de Vida y Muerte” (”Festival of Life and Death”) celebrating the Day of the Dead.

5.  Cenotes, cenotes, cenotes

The limestone “sinkholes” (isn’t “cenote” a much nicer word?) of the Riviera Maya call to me almost every weekend.  When I ask my son what he would like to do, “Cenote!!!!” is generally his first answer (followed closely by “Beach!” or “Zip lines!”).  Set in the jungle, cenotes can be dry but are usually filled with crystal clear waters, perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day.  Some are “open” cenotes while others are only found by entering a small hole in the earth, descending to the underground world and discovering stalactites and stalagmites that are millions of years old.  I’ve lost track of how many cenotes we visited this year, we loved Gran Cenote, Cenote Cristallino, and Cenote Azul among others, I absolutely recommend a cenote experience to visitors.

There you have it, my top 5 (ahem) adventures in Cancun and the Riviera Maya in 2010.  This was a difficult task for me, I have had so many awesome experiences this year that narrowing it down to five was a chore.  If I had listed them all, it would have filled a book rather than a blog post.  I am grateful for the opportunities and look forward to what 2011 will bring, can’t wait to share the adventures with you all!

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year, may 2011 be filled with new experiences, adventure and laughs!  All the best from all of us at Dtraveller.com.

Chichen Itza: A Sensational Trip Back in Time

Chichen Itza (or “Chicken Pizza” as it is sometimes lovingly called) really needs no introduction, it’s one of the most well-known Mayan ruin sites on the planet and was recently named one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World”.  Chichen Itza is an extremely popular site for tourists, not only for its beauty and historical significance, but for its accessible location in the state of Yucatan. A few short hours on a bus and travellers are taken back in time to an ancient city full of mystery.

The facts and figures and historical details about the architecture and culture are fascinating,   The evidence of the astronomical and mathematical knowledge of this ancient civilization is astounding.  This enormous city was built with such precision and such attention to detail, all with only the most primitive of tools and a lot of back-breaking labour, without the use of the wheel.  The carvings and artifacts discovered at Chichen Itza and other Mayan ruins show an advanced civilization with powerful beliefs not only in science but in mythology as well.  The stories are rich and reveal much about the culture, but mysteries still abound.

I could write all day about the intricacies of this building or that carving or the significance of the angles of the structures, but I would rather appeal to your senses.  A visit to Chichen Itza is not just an educational experience (though it certainly is that).  Most tourists won’t remember the dates or mathematical calculations that went into building the pyramid, but the sensations and emotions of the visit will last a lifetime.

After a couple of hours on a bus, you descend the steps and are immediately struck by a feeling that the air is “different”.  A little sticky, it’s humid in the Yucatan, but with a freshness that can only be found in the jungle.  No pollution, no exhaust from thousands of cars, just pure air with the scent of the lush jungle foliage.  You see the HUGE towering palm trees with their rough trunks that seem to reach to the sky and you shade your eyes from the sun as you try to see their feather-like tops.  As you approach the entrance to the archaeological zone, you encounter the first evidence that you are in a place of antiquity, the low wall surrounding the site.  For me, this is when my heart skips a beat and my feet start to tingle, I am standing on ground where the ancients once walked and am about to embark on a great adventure.

Suddenly, you hear a loud ROAR!!!!, the cry of a jaguar echoes through the trees!  You panic for a moment until you realize it’s just an artisan with a small toy that can replicate the jaguar’s voice, “10 pesos, cheaper than Walmart”, he says.  You laugh at yourself, smile at the vendor and continue to make your way down the path surrounded by the deep greens of the plants and trees.  Tropical birds twitter and tweet from hidden branches and iguanas scurry through the fallen leaves as you follow the voice of your guide leading you closer to the heart of Chichen Itza.

And then you see it.  You’ve looked at pictures a hundred times, you’ve read the descriptions, watched the videos, but nothing can prepare you for the moment you first lay eyes on the Kukulkan pyramid.  It stops you in your tracks and you take a moment to try to soak it all in, marvelling at its immensity and wondering how on earth it was built with only human hands, no cranes, no bulldozers, just the sweat and dedication of the Mayan people.  As you approach you begin to note details, this is not just an organized pile of rocks, but an elaborate structure of platforms and steps, inlaid carvings of gods and symbols and sculptures of gigantic serpents.  You imagine the rulers and elite climbing the steps to make speeches to the masses below, their voices carrying with the magnificent acoustics of the site.  You slowly turn around, taking in the entire plaza, the endless rows of columns around the Temple of the Warriors, the Platform of Venus, the Platform of Jaguars and Eagles and the infamous Ball Court where the best players were sacrificed to the gods.  Sweat trickles down your neck as the sun beats down, you take a cool drink of water, close your eyes and embrace the moment.  The power of this sacred ground can be felt deep inside, over 1500 years of history vibrate through the earth and stone and becomes a part of you and you of it.  While cameras whir around you, you take a snapshot in your mind, not only of the sights, but of all the sensations  you are experiencing, the smells, the sounds and the emotions of this magical place.  This is a moment trapped in time, one you will likely never forget.

