CANCUN HISTORY MAYAN CULTURE ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES HOLIDAYS

Cancun Mayan History

Cancun history was nourished by the fascinating Mayan culture, which flourished across southern Mexico, Guatemala and Belize from around the year 200BC to 900AD. In northern Yucatan, they founded amazing cities such as Chichen Itza and Uxmal, which are now important cultural attractions for tourists eager to admire these impressive archeology sites. Due to its sophisticated scientific methods, the Maya’s intelligence, precise calculations and astrologic knowledge are still respected nowadays.

The Yucatan peninsula was an important center of commercial and religious activities during the post-classical period, when pilgrims came from all over Mesoamerica to the ports of Pole, and Xaman-Ha –today Xcaret and Playa del Carmen- in order to arrive by sea to Cozumel and worship the Moon Goddess Ix Chel. Archeological sites reveal the mayan supremacy: Tulum was a fortress on the Caribbean shores built by the Mayan Itzaes; Coba was the most important city of the region in those days, and Kohunlich, one of the most visited cultural attractions around.

In the late 60’s, Cancun was the chosen location to develop a resort as part of President Echeverría’s tourism program. The Cancun project included a hotel zone, a residential area, and a nearby airport. The construction works began in the 1970s and the city soon became a large and very dynamic tourist spot. By 1976, the city had 18,000 inhabitants, a number that has increased to more than 500,000 in little more than thirty years. 

Cancun is presently divided into three districts: The Downtown City (Ciudad de Cancun), with a population of approximately 300,000 and a simple, practical infrastructure; The Natural Reserve (Reserva Ecológica), with its incredible lakes, rain-forests and mangroves; and The Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera), an island of hotels and shopping centers.

Cancun culture is both very similar and very different from that of the rest of the country. Mayan influence has survived with a captivating presence in the region up to this day. The Spanish contributions to this culture enriched our gastronomy, customs and arts, see for yourself when tasting the "cochinita pibil" – a delicious dish made of pork- or when bumping into a woman that wears the traditional "hipil" -a white embroidered dress with multi-colored top, commonly used in the local Mayan communities.

On the other hand, the tourist nature of the city has given it a very cosmopolitan personality with modern resorts facilities and an open society formed by people that have come from all over the world hoping to have a better life in paradise.

Catholicism is still the most important religion, in that way; the Roman calendar determines relevant national days and holidays:

• Easter (Semana Santa)
• Day of the Dead on November 1 and 2
• Independence Day on September 15
• Christmas Eve on December 24th
• New Year's Eve on December 31st

Xcaret, an hour south of Cancun, hosts daily Mayan-themed shows featuring local songs and dances as well as a the Festival of the Dead from October 31 to November 2nd. The Cancun bullring hosts occasional concerts, boxing matches and special events. Most Mexican restaurants offer live Mariachi shows or even regional dances at dinner hours. Check out our events calendar for further information and occasions to enjoy Mexican culture & holidays.