This celebrated three-day event brings to life the ancient, mystical journey taken by the Maya in their quest to pay tribute to the Goddess Ix Chel, whose sanctuary rests in Cozumel.

Witnesses to this sacred celebration include visitors and locals alike. This year's journey starts in Polé, or Xcaret, with participants dressed in ancient costume performing ancient rituals in preparation for the sacred pilgrimage. Along the shore at dawn, onlookers immerse in Mayan culture as they watch the reenactment of the opening ceremony. An astounding 30 handmade 26-foot canoes, each carefully crafted to match traditional vessels, launch from Playa Del Carmen for the seven-hour, 17-mile paddling journey across the channel to Cozumel.

If you happen to be in Cozumel during the time of this sacred event, the site of 30 handmade massive canoes approaching the island on the horizon will be one you will not soon forget. Once on shore in Cozumel, participants of the ceremony make offerings and perform ceremonies for Ix Chel around the lagoon at the Chankanaab National Park. They revive ancient practices with rituals, dances and music to provide an enriching experience. Those within ear shot if the ceremony will hear Mayan myths and heroic legends and learn about the ancient civilizations’ sophisticated trade, numerology and navigation.

Continuing the ceremony into the morning, participants lay down their final offerings to the Goddess of Fertility to ensure they bring her favor with them as they embark on the seven-hour return.

Ix Chel is considered one of the ancient Maya's most important deities, especially to Mayan women who were required to take the sacred journey at least once in their life. She often is referred to as the Moon Goddess as well as the Goddess of Love and Fertility.  As the lunar divinity, she changes with the cycles of the moon.  With the new moon, the young Ix Chel, is called upon for the blessing of newborn children and for the fertility of the land.  At the full moon, the elderly Ix Chel, is honored and asked to keep fishermen and crops safe from natural disasters, such as hurricanes and storms.