If you’ve ever been to or Googled Playa del Carmen, you’ll immediately recognise the famous statue in the parque fundadores or Founder’s Park.
The statue is located where the park ends and it meets the beach. Under the statue is sand, a children’s play area, benches, and small food stalls selling fresh fruits. It is perhaps one of the most photographed spots in Playa del Carmen.
This park is one of my most favourite spots in this city I call home; There is always something interesting happening here. It is the place where social events are held, dancers entertain the people, and it is also the meeting and hangout spot for many playenses (what Playa del Carmen residents are called).
Every day of the week you can go to the park grab a fresh fruit snack (they sell other small Mexican snacks too), and take a stroll around the grounds. You can even sit on the steps below the statue and face out into the Caribbean Sea to watch the sunset. And after the sun has set, you can flip to the other side (facing into town) to catch the show.
Every night as the skies begin darkening a group of talented entertainers put on a magical show. The dancers dress up as Mayan legends and gods and play out stories. They consists of words, dances, and rituals that were (are) important to the Mayan and Mexican people. Even if you don’t speak Spanish, you’ll clearly get the message. The music, dancer’s moves, and fire, will lead your mind through the story.
If you miss one of the performances don’t worry because they perform several times a night.
I don’t want to reveal too much as this is an event you simply must witness yourself. But what I do want to tell you is that the show is absolutely free. Yes, you can sit under the Caribbean skies and feel the sea breeze as you take in the show. These talented artists design their own makeup and costumes, choreograph the dances, compose the music, all on their own accord. I was told that they have no government funding. These young people do what they do out of passion and in hopes to keep this important cultural history alive.
At the end of each performance they give the audience the opportunity to come up and ask questions and take pictures with the dancers. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet these talented people. Now is also when the audience has the chance to thank them. You can give them a donation for the performance — and I highly hope that you do, because they so deserve it.
Have a beautiful Sunday amigos!!
Happy Sunday Nancy!! I wish we had some of your sunny/warm weather here… enjoy it for me too. :)
What an incredible costume! We do get concha dancer here in SMA often, and their headdresses are amazing, but this guy looks like he stepped right out of a legend! Magnificent!
G’day! Thank you for allowing me to learn something new as I never heard of that statue/fountain before Nancy! Great photos!
Cheers! Joanne
What a lovely park and story. I have always wanted to go to Playa del Carmen. Just the sound of the Carrebean breeze is exciting
The Mexican dressed up as Maya is currently inspiring my dreams. Such a great shot and I always get super excited when I see into another time and culture. =)
btw I expected the statue to be smaller, then I scrolled down and I was amazed by the real size. haha
Sounds like you are having a great time Nancy, take care!
thanks for sharing this! i’ve seen the aztec-type dancers in the zocalo in mexico city but i’ve never been down to the yucatan. i wish i was there right now instead of here where it is freezing!
This would be an awesome soul soothing experience.
What a wonderful place to spend an evening. Thanks for sharing the place, the scenery, the dancing and the pictures.