When we go to the Riviera Maya we have the best of 2 worlds: a first-class destination for the most demanding tourists, with fine restaurants, luxury hotels and nightclubs for all tastes, but the traditions of the Mayan community are also preserved, their typical food, their sacred places and it has been possible to respect the lands where they are natives, allowing this community to have spaces free of tourists.


Credit: Los Muertos Crew

In an effort to preserve ancestral traditions and wisdom, Mayan priests continue to teach the youth of the community their spiritual and healing arts as well as perform sacred rituals and ceremonies led by the J'men, which although the literal translation in Spanish is "witch", they claim to be healers who ask the gods for the good of crops and the environment.


Credit: vlad_star

The Kay Nikte' mystical ceremony is celebrated every 28 days, right on the night of the full moon, where the aim is to connect people with the planet and the cosmos. This requires copal, cenote water and the participation of a Mayan priestess who lights a circle of candles in the jungle and then pours the water into a clay pot that represents the goddess Ixchel; when praying to her, this goddess blesses all the participants.


Woman making Saka'
Credit: Maya Coffee

Saka' is a cosmic ritual offered to the 13 Mayan levels and spheres of life. The gods Noj Yuum k'uj, Yuum K'aax, Aluxes, Yuum Chaak, and Junab k'uj are respectfully called to ask for their blessings. Then the sacred drink Saka' is offered, made of corn and honey that has been prepared and sanctified before the ritual and is then shared among the participants of the ceremony in order to achieve good luck and healthy crops.


Ceiba
Credit: iplantz

One of the most important ceremonies for the Mayans is Ya'axche', where only the wisest priests can perform it. Ya'axche' represents the center of life on Earth, the connection between heaven, earth and the underworld, being the most sacred tree for the Mayans, which in Spanish we know as ceiba. This is the symbol of life, where the roots cover the levels of the underworld, the branches reach and bless the heavens, the trunk connects with life, and the Bacabs (4 cardinal points) are held by it. Ya'axche' is also the Mother Tree, with spiritual force that manifests life and cosmic energy. In the shadow of this sacred tree, the J'men find spiritual wisdom and brotherhood.

There are many more rituals that are still going on and you can participate in (fortunately the ones that require human sacrifice are no longer practiced!). In the Riviera Maya it is easy to find where and with whom to do them; hotels will generally help you with that information.

If you want to live one of these magical experiences, look in our Hotels section where to make a reservation and, incidentally, that they give you more information. Do not forget to also check our Restaurants and Experiences section to have a complete trip; in My Guide México you will always find the best recommendations!