Sunday Snapshots: Mayan Dancers of Founder’s Park

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!!