You continue through the site, learning about archaeology, culture and astronomy, trying to digest the wealth of information shared by the guides and the details you see in each building of Chichen Itza.  You imagine 100 000 people bringing the city of Chichen Itza to life, the children attending the immense school and the market bustling with the cries of vendors.  You envision the elaborate rituals and dances performed to please the gods and the sacrifices made to the sacred cenote. You marvel at the scientists’ abilities to track and map the stars long before the advent of the telescope.  You feel a sadness when you think of the Spanish arriving and destroying such a vibrant culture, robbing an entire people of their language, religion and way of life.  You take a million pictures, clowning for the camera or setting up that perfect artistic shot of light and shadow or video-taping the family waving from in front of the observatory.  All of your senses sated, the sights, sounds, aromas and emotions of this magical place fill you, you depart, taking with you a new perspective on the world.

For more images, please see our Chichen Itza photo set on Flickr.  Join our Chichen Itza Mexico page on Facebook and follow our Chichen Itza Twitter account, become a part of our community and share our love for this wonder of the world.

(Photos by Kelly McLaughlin)

Festival of Life and Death at Xcaret

Walking along a  jungle path, the soft beat of drums and the heady aroma of incense and flowers drive you forward.  The sound of the music gets louder, until the beat of your heart matches the beat of the drum and you can hear voices softly singing, though you can’t make out the words.  As you reach the end of the path, you find yourself in the midst of a throng of people, some in brightly coloured clothes bearing wreaths and crosses of the tzempazuchitl flower, others with faces painted like grinning skulls.  A woman dressed as a beautiful skeleton presses a warm cup of atole in your hand and dances away.  You sip the milky nectar, let the exotic sights and sounds and scents wash over you and know that you are part of a very special moment.

This is the “Festival of Life and Death“, an annual celebration honouring the dearly departed.  October 30 to November 2, families throughout Mexico pay homage to their ancestors with altars, prayer, songs and offerings in an ancient tradition that combines Aztec and Roman Catholic teachings.  “The Day of the Dead” has been recognized by UNESCO as “A Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” since 2008, a true honour and a symbol of the event’s importance. The Mayan culture celebrates “Hanal Pixan”, their own regional version of the “Day of the Dead”.  Xcaret Park in the Riviera Maya brings “Hanal Pixan” to life each year, with dance, music, theater, rituals, and educational presentations.  Families from the Yucatan Peninsula gather together at Xcaret with friends and strangers, Mexicans and foreigners, to share their culture and to celebrate life and death.

2010 marks the fifth annual celebration of the “Festival of Life and Death” at Xcaret, in additon to marking the bicentennial of the independence of Mexico and the centennial of the Mexican Revolution.  The event will be extraordinary, an opportunity to discover the rich culture of the Mexican people and to take part in the vibrant festivities.  While rituals and customs vary from region to region, here’s  a quick look at some of the most common elements of “The Day of the Dead”.

Altars-  Traditional altars are built in homes, churches, schools, businesses and cemetaries.  The altars may include photographs of departed loved ones and their favourite treats, candy, special bread called “Pan de Muerto” (”bread of the dead”), candles, flowers, incense, tequila, coffee and tobacco.  The altars are often elaborate, taking up entire rooms and acting as a place of reflection and prayer.

Alfeñique-  The sugary concoction used to create elaborate candy skulls, coffins and skeletons.  The Spanish brought alfeñique to Mexico where the Aztecs embraced it and used it to create offerings on their altars.  Candy skulls are one of the most common elements of the Day of the Dead, you’ll find vendors throughout small villages and in modern times you’ll even find them in Walmart.

Atole- A hot drink made with corn meal and cane sugar, the recipes vary but may include the addition of chocolate or fruit.  It is a traditional drink of the Day of the Dead but it is consumed year round, often as a breakfast drink or something to warm one up on a cool day.

Calacas- Skeleton figures that represent death, though they are usually joyous images rather than somber, wearing brightly coloured clothes and bedecked with flowers.

Calavera- A skull, an iconic symbol of the festival.  “Calaveras” are the songs and poems dedicted to the dead.

