Approximately 15,000 people are expected to arrive in the archaeological site of Chichen Itza to witness the light and shadow phenomenon of the Spring Equinox on Monday March 21st.
In an interview with SIPSE, the director of the Board of Cultural and Tourist Services Units (Cultur), Dafne Lopez Martinez, indicated that for the archaeological site of Dzibilchaltun, an influx of at least 2,000 people are expected next Monday March 21st.
An archaeoastronomical phenomenon is recorded every year in the so-called “Temple of the Seven Dolls” (where the sun sets right in the middle of the Mayan arch which is the entrance to this ancient structure).
Lopez Martinez that the equinox might attract more people to these pre-Columbian cities this year, since it will be a long weekend.
“It’s a three-day weekend, so we hope to have a significant amount of local, national and foreign tourists who are looking forward to visit these sites during the spring equinox, especially Chichén Itzá,” she added.
“In this ancient Mayan city the reflection of the sun’s rays generates a set of triangles in the northern part of the building known as “The Castle,” giving the appearance of forming the body of a large snake that represents the god Kukulcan”, Cultur’s Director continued.
Chichen Itza (Milenio Novedades/Foto de archivo)
Security
Lopez Martinez said that federal, state and municipal authorities will deploy a security operation, for visitors to safely travel to these destinations and be a part of the astronomical knowledge legacy of the ancient Maya.
“Meetings between officials from the three levels of government will be held in order to ensure security in these two important prehispanic sites,” she explained.
“The operation includes prevention measures in all roads leading to both Chichén Itza and Dzibilchaltún”.
There will be strict surveillance in the surrounding areas and within each site, where municipal authorities of Tinum and Merida will work closely with the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) .
In the case of Dzibilchaltún, López Martínez explained that a number of cultural events, in addition to the natural phenomenon, are being prepared to increase the interest of national and foreign visitors.
“The site has the advantage of being very close to the capital of Yucatan, so we believe that with more attractions and good promotion we can start to attract more visitors,” she said.
No doubt the phenomenon of light in the Temple of the Seven Dolls is something worth witnessing and it marvels local, national and foreign tourists, she concluded.
Dzibilchaltun’s temple of the 7 dolls (Photo: akumalblog.com)
Source: sipse.com
