Heritage

Maya Heritage

Proud traditions link present to past

The island of Cozumel derives its name from the Mayan words Cuzam (swallow) and Lumil (land of), which join to form the word Cuzamil (land of swallows). Over time, the word Cuzamil evolved to the Spanish name of Cozumel. The Mayans believed the island to be a sacred shrine.

Inherent to CozumelÆs modern present is a past rich in Maya history - one thatÆs preserved and shared through annual festivals, cultural sites and ancient ruins. All serve as reminders of this enduring heritage that continues to play a role in the everyday life of Cozumelenos and island guests.

Visitors can explore, experience and gain a sense of the strength of Maya culture at several sites.

The largest archaeological site on the island, San Gervasio was a sacred Mayan center, as well as a strategic political and commercial hub. San Gervasio takes its name from an agricultural and cattle ranch which was founded by Mr. Gervasio Novelo in 1858. While the original name is unknown, it is believed that it could have been "Tan Tun" (Over Rock).

Continuously occupied from 200 A.D. until the Spanish conquest, San Gervasio served as a sanctuary to Goddess Ixchel, the goddess of fertility. Pilgrims from the entire Mayan world were drawn to the site to worship her.

During the post-classic period between 1200-1530, San Gervasio became the biggest and most significant site on the island. At its central square, visitors can walk among the ruins of what were the most important temples - nine buildings that formed an enclosed patio and from where three roads communicated with other squares. Bilingual plaques describe each structure.

Punta Sur

Cozumel Island

The area is divided primarily in four historical districts:

Manitas structure and annexed temple "Chichan Nah" - the first visible area of the archaeological site
Central Plaza structures - civic buildings and temples
Murcielagos structure - an observatory building
El Ramonal (no public access) - the oldest district

San Gervasio is a short drive on the cross-island road from downtown San Miguel. The entrance is marked by a gravel road leading north of the ruins.

Bilingual tour guides are available, as are souvenir stores, a bookstore, snack bar, restrooms and parking. Admission is $5.00 per person, with children under 11 admitted free of charge. Hours of operation are 7:00am - 4:00pm daily. Visit www.cozumelparks.com

Located inland just off the islandÆs main road some 10 miles south of San Miguel, El Cedral is today the site of the Festival of El Cedral celebration held each May. Commemorating the Day of the Holy Cross, the 150+ year tradition honors the safe passage of 11 founding families who fled the mainland for Cozumel in 1848 during la guerra de castas (the Caste War).

Sparse archaeological evidence remains of El Cedral's past glory because much of the temple was destroyed by conquistadors. By the turn of the last century, the site was uninhabited. But at one time, this quaint village and ruins comprised the largest settlement in Cozumel.

It was here that people worshipped and placed offerings for the gods before the settlers eventually built a church at the site. Compared to San Gervasio, El Cedral's ruin is much smaller. However, it is the oldest Maya structure on the island.

After exploring the ruins, visitors should view the rustic, modern-era stucco church painted vivid green. Inside, a number of crosses are shrouded in embroidered lace.

El Cedral is accessible by taking the main highway south from San Miguel to a large arched entry. In addition to guided tours, visitors will find several craft shops with a variety of Mexican souvenirs. Admission is free.

A Maya site on the eastern coast near the northern tip of the island, Castillo Real (Royal Castle) consists of a lookout tower, pyramid base and temple with two chambers capped by a false arch. A fine snorkeling site, the offshore waters harbor several shipwrecks and ample marine life.

A well-preserve ancient structure built between 1200 - 1400 A.D., El Caracol was used by the Mayans to signal the approach of hurricanes. The ancient "engineering feat" is basically a whistle propelled by winds funneled through a seashell to warn navigators to take refuge from impending bad weather.

The ruins are now part of the Parque Punta Sur ecological reserve. The $10 entrance fee includes a guided tour to the ruin. Entrance is free for children under 8.

Remarkable coastal scenery leads to an 800-year-old Maya ruin at La Palma, and to Castillo Real, a 1200-year-old ruin thatÆs perched overlooking the Caribbean.

A Bit Of History

While the first Maya settled in Cozumel 2,000 years ago, it was during the Classic Period between 300 - 900 A.D. that the island flourished. During these six centuries, priests were at the top of the social hierarchy in the Maya world and life revolved around religious ceremonies. Cozumel thrived, becoming one of the most important sanctuaries in the Yucatan region.

Religious pilgrimages were common to the island, especially from women who were either pregnant or wanted to become pregnant. They paid homage to the goddess Ixchel, the deity of the moon, pregnancy and childbirth. It was a tradition among the Maya people in general to visit the shrine of this goddess at least once in their lifetime.