Copal- A resin derived from plant or tree sap, used to create the richly scented incense used in Mayan rituals.

Ofrenda-  The offerings made to the dead, usually on the altar or on the graves.

Papel picado- A Mexican folk art using brightly coloured paper with “cut outs” depicting various shapes and icons, usually skeletons for the Day of the Dead.

Tzempazuchitl/cempazuchitl/zempazuchitl- No matter how you spell it, the tzempazuchitl is the golden orange marigold flowers that are an Aztec symbol of death.  The flowers are used to decorate altars and graves, often in the form of a cross.

We invite you to join us in this celebration, a feast for the senses and the soul.  Enjoy the cultural aspects of the festival in addition to the regular activities and attractions at Xcaret like the underground rivers, the aquarium, marine life and snorkeling, a full day and night of adventure awaits.  Visit Xcaret between October 30th and November 2nd  for a life changing experience with the “Festival of Life and Death 2010″.

Xplor Adventure Park Riviera Maya

Xplor adventure park is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, land of lush jungle, hidden underground rivers and ancient mysteries.  Since opening in 2009, Xplor has thrilled thousands of guests with its adrenaline-fueled activities and all inclusive freedom, and I just couldn’t wait to experience it for myself.

I hardly slept the night before our trip, I was like a kid before Christmas morning!  I sprang out of bed at 6 am, made my way to the Xcaret terminal in the hotel zone of Cancun and boarded the jungle bus to make the 45 minute journey to Xplor just south of Playa del Carmen.  The bus dropped us off and we saw the signs pointing towards the entrance, down a ramp and into a cave!  Hanging vines and plants caressed the walls and ceiling as excited travellers checked in, got set up with their helmets and prepared for a day of adventure.

We weaved our way through a maze of caverns and found ourselves in the heart of Xplor.  Quite literally! There was a giant red heart and the beat of  ”bom bom…..bom bom….bom bom” echoing through the cave, the center of all the action in the park.   The heart makes navigating the park easy, it’s the beginning and end of each activity.  We stashed our gear in the lockers, got ourselves an energizing smoothie and made our way to our first activity, the zip lines!

I must admit, I am an adrenaline junkie and this was not my first zip line experience but it was certainly one of the best.  With two circuits, 14 zip lines (including the tallest and longest lines in the region!), hanging bridges, a super water slide and several water landings, Xplor does not disappoint.  The gear and equipment is world-class, internationally recognized for safety standards and the automatic brakes were a dream!  I paused for a moment at the top of each tower to take in the incredible views and breathe in the fresh clean air before flying over the jungle again.

The zip lines tired us out, there was a LOT of climbing, but we were ready for the next part of our adventure.  The Riviera Maya is known for its subterranean rivers and cenotes and Xplor is a great way to discover these natural wonders full of stalactites and stalagmites formed millions of years ago.  We got set up with our life jackets (mandatory!), settled on to our rafts and paddled our way through this underground wonderland.  I shared a two person raft with a friend and we laughed and giggled our way through one of the two routes, steering looked easier than it actually was!

By this time we were running low on energy reserves so we headed to the restaurant.  The food was fantastic, far better than your usual buffet fare.  I refueled with a huge salad, the “zarzamora” (blackberry) dressing was delicious, then went back for some delicious pasta primavera, fish and other healthy offerings.  (There was pizza, hamburgers and hot dogs for those who prefer something not quite so healthy, but trust me, you’ll need the energy of good food!)  We refreshed, chatted excitedly about our morning and were ready to get back to the thrills.

The amphibious vehicles were something I had never done before and I was really looking forward to it.  We drove through thick jungle, over hanging bridges, in and out of caves and through rivers, getting dusty and bounced around and squealing at all the twists and turns.  A total riot!

Hot and sweaty, we were ready for a swim in the underground rivers.  The water is “fresh” (COLD) and absolutely crystal clear and a welcome treat on a hot day.  We splashed our way through the stalactites and stalagmites, emerging through a waterfall before finding ourselves at the flying hammocks.  Flying hammocks you say?  Why yes, flying hammocks, zip lines in comfort, and Xplor is the only place with this special treat!  You’ll just have to try it for yourselves, I can’t give away all the secrets!

Exhausted at the end of the day, we packed up our things and said goodbye to Xplor.  It was a completely satisfying day, adrenaline, nature, the warmth of the sun and the refreshing coolness of the waters, delicious food and drinks among great company.  All the anticipation was worth it, I was not disappointed and I cannot wait to return.   After a little rest of course.

For more pictures of our day , check out our Xplor gallery on Flickr!

Next Page »