Canoers Protest Peacefully in Playa del Carmen After Cancellation of Sacred Maya Journey

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Canoers staged a peaceful protest in Playa del Carmen on Saturday after organizers canceled the Sacred Maya Journey 2026, an event that participants say is vital to local cultural identity.

Dressed in white and holding paddles, more than 300 canoers gathered at Plaza 28 de Julio to sing, dance, and express their discontent. They emphasized that the journey represents more than just a sporting or tourist activity—it’s a tradition that strengthens community identity in the region.

The protest came after Grupo Xcaret, the organizing company, announced the suspension of the event days earlier, citing legal uncertainty and a desire to avoid conflicts with cultural authorities.

Why Was the Sacred Maya Journey Canceled?

Grupo Xcaret said the decision stemmed from a lack of legal certainty for holding the event, aiming to prevent it from being interpreted as confrontational toward authorities responsible for cultural heritage.

The company noted that a Supreme Court ruling restricts the use of Maya cultural elements under certain conditions, and a definition from the National Copyright Institute (Indautor) is still pending.

“We see this pause as an act of care toward this tradition,” Grupo Xcaret stated in a communication.

What the Journey Represents for the Region

The Sacred Maya Journey recreates an ancient ritual of the indigenous peoples of the Yucatan Peninsula. Participants paddle from Polé—now Xcaret—to Cozumel to pay tribute to Ixchel, the goddess of fertility.

The journey begins at dawn, includes an overnight stay on the island, and requires physical endurance and collective coordination. Over 19 years, the event has attracted more than 5,000 participants, including canoers and community performers.

For the 2026 edition, nearly 300 people were also scheduled to participate in cultural activities such as dancing and artistic performances from various communities.

Grupo Xcaret said the suspension aims to protect the long-term viability of the tradition and avoid tensions between communities and authorities.

Meanwhile, the canoers who had trained for over six months made clear that the journey is integral to their identity, extending beyond the event itself.