Xcaret

There is uncertainty in the air. The crowd, excited, yet uneasy, wonders what is about to happen. It’s beginning to get full in the spacious arena. I wait with my group, fidgeting, for the action to begin. We are here, at Xcaret! The big night is upon us, we have all been waiting to see this famous musical show. Now, we are here together at the celebrated “eco-theme” park, Xcaret. Copal incense burns in the air. The scent is intense and powerful, distinct from any other I have experienced. This ritualistic custom fills the air with abundant clouds of smoke.

I am to see the history of Mexico unfold tonight…

The Xcaret at Night experience at Xcaret “eco-theme” park is the stage for the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular. With several hundred artists participating, you experience a dynamic passage through the history of Mexico and Mayan culture. These artists and showmen and women bring to life numerous colorful Mexico traditions in the Gran Tlachco Theater. (An outdoor, covered arena.)

Two versions of the pre-Hispanic Ball Game of the Xcaret Night Show will keep you riveted to the show at the ecological park. One is the Mayan Ball Game and the other is native from the Mexican state of Michoacan. The players of Xcaret's Mayan Ball Game will show off their strengths and skills in this ancient Mayan ritual that represents a battle between good and evil, meaning the gods of heaven and the lords of the underworld. The players use their hips to move the ball up and down the court (Look Mom, No hands!) and score by hitting it through a hole in a stone ring which is placed one on each side of the court, at the midway point. This was very difficult looking and seems to require a great deal of proficiency for the sport.

The other game was very similar to a game which is close to my heart; Hockey! The exception in this case was that this game is played not only with hockey-like sticks, but with a flaming orb the size of a cannonball (yes, that’s right, I said FLAMING!) This was very exciting and was responsible for getting the crowd roaring on several plays. This game is played between two five-player teams. All of them have a stick with which they try to get the ball to the goal. The opponents have to stop the ball’s advance. The game represents a fight between the young and the old sun, between day and night. It is played at night and the goal is the same- scoring points by making the ball cross a line. The ball is made with maguey thread, silk or cotton. It is doused with petroleum and it can be hit on the floor or in the air. A fault is considered when one player hits another one, when someone makes one player fall or when the stick goes above the waist level.

Xcaret Mexico Espectacular also blends a remarkable display of traditional Mexican hand-made dresses, musical performances, dances and customs. All this has been taken from the history of the entire country, from the state of Baja California Norte to Sinaloa, including famous mariachi songs and the syncopated rhythms of the Son Jarocho from Veracruz.

Xcaret puts on a show that is a truly remarkable interpretation of Mexico’s national identity and cultural heritage. I recommend that all who have an opportunity to see this show take it!

Raquel Dalager