When we decided to visit Valladolid, we didn’t have a clear plan of what we wanted to see and do. The only thing we were sure about was our intention to promote tourism in Valladolid and learn more about Mayan culture.
Upon arriving at Casa Hamaca Guesthouse, we noticed a poster for a performance called “Momentos Sagrados Mayas” (Sacred Moments of the Maya). Curious, we asked the owner, Denis, about it and found out it was a unique cultural show in the nearby village of X’ocen.
We booked a taxi for 200 pesos to take us the 15 km to the Maya village. When we got there, we bought our tickets at a small table for 150 pesos and headed to the theater. I say “theater” loosely because the show is set outdoors among trees, with just a small wooden stage. We loved the simplicity of it.
Small white cushions were laid out for both tourists and locals. As the music started, everyone fell silent, waiting eagerly for the show to begin. Performers, dressed in colorful traditional Mayan clothing, emerged from behind the trees, bushes, and little hills. Even though we didn’t speak Mayan or Spanish, we could easily follow what was happening.
Scenes depicted daily life activities: going to school, men flirting with women, tending to livestock, bargaining in the market, funeral processions, and even wives scolding their drunk husbands. The vibrant colors gleamed in the sunlight, and the rhythmic stomping during the dancing was mesmerