Cancun: The Mexican fishing village transformed into a popular global destination for partying
The heading to the next destination holds significance. Exactly 50 years ago, the first hotel was constructed in Cancun, a previously untouched, gorgeous coastline, with the exception of a small fishing village. The expansion here was orchestrated, serving as a plan to establish a "multimillion-dollar playground," set out by the Mexican government in 1969. Phase one was completed in 1970, laying the foundation for a brand-new city. It included the now-famous Hotel Zone, and an area where locals and workers resided, in addition to the airport for visitors craving sunshine and excitement.
After a while, Quintana Roo, which came into being as a state in the same year as the opening of the first hotel, is now the residence of a series of resorts, with Cancun being the original one.
Fast forward and Cancun has skyrocketed in popularity. In the year 2023, a whopping 21 million tourists came for a visit, surpassing tourism ministry predictions and reinforcing Cancun's status as Mexico's must-see destination.
Wrestling in Cancun
A night out in Cancun doesn't need to involve alcohol, painful balloon fights, or dancing streets. For a taste of authentic local culture, experience Lucha Libre, a popular sport characterized by wrestlers wearing masks. These masks are discarded when a wrestler loses, meaning they're stuck with their current look. It's an eccentric but exciting show, where the real deal is watching wrestlers stacked in the ring or indulging in the delicious tamales consumed before the main event.
This form of entertainment, which dates back to the 1900s, provides visitors a glimpse into local culture because it showcases their deep-seated traditions.
History Awaits
There's more to ancient Cancun than just polished hotels. Venture to Puerto Morelos to witness its famous cenotes, vast sinkholes formed during the final Ice Age, when limestone crumbled, creating the only source of fresh water in the region. Cenotes, with their roots in the Mayan language, were considered entrances to the underworld—not hell but another dimension.
Cenote Zapote, a cenote in Puerto Morelos, also offers a unique diving experience. At the bottom, you'll find a full skeleton of a giant ground sloth that lived there during the Ice Age.
Diving into Roots
The peninsula's sprawling jungle conceals other mysteries, too, specifically in Tulum, where an unconventional museum and arts center known as SFER IK opened in 2019. Take a trip there and you'll discover a blend of museum, gallery, and jungle, fully integrated with its surroundings and featuring no flat floors or ceilings, crafted from local wood, hanging vines, and even trees that form a part of the structure. Architect and philanthropist Eduardo Neira Sterkel, also recognized as Roth, was behind the idea.
Roth shares, "I think that nature is the last resource we have. We have to take care of nature." The experience is like no other and allows visitors to feel connected to nature, unlike the crowded party scenes stereotypical of Cancun.
A Tamazcal Ceremony is yet another experience unlike any other you'll find in Cancun. This millennia-old Mayan ritual is still practiced in the jungle area, a chance to relax, detox, and cleanse yourself in the lush foliage.
In Cancun, there are actual real-life shamans who guide the rituals within the Temazcal, a dome-shaped structure housing a burning fire. The Temazcal can be imagined as a jungle sauna combined with a dark chamber that's meant to break down social barriers. Depending on the occasion, ceremonies may last as long as eight hours, with participants sharing emotions and opinions.
The shaman within the Temazcal remarks, "This is beneficial for our body; we're healing and detoxifying." Ancient Mayans participated in similar ceremonies following wars or competitions. The Mayans, along with several other old civilizations worldwide, recognized the significance of mindfulness.
The Commingling of Ages
Cancun's natural attractions entice tourists away from the city, but the rain, which frequently occurs, compels them to seek refuge in Cancun's multitude of shopping centers. Despite its modern-day aura, Cancun's gift shops showcase a distinctly Mayan vibe, offering local crafts and fridge magnets depicting Mayan temples.
Thankfully, the sun can be relied upon to make frequent appearances, allowing visitors to admire the stunning turquoise waters, boats slicing through them, seabirds soaring overhead. It's undeniable that this is a strikingly beautiful area.
Inspired by the Mayans, the creators of modern-day Cancun crafted this tourist paradise. Today, Cancun delivers an interesting mix of the old and the new, an extraordinary destination worth experiencing, from its beaches to its bars, its underground freshwater sinkholes called cenotes, and its captivating jungle features.
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While exploring the rich culture of Cancun, don't miss out on visiting the local markets for authentic souvenirs. You can find handcrafted items that showcase the region's heritage, making for unique keepsakes of your travel adventure.
As your trip draws to a close, reflect on how Cancun has transformed from a quaint fishing village to a bustling global destination, all within just a few decades, highlighting the power of travel and tourism.
Source: edition.cnn.com
