The “Messengers of the Moon”, this is how this year the 365 oarsmen of the Sacred Mayan Journey who recreate the sea travels in canoes that the Mayans made from the continental zone to Cozumel Island.
Leticia Aguerrebere Salido, director of the project, explained that only 10% of the participants are foreigners and 42% participate for the first time. Another fact that stood out is that 47% of canoeists are female. The event will take place on May 17 and 18.
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At a press conference at the facilities of the Chankanaab eco-tourism park, the director of the Sacred Mayan Crossing, Art and Culture of the X’caret park, gave the details of the 13th edition of this event.
He explained that the trip by pair was made by the inhabitants of the continental zone in the Late Postclassic (1200-1521 AD) as a commercial and pilgrimage route to venerate the Mother Goddess Ixchel whose oracle was in Cuzamil, today Cozumel.
The rowers have been trained for six months in four rowing schools based in Cancun, Cozumel, X’caret and Xel-Ha with ages ranging from 18 to 65 years of age. He described the project as unique in all of Mexico and exclusive to the Quintana Roo.
According to the executive of X’caret, the historical part is respected and supported by the National Institute of Anthropology and History. There are a total of 365 people who upload 36 replicas of Mayan canoes. 90% are of Mexican nationality and the rest of different countries.
Of the total 58% made the crossing on one occasion and all of them are added to 250 people who make up the cast of actors.
52% of rowers are between 26 and 36 years old and 7% are between 18 and 25 years old, while those over 59 years old mean 1% while those in the range of 48 to 58 represent 9%.
The route is departing from Parque X’caret at six o’clock on May 17, arriving at the Caleta de Chankanaab on a 31 kilometer trip that can last from six to eight continuous rowing hours, guarded by support vessels and the Captaincy of Port.
