Cancún’s Mary Undoer of Knots Sanctuary Draws Millions

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The Sanctuary of Mary Undoer of Knots in Cancún has become an international hub for religious tourism, attracting over one million visitors annually. With an average of 23,000 weekly attendees, the sanctuary stands as a unique spiritual destination, drawing both Catholic and non-Catholic visitors from around the world.

A Growing Spiritual Landmark

The sanctuary, the only one of its kind, has transcended its religious purpose to become a must-visit site for tourists. Located in Benito Juárez and surrounded by jungle, it features multiple chapels, each with its own history. Interactive posts and audio guides—available in Spanish and English, with Mayan language support coming soon—enhance the visitor experience.

Religious tourism generates $18 billion globally each year, with 300 million people undertaking faith-based journeys. Mexico captures 10% of this market, welcoming 30 million religious tourists annually. While the Cancún sanctuary is not yet among Mexico’s top five most-visited religious sites—such as the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City or the Shrine of Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos in Jalisco—its rapid growth suggests it may soon join the ranks.

Economic and Spiritual Impact

Bernardo Cueto Riestra, Quintana Roo’s Secretary of Tourism, emphasized the sanctuary’s role in boosting the regional economy. Since its founding in 2015, the site has expanded from 7,000 to nearly 30,000 square meters, adding chapels, walking paths, a cafeteria, restrooms, and bus parking. Additional land has been acquired to accommodate increasing demand, with some weekends seeing up to 20 buses arriving at once.

Mario Matus, head of the Pilgrim Assistance Center, noted that the sanctuary has hosted bishops, archbishops, and Vatican emissaries, as well as pilgrim groups from countries like China, Vietnam, Italy, and Brazil. "Our goal is conversion—to send people away in peace, especially in a world full of 'knots' affecting society," Matus said.

Tradition and Technology

The devotion to Mary Undoer of Knots originates from Germany, where couples tied white ribbons as symbols of unity. Today, visitors continue the tradition by placing ribbons as petitions or thanks. The sanctuary also embraces technology: each chapel features green posts with buttons explaining its significance, and audio guides are available for rent. Live-streamed Masses and rosaries on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube further extend its reach.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite Cancún’s struggles with security and infrastructure delays, religious tourism has provided a new economic driver. Monsignor Pedro Pablo Elizondo reported that over a million people visit Quintana Roo annually for spiritual reasons. Other regional religious sites include:

• Cathedral of San Mateo Apóstol in Chetumal
• Christ the King Parish in Cancún
• Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Cancún

With no formal advertising, the sanctuary’s growth has relied on word of mouth. Over 40 staff members maintain the site, funded primarily by donations. As it gains global recognition, the sanctuary is poised to become a cornerstone of Mexico’s religious tourism landscape.