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Cozumel Mexico has a culture all its own
that has evolved over time. However, in order to really understand
the culture of today’s “Cozumeleño”
you must first examine its past.
The islands native
inhabitants are of Mayan descent, and not Mexican, as many still
believe. As with all cultures; it is an ever evolving process
(from the Latin cultura stemming from colere,
meaning "to cultivate").
Here is a
chronology which will give you some insight into what is
Cozumel
Mexico
today!
The Mayas
(Post-Classic Mayas):
It gave great significance to urban centers and
religious beliefs that are manifest in places like
Chichen Itza, Tulum, and San Gervasio (which is located here on
Cozumel). Their stone carvings are also an indication of
their advanced and literate culture. A pilgrimage to visit San
Gervasio which was the home of the Goddess
Ixchel ("She of the
Rainbows"), deity of, fertility, midwifery, weaving, and medicine,
was a must for every Mayan at least once in their life.
Now lets advance
to modern day Culture:
During my first
visit to Cozumel, when it was still
a sleepy little fishing village, I was struck by the genuine
friendliness of the people. This culture of sincere friendliness is
still pervasive to this day, and is inherited from the culture if
its ancestors.
Of course, as with all cultures that evolve; Cozumel Mexico is now a
blend of Mayan, Mexican, Caribbean,
as well as influences brought to the island from its over 2 million
visitors a year.
 Mayan
art is a reflection their culture and lifestyle. You can find much
of it represented in the shops located in downtown San Miguel. It is
predominantly comprised of stone carvings, wooden masks, and
paintings on paper, pottery, and terra cotta figurines. Making art
from metal was also highly developed in Mayan culture.
One very popular item
that tourist buy today are the hand woven hammocks, which are still
used by many of the locals to sleep on.
Most of the islands 2
million plus visitors per year enjoy the natural beauty of its coral
reefs, exotic flora and fauna, crystal clear waters, white sand
beaches, as well as its archeological remnants which can most
clearly be seen in the ruins of San Gervasio.
Other attractions
which are a magnet for today’s tourist are represented in the
preservation of traditions; such as Cozumel’s
annual Carnival event, which is extremely popular. The festival in
El Cedral which is the festival of Santa Cruz in May, Easter week,
Christmas, as well as San Miguel which is held in September are to
name a few. These events are a combination of pre-Hispanic and
catholic rituals.
Calendar of our most notable events:
Carnival (pronounced Carnaval)
The celebration of Carnival is probably the
most popular attraction on the island annually. For the most
part it is a five-day festivity that involves dancing, parades with
elaborate floats, costumes, various music venues, and spontaneous
exhibits which travel warf throughout the town. If you have never
had the pleasure of seeing this spectacular event, it is worth a
special trip just to participate!
Dia de la Candelaria
It is
a celebration which occurs at the end of the winter and the
beginning of the spring, and is the last holiday recognizing the end
of the Christmas season. Locals dance and hold processions while
singing in the streets before going to church to receive their
blessing of candles and seeds. Afterwards there is a gathering of
family and friends at the home of the person who found the doll
during the celebration of the Three Kings.
Dia de los Santos Reyes
Unlike the United
States where Santa Claus is the symbol of
Christmas; Mexico’s icons
of Christmas are the Three Kings (Los Tres Reyes). Instead of
exchanging gifts on December 25, they are exchanged on January 6th.
This date is the culmination of the twelve days of Christmas and is
in commemoration of the three wise men that traveled from afar to
bring gifts for the infant baby Jesus.
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Dia de la
Constitucion
This is the
official holiday which annually commemorates
the drafting of
Mexico’s
constitution (February 5th, 1917). There is of course a
parade which takes place along the waterfront downtown and
culminates at the plaza which houses the large Mexican flag
depicted on the right. Just remember to do your shopping the
day before because most businesses are not open on this day.
El Grito
On midnight
September 15th, everyone comes together in the
Central Plaza to re-enact the event when Miguel Hidalgo
inspired the oppressed native people to rise up against the
Spaniards with the cry of “Mexicanos, Viva Mexico” (long
live Mexico)! This celebration is followed by a spectacular
display of fireworks and music which lasts throughout the
night with dancing until dawn. This is followed by a
national holiday in celebration of the fight for Mexico’s
independence.
Dia de la
Bandera de Mexico
This holiday
lands on February 24th and honors the Mexican
Flag (Flag Day). The day was first established by the
president of Mexico
in 1937 commemorating the day when
General Lázaro Cárdenas before the monument
to General Vicente Guerrero, was the first to pledge
allegiance to the Mexican flag on
March 12, 1821. It is of
course followed by festivities in the Central Plaza
with a
special ceremony, parade, and fiesta!
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There are countless other events and activities that celebrate
the breath and scope of the islands ever evolving culture. In order
to get a true sense of our island paradise you will just have to
come and witness it for yourself! Below this page are links to
some of the most popular activities and points of interest.
I
hope that you have gained some insight into the culture, history,
and events which make up a part of this most unique cultural
experience.
Oh
yes, one last thing; make sure to visit the town square on Sunday
night around 9:00. Every week there is a band that plays in the
gazebo to a crowd of mostly locals. You may be the tallest member of
the crowd but you will walk away with the magic of what is the
culture of Cozumel!
Warm
Regards,
Bob Rodriguez
Cozumelmexico.net
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