Xcaret, Riviera Maya, April 9, 2025. Grupo Xcaret announces the 2025 Sacred Journey (Travesía Sagrada), an event that revives, promotes, and safeguards an ancestral tradition honoring one of the region’s most important pilgrimages. On May 16 and 17, 360 canoeists will embark on the journey from Xcaret to Cozumel and back, recreating the ritual offering to the goddess of the Moon, fertility, and gestation.
The Sacred Journey is rooted in the past, when local inhabitants crossed the sea from what is now Xcaret to the goddess’s oracle in Cozumel to bring offerings and receive her divine message regarding health, fertility, and harvests. Abandoned for centuries, this tradition was revived 17 years ago by Grupo Xcaret with the support of experts from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) and researchers from the Center for Mayan Studies (UNAM), ensuring that every element—from the canoes to the music and rituals—remains true to its roots.
Since its reinstatement, 4,983 canoeists have participated in the Sacred Journey. To undertake this challenging crossing, participants train for six months at four rowing schools located in Cancún, Cozumel, Xcaret, and Xel-Há. Their training includes three weekly rowing sessions, five long-distance paddles between February and April, physical conditioning, and workshops on the history of the journey, nutrition, teamwork, leadership, and cultural awareness.
Before the crossing, participants and spectators will witness the artistic performance “Conjuro al Cielo” (Invocation to the Sky), which depicts how our ancestors worshipped the deities of rain and the Moon. The performance, featuring children, young people, and older adults from Solidaridad and Cozumel, will recreate the dances and offerings that precede the crossing, immersing attendees in the ancestral worldview and the excitement of the journey about to begin.
More than just a reenactment, the Sacred Journey (Travesía Sagrada) is a cultural safeguarding initiative led by Grupo Xcaret. Under the supervision of its Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Committee, the company has developed a unique management system to preserve and share Mexican traditions with respect and authenticity.
With a community of over 520 artists, Grupo Xcaret fosters the expression of Mexican culture through music, dance, and the performing arts.
Since its inception, the Sacred Journey has evolved into a contemporary tradition that honors the spirit of the region’s ancient inhabitants, allowing new generations to connect with their legacy. Furthermore, this initiative strengthens community ties and promotes the region’s cultural identity, creating a positive impact on both participants and spectators.
Through these efforts, Grupo Xcaret reaffirms its commitment to creating shared prosperity, respecting tradition bearers, and preserving Mexico’s biocultural richness.
