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.

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!

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″.

The Sacred Mayan Journey

Xcaret in modern days is a popular eco-park for families visiting Cancun and the Riviera Maya.  With its beautiful flora and fauna, calm lagoons for snorkeling and spectacular views of the sea, it’s easy to see why thousands of travellers visit Xcaret every year, it’s a promise of a day of adventure and relaxation in paradise.

For the ancient Maya, the land where Xcaret now stands was more than just a beautiful spot to spend the day, it was an important port, trading post and meeting place called “Ppolé¨.  Ppolé was most famous as the departure point for pilgrimages to the island of Cozumel to honour Ixchel, goddess of the moon and fertility.  Crossing 50 kms of ocean from the mainland to the island in hand-carved canoes, the journey was a demonstration of skill, dedication and faith for the Mayans participating in the event.

In 2007, the ¨Sacred Mayan Journey¨ (¨Travesia Sagrada¨) was revived, recreated to honour and preserve the rich history of the region and the Mayan people.  This year the event will be held May 20-22, 2010 with hundreds of people participating in this grand spectacle.  The festivities begin May 20 at 5:45 pm at Xcaret with a welcome to guests, a recreated marketplace (participants can exchange modern currency for the pre-Hispanic coin) and a ceremony with offerings, purifications and dancing.  Bright and early on the morning of May 21st, the rowers will make their way to Dos Playas beach at Xcaret to start their incredible journey with a ceremony.  The canoes carrying the “messengers” will land on Cozumel in the afternoon where they will be welcomed by islanders with cool drinks, food and celebration.  In the evening offerings and petitions will be presented to Ixchel, with worship and dances from the people of Cozumel.  On the morning of May 22nd the messengers depart Cozumel for the journey back to the mainland.  In the afternoon, they will be met in Playa del Carmen for a final closing ceremony, with plenty of dancing and celebration and praise for the goddess Ixchel.

The Sacred Mayan Journey is a united effort of government and private organizations coming together to recover one of the most significant traditions of the Maya and to revive interest in the local history and culture.  Dtraveller wishes all the participants a safe journey and hope that visitors to the Riviera Maya will have an opportunity to witness this incredible event.  Ka xi’ik teech utsil (Maya for “good luck to you!”) at Xcaret!

–photos courtesy Travesia Sagrada Maya

Chichén Itzá and Tulum News

The famous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and Tulum may be ancient, but they are still making news.  New discoveries, new activities and age-old experiences continue to attract thousands of visitors to the Yucatan Peninsula each year.

In exciting archaeological news, divers have recently discovered ancient human remains in a “cenote” (natural limestone sinkhole) near Tulum called “Las Calaveras”.  Nearly 120 skeletons have been found and explorers expect to find more, perhaps has many as 200.  The remains are apparently perfectly preserved and archaeologists speculate that they date from 125-236 AD, making them nearly 2000 years old!  The expedition has revealed that the cenote was most likely a burial ground, the skeletons were found with pottery and animal remains, offerings normally associated with burial or sacrifice.  The remains offer scientists an opportunity to study genetics and anthropology of the period.  This is one of the largest discoveries of human remains in the Maya world, a chance for the world to know more about this ancient civilization.

Bringing an ancient event to modern times, the spring equinox at Chichén Itzá is one of the most anticipated events of the year.  The Mayan stone masons built the pyramid with absolute precision, in perfect alignment with the stars, moon and sun.  On the days of the equinox, thousands flock to the site to witness the play of light on stone as the setting sun projects an image of a serpent descending the stairs of the pyramid.  March 20 and 21st are the zenith of this astronomical event, people claim their spot on the grounds in early morning in anticipation of the evening spectacle. The demand for tickets for these special days is high, book now to avoid disappointment, from Cancun to Chichén Itzá or from the Riviera Maya to Chichén Itzá, from $69 USD!  A small price to pay to experience the wonders of this mysterious event in a magical place.

Jumping to modern day news, Chichén Itzá once again will be the site of a phenomenal musical event.  Following the success of concerts by Sarah Brightman and Placido Domingo, Sir Elton John will be gracing the stage beside the Kukulkan pyramid on Saturday April 3, 2010.  The acoustics of the ancient city and the incredible voice of this super star promise to make this a night to remember.  Elton John tickets are available through Ticketmaster, with prices ranging from 1000 pesos to 10000 pesos.  Guests of the concert may choose to stay at the lovely Mayaland Hotel on the grounds of Chichén Itzá, a place of nature, peace and history or in the nearby town of Pisté at the Hotel Chichén Itzá.  The Yucatan Peninsula welcomes Sir Elton John, bienvenido!

