Spring Equinox

Spring Equinox

The equinox is of great significance for many cultures because it marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere. Only on this date the sun rises on the equator of the planet, marking exactly the cardinal points: at dawn, the east and at sunset, the west.

In our times, the main world powers design and build solar observatories on Earth and in space to unravel the mysteries of the star around which revolves our system.

Kukulcán-Feathered Serpent God

Many ancient cultures used whatever technology they had to understand the relationship between the stars and our planet. The Sun and Venus played a very important role in creating the calendars for the activities related to sow and harvest, and religious holidays according to the natural cycles.

In the Yucatán peninsula, the Mayan civilization invested much time and resources in astronomical and mathematical research, culminating in a legacy of majestic buildings that show the position of different stars on various dates of the year. Such is the case of the archaeological sites ofChichén-Itzá, Dzibilchaltún and Tulum.

Chichén-Itzá

Chichén-Itzá

This is one of the best known archaeological sites and has been named as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Here the Temple of Kukulcán was built around the year 1100 AD and was oriented according to detailed studies on the position of the planet in relation to the Sun during the whole year.  This is the reason that through the spring and autumn equinoxes, the shadow of the pyramid’s 9 platforms, creates a projection of 7 reversed triangles in a staircase of the building, which the ancient Mayas interpreted as the arrival or departure of the feathered serpent god. This phenomenon of light and shadow indicated the season for planting and harvesting corn, sustenance of their people.

Dzibilchaltún

Dzibilchaltún

This archaeological site is located North of Mérida, and also offers a solar show, product of a detailed observation of theMayan civilization. During the equinoxes, the sun disc coincides with one of the windows of the Templo de las Siete Muñecas (Temple of the Seven Dolls), which lights up with the morning glow.

This phenomenon discovered in 1982, shows that the function of the building is that of an astronomical observatory. Also it has been discovered in this building indication that record the apparent declines of the Sun and the Moon, which confirms that the ancient Mayanswere holders of an advanced knowledge of the cycles of nature.

Tulum

Tulum

It is located 130 km south of Cancún, and is a true historical and cultural treasure of the Riviera Maya. Zamá, its original name in Mayan language which means dawn, was a walled city on three sides and protected from the sea by a cliff of 12 meters of height, where now stands the emblematic lighthouse which was used in ancient times as a reference point for navigation, port of trade and as a center of astrological studies, especially of the sunrise and sunset. According to the Mayan cosmovision, the planet Venus had as much importance as the Sun, as it emerged from the East at dawn as Ah Chicum Ek and descended as Lamat in the west at dusk.

The Sun rises at the spring equinox exactly behind the building known as El Castillo (The Castle), and it sets the same day exactly on the west exit door of the archaeological site.

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If you have the chance, visit one of these places and become a witness of the amazing knowledge of ancient civilizations.

But if you can’t, this March 20^th the North American Aerospace Agency (NASA) will be broadcasting, via internet, various activities related to the 2011 Sun-Earth Day from the archaeological site of Chichén-Itzá. You can check the full program at this internet address: http://sunearthday.nasa.gov

Main archaeological sites in Yucatán

Springbreak in Cancun

Party All Night

After watching a beautiful sunset on the beach the night is up and it's time to get more daring clothes to visit the best clubs in Mexico's party-hearty hot spot, plus tripping down the Mayan riviera for extreme activities.
That's what characterizes Cancun and the Riviera Maya, a place fullfilled with gorgeous white sandy beaches where thousends of students decide to spend their vacations where alcohol drugs and sex are expressed to the fullest.

Spring Break History of Today

Hundreds of thousands of students make the annual trek to a more Southern latitude in search of all-night parties, sandy beaches, and lots of fellow college students. While awareness of alcohol abuse has increased, and alcohol advertisements are more tame, there is still plenty of partying to be found at any major Spring Break hot spot.
Along with the rise of Spring Break has come the all-inclusive travel package.


Several tour companies now specialize in these packages. Such packages usually feature quad-occupancy of a hotel room combined with opportunities for two meals a day and up to 50 hours of free drinks throughout the week. Special theme parties and admissions are common place at bars and nightclubs that cater to Spring Break crowds.

Spring Break Party

Cancun is by far the number one Spring Break destination in the World. During the springtime, thousands of students forget about books and exams heading to Cancun for a week or two of partying and drinking excess. And with Mexico's relaxed drinking laws and the amazing hotels and resorts in Cancun hotel zone and Riviera Maya.
Although primarily an American tradition, in recent years youngsters from around the globe have caught Spring Break fever, people from Europe, the UK and even as far away as Australia all head down to Cancun for what has been described as an extremely wild party where everything not only can just happend IT HAPPENDS.

There is no comparisson in any of the Latin America countries, when it comes to nightlife and partying there's only one place to be: Cancun. The nightclubs are out of this world. And as glamorous as the Miami city. The cover charge nearly always includes an open bar so you can drink the night away surrounded by thousands of party goers all looking for a crazy night out, just like you. Some of the clubs hold as many as 4,000 people and during Spring Break you really are in for a treat because Spring Break in Cancun means the big name artists in town. The likes of Fergie, P Diddy, 50 Cent and more have all ventured down here to entertain the crowds during Spring Break and make sure the party never stops jumping.

After a crazy night, Cancun has the perfect cure for a hangover. If you are staying on the Hotel Zone then during the day sleep off your headache on the fine white sands or take a refreshing swim in the warm waters of the turquoise blue Caribbean Sea. A Bloody Mary and a dip in the pool and you'll be ready for another night on the town. You haven't really experienced Spring Break until you've tried Spring Break in Cancun!

 

Spring Break History

Like so much in our world, Spring Break originated with the ancient Greeks. As winter would lessen its chill, and thoughts turned to regeneration, rejuvenation, and new birth, Athens's elders noticed that the young people became particularly frolicsome.

Socrates then proposed, and the Greeks adopted, a wild rite to welcome Spring and allow young people to vent their ingrained urges… and Spring Break was born. Immediately thereafter were heard the first complaints that these strange new rites were destructive of morals and caused undue hardship upon the local residents of the seaside towns in which the festivals were held.
Those making these complaints were quickly rounded up and stoned. A variation of this practice occurs to this day.
In the Middle Ages, after Christianity's triumph over paganism, it was determined that Spring Break should end. There followed many years of turmoil.
Every Spring it would take armed bands of monks and papal legates to stop young people from partying like it was 999.
Then, in 1237, St. Adledkopf proposed a solution- what if the Church co-opted Spring Break? Taking the uninhibited, riotous celebration that Spring Break had become, and turning it into something mannered and decent, alas, turned out to be a pipe-dream.
All attempts at substituting good fellowship and worship for drunken bonhomie and cheap thrills failed.
Other than Mardi Gras in New Orleans, America never really caught the Spring Break bug… until the First World War, when American Doughboys serving in France watched, wide-eyed with wonder, as the Europeans would temporarily halt Spring Offensives, and instead, party.
Miraculously, scantily clad women would appear over the trenches, dancing and prancing about like nymphs… unfortunately, it was discovered that many, if not most, of these "ladies" were in fact men. America's farm boys and day laborers were horrified, and therefore made the phrase "Show us your tits!" a Spring Break staple (which has since been adopted by Mardi Gras).

Drunk Spring Break

From 1929 to 1959 America was too busy with a Great Depression, another World War, and the reconstruction of much of the world to seriously party during Spring Break.

It wasn't until the 1960's became "the swinging Sixties" that America truly took to Spring Break. Baby Boomers flocked to the beach in Detroit steel, eager to forget the War, social progress, and exams… and get drunk and get laid. Spring Break was back! It was during this heyday that a particularly bad Spring Break ritual was begun. Locals called it "balcony diving." Drunk Spring Breakers would climb and swing from balcony to balcony on multi-storied hotel towers, looking for a party or a partner. Many fell to their deaths. Unfortunately, every year or two, some student finds the idea appealing and makes a terrible mistake.

Spring Break improved dramatically in the Eighties. In a decade that glorified over-consumption, a yearly event that reveled in sex, drugs and drink was a sure-fire hit.

More students than ever broke the bank, or their parents pocketbooks, and hustled a ride south. Moralists countered by offering planned activities- sporting events, dive trips, scavenger hunts, even church services. No one noticed.

Breakers in the Nineties eased up a bit on the over-indulgence, but just a bit. Superclubs, MTV, and corporate sponsors livened things up with concerts, shows, and give-aways.. but the Breaker's focus remained the same- get drunk and get laid.

The presence of so many television and video cameras during Spring Break meant two things… somebody was going to get naked, and somebody else would bitch about it.

A few nationally spotlighted cases, and Panama City Beach and Spring Break were savaged in the media. Savvy locals knew what that meant… even more Breakers next year!

And there you have it, the history of Spring Break. An honorable rite of ancient origin, one that you should proudly proclaim your part in, and whose traditions you should do your utmost to uphold.

Swim with Whale Sharks in Cancun

Swim with Whale Sharks in Cancun

During the summer months, mid May to mid September, the Whale Shark is a welcome visitor to the waters around Cancun Mexico and provides a perfect chance to be at one with nature as you swim and snorkel alongside these fantastic underwater giants.
The Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) is the biggest fish in the world and grows up to 40 feet in length with the biggest specimens weighing over 75,000 lbs. Despite its name and size the Whale Shark is not a Whale at all, it is a filter feeding shark which eats algae and plankton. In fact, it is the traveling plankton it feeds upon that brings this fantastic creature to the crystal clear blue sea of the Mexican Caribbean.
In the Cancun area of Mexico, Whale Sharks gather off the coast of Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy and Isla Holbox and provide a great day trip diversion for those holidaying in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
The traditional boats that take you to visit the Whale Sharks are small craft with room enough for around 10 persons plus staff , and the numbers of craft are strictly enforced via licensing . It’s usually an early start (7am) and you’ll return in the early afternoon (2pm). During your tour soft drinks and a light lunch is provided, and many offer an open bar on the return journey.
The whale sharks are more often than not easily located and once their location is pinpointed guests enter the ocean two at a time to swim and snorkel beside them . This ensures that the Whale Sharks are not frightened and also gives maximum time for some superb unobstructed underwater photography. Whale Sharks travel at a velocity of only 3mph so it is easy to stay alongside them. Each turn lasts around 10-15 minutes per two people , and during the trip there will be 3 or 4 opportunities for a total swim time of up to an hour per person. All participants must wear lifejackets and no feeding or touching of the whale sharks is permitted. Non eco-friendly sunscreen is also prohibited.
Most whale shark tour companies , including those below, also include a second stop to snorkel at a close by reef to enjoy the colorful and varied underwater flora and fauna that this particular area of the Caribbean is famous for.

Tulum, where the sun rises…

The archeological site of Tulum

The ancient Mayan civilization left a great legacy of traditions and ceremonial buildings in Mesoamerica, but only one archaeological site stands by the sea: Tulum. Located 130 kilometers south of Cancun, it is truly a historical and cultural jewel of the Riviera Maya.

Zamá, its original name in Mayan language, was a city walled on three sides and protected from the sea by a cliff of 12 meters of height. It has an emblematic lighthouse known as “The Castle”, and it served in antiquity as a reference point for navigation, trading port and as a center of astrological studies, particularly of the sunrise and sunset. According to the Mayan cosmovision, the planet Venus was as important as the Sun, as it too arose at dawn from the East as “Ah Chicum Ek”, and descended at dusk in the west as “Lamat”. The structures in this place were built and oriented in such a way that you can see, even in our days, the Sun and Venus moving through specific areas of the building on dates of particular relevance to the Mayans, like the starting and finishing dates for sowing and harvest.

Tulum was the last ceremonial center that remained active in the years of the Spanish invasion and conquest of America. Thanks to its strategic location and its strong defenses, it withstood several attacks of the Spanish armies. Due to nearby coral reefs, capturing the city from the sea was practically impossible, as the European vessels risked being damaged irreparably.

Mayan dignitaries.

It was precisely because of these reefs that the most emblematic love legend of the Mayan Riviera arouse: Gonzalo Guerrero left Darien August 15ht 1511 with good weather.  But at the dawn of the third day of sailing, a great storm broke. Flying fish jumped to the deck of the ship, which was considered a bad omen. Gale-force winds ripped the sails and broke the masts, while giant waves swept the deck.The vessel was prey to deranged elements that rapidly dragged it into a ruthless Ocean. All of a sudden, a brutal movement made the ship crash. He shipwrecked near these shores and was rescued by the native population. By a quirk of fate, Princess Zazil Há fell in love with the captive and marriedhim, thus beginning the mixed-race breeding in Quintana Roo. Gonzalo eventually learned the Mayan language and instructed his captors in European war strategies and techniques, helping the city of Tulum to resist longer the Spanish attacks.

Hand crafts market.

This story of love and adventure can be sensed today in thearchaeological site of Tulum. Upon arrival, the visitors are greeted by lush vegetation that hides the centuries-old buildings behind it. Following the white trails, one arrives at the thick city wall, and from there, the beautiful turquoise sea can be seen by all. History-filled buildings have been carefully restored and many retain even in our days, colorful murals and stucco reliefs. There is a trail that leads to the small beach at the foot of the cliff, where you can enjoy the warm waters and experience a calmness that few places can offer.

Lots of fun at the Riviera Maya!

Outside the walled area is a lively market, filled with hand crafts and samples of the diverse Mexican culture. From here it is possible to arrange a transfer to nearby places to enjoy the many water sports and excursions that this beautiful area offers, such as a Romantic Dinner at the seashore or perphaps swim with Dolphins or for the more adventurous asnorkeling tour in the Coral reef.

Due to its rich history, its options for fun activities and its beautiful hotels Tulum is a must during your vacation in the Mexican Caribbean.