Summer solstice approaches for celebration at historic site near Cancun
Updated: Friday, May 13, 2011 5:05 pm
Solstices and equinoxes were sacred days celebrated by ancient Mayans in Mexico, and the tradition continues for many travelers when the quarterly events take place during their Cancun vacations.
Outside the city, the pyramid and ruins at Chichen Itza are a popular site among travelers all year, but particularly during solar events.
At the heart of the national park is The Temple of Kukulcan – also called El Castillo or "the castle" – which casts a series of shadows forming the shape of a giant serpent during the spring and fall equinoxes and the winter and summer solstices. The next summer solstice is June 21, the longest day of the year.
"Each year thousands of pilgrims and curiosity seekers flock to the nearly six square miles of national park ruins to watch a phenomena that was carefully mapped by ancient architects and astronomers," according to MexicoLessTraveled.com.
The Chichén Itzá is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Nighttime visitors can enjoy a sound and light show at 8 p.m. in which the buildings of the historic site are bathed in colored light during a narration of the Chichen Itza legends.
Outside the city, the pyramid and ruins at Chichen Itza are a popular site among travelers all year, but particularly during solar events.
At the heart of the national park is The Temple of Kukulcan – also called El Castillo or "the castle" – which casts a series of shadows forming the shape of a giant serpent during the spring and fall equinoxes and the winter and summer solstices. The next summer solstice is June 21, the longest day of the year.
"Each year thousands of pilgrims and curiosity seekers flock to the nearly six square miles of national park ruins to watch a phenomena that was carefully mapped by ancient architects and astronomers," according to MexicoLessTraveled.com.
The Chichén Itzá is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Nighttime visitors can enjoy a sound and light show at 8 p.m. in which the buildings of the historic site are bathed in colored light during a narration of the Chichen Itza legends.