We hope you are able to join us for one of these very special events, let Dtraveller be your guide to the ancient and the modern of the Yucatan Peninsula.  We’re passionate about our paradise and bring you local, expert knowledge on the region.  Happy trip planning!

New Year’s Eve in Cancun

Let’s get this party started!

Cancun is well known as a great place to party, with world class nightclubs and all night fiestas, what better place to ring in the new year and the new decade!  Tonight the town will be rocking with revellers, dressed in their best and bringing in the new year with a bang.  When in Mexico, celebrate with some local traditions,  wear yellow underwear to have a year lucky in money or red underwear for luck in love and romance!  With the tolling of the bells at midnight, eat 12 grapes for 12 months of wishes come true.  Of course, a kiss and a toast are mandatory at the turn of the year (and the turn of the decade of course!)

Here’s a quick party guide for what’s going to be a hot and happening night in Cancun!

Coco Bongo-  The world’s most exciting nightclub is THE place to be tonight, expect a great show, a packed house and amazing music and treats from the kings of the party in Cancun.  Tickets are expensive but definitely worth their weight in gold, $120 USD for regular entrace, $150 for express admission.  This will be a fiesta to remember and a fantastic way to ring in the new year and new decade!

The City- One of the largest and most popular nightclubs in Cancun, The City promises a night full of great music, great friends and great fun.  The highlight of the night will be the after party being held in the Playa Cabana beach club located behind the disco with pools and sunbeds (moonbeds?) and a huge stretch of beautiful beach.  Party til dawn and rock in the new year!  Contact the club for reservations, $80 USD for open bar all night, $40 USD entrance only or get the VIP package for $660 USD for five people with two bottles and special table service.  The party starts at the Corona Bar outside The City at 8:30, entrance to the main disco at 10:30, party moves to the beach club at 2:00 am and guests are invited to party there until 7 am.  Special prices for Cancunenses, enquire at the club!

Dady’O-  The Dady group is famous for it’s incredible Cancun nightclubs and Dady’O is sure to be on fire tonight!  They’ve got celebrity guests and an all night dinner buffet, VIP bottle service or open bar available.  Contact the club for reservations and get ready to dance the night away!

There are so many parties tonight it’s going to be hard to choose!  Señor Frogs, The Bulldog Cafe, Basic, Sweet, Pat O’Briens, Carlos n Charlies, Congo, Terraza, Slices, the list is endless, but every bar will be going all out for the new year’s festivities.

If crowded bars are not your thing, you can still bring in the new year in style.  For something far more romantic and intimate, the Cancun Lover’s Cruise is perfect for you.  A slow lagoon cruise on a beautiful ship, steak and lobster, and a bottle of Moët et Chandon for each couple, this is definitely the lovers’ way to ring in the new year.  Call locally 998 849 4748 for reservations.

However or wherever you plan to celebrate, we wish you a very happy and safe new year and hope that 2010 brings you happiness, peace and prosperity.  Happy New Year from Dtraveller!

Puerto Vallarta Film Festival 2009

Visitors to Puerto Vallarta are accustomed to the fantastic beaches, gorgeous Puerto Vallarta hotels and exciting activities, and from December 2-6, 2009 they can add movie-going and star-gazing to their vacation plans.  The sixth annual Puerto Vallarta Film Festival kicks off December 2, bringing full length films and documentaries from Hollywood and around the world to the Cinemark Theater in Plaza Caracol.

The festival was founded in 2004 by Robert James Roessel and since then it has continued to grow and thrive, bringing talented film makers and noted actors to the beautiful shores of Mexico.  The program for this year’s Puerto Vallarta Film Festival includes the animated feature from Wes Anderson “The Fantastic Mr. Fox”, with an all-star line up of voices including  George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett and Bill Murray.  The movie is based on the children’s novel of the same name by Roald Dahl, creator of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach and many other childhood favourites.  Other films being featured in this year’s festival include “Law Abiding Citizen” with Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx, “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” starring a great cast (Heath Ledger, Collin Farrell, Jude Law, and Johnny Depp) and “Down for Life” starring Danny Glover and Kate del Castillo.  For a complete list of films, please visit the Puerto Vallarta Film Festival website.

Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.  International cultural productions continue to grow throughout Mexico and the Puerto Vallarta Film Festival 2009 is an important event for the state of Jalisco.  Film, art, music and culture have always been vital to the people of Mexico and it is exciting to see the international community taking note.  Dtraveller wishes the organizers of the PV Film Fest much great success for this year and for many years to come.

Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, November 27

By Melissa Bañuelos

Last Friday, November 27^th was the third day for Riviera Maya Jazz Festival at Playa del Carmen. This event has been under the eyes of the world for the last 7 years. Under a silver moon, with the fresh breeze of the Caribbean and over the sand, thousands of people and jazz lovers enjoyed the finest rhythms of Jim Beard, Spyro Gyra and Sergio Mendes.

The evening started at 7pm with the whimsical and electrical style of Jim Beard’s piano. A mix of smooth jazz and fusion jazz, caught the attention and opened the senses of the audience, astonished by the different elements that Jim Beard seemed to blend with so much harmony.

Spyro Gyra continued the concert with its ability and obvious passion in each one of its members. This mythical group from NY, started by giving a small bite of its new album “Down the Wire”, highlighting, once more, its avant garde jazz tendencies. The Cuban guitarist Julio Fernandez shared a song made for his mother, and the drummer Bonny B boosted the audience euphoria with his solo.

The concert ended with the legendary music of Sergio Mendes. Together with his vocalists, drummer and guitarist, he played his major hits like “Scarborough Fair”, “Mais que nada”, and the Brazilian anthems “Aqua de beber”, “Chica de Ipanema” and “Aquarela do Brasil”. Plus, at some point, he mixed his rhythms with the energy of hip hop and an incredible capoeira performance.

Cancun Fashion Show at Le Blanc

The luxurious Le Blanc Resort in Cancun’s hotel zone was the place to be on Saturday night as fashionistas and socialites gathered for a spectacular fashion show, “Cancun Moda Nextel 2009″.  The dress code was formal, white clothes with red accessories and the audience was aglitter with good taste and fashion statements.

This marked the second year for “Cancun Moda Nextel”, a presentation of the government of Quintana Roo, Palace Resorts and Nextel, bringing high fashion and elegance to the glamourous tourist destination of Cancun.  Designers David Solomon, Purificación García, Juanjo Oliva, Ana Locking, Trista and Jl + B thrilled the crowd with their collections and top model from Spain Eugenia Silva graced the runway with her stellar presence.  The evening was hosted by actors Sebastián Rulli and Liza Echeverría and musical talents Ana Torroja and Alex Syntek brought the crowd to their feet singing their duet of “Duele el Amor”.

Dtraveller was fortunate to be present at “Cancun Moda Nextel”, check out our full set of photos on Flickr and enjoy the beauty and elegance of this fantastic Cancun event.

New Celebrity Ship “Equinox” Comes to Cozumel

One of the newest ships in the Celebrity Cruises fleet will be docking in Cozumel for the first time on November 21, 2009.  The Equinox is the epitome of luxury on the high seas, sophisticated elegance from bow to stern.  Inaugurated in August of 2009, the ship boasts accomodations for up to 2850 guests, from the standard staterooms up to the “beyond your wildest dreams” penthouse with floor to ceiling windows and a huge private terrace.  For a unique cruising experience, the Equinox invites guests to use “The Lawn Club”, an upper deck area covered with live growing grass, there’s nothing else like it!  With ten restaurants offering endless choices for dining, a variety of bars and nightclubs, theaters and art galleries and onboard activities, guests will never be bored on board!

Passengers on the Equinox will be able to explore Cozumel for the day, one of the most popular cruise ship destinations in the world.  Cozumel offers cruise passengers a wealth of shopping, dining and shore excursions, including swimming with dolphins in Chankanaab Park, snorkelling the amazing reefs or taking a horse back ride on the beach.  The people of Cozumel welcome the Equinox and all it’s guests and they will surely make everyone feel like the island paradise is their Mexican home away from home.  Congratulations to Celebrity Cruises for their fine new addition.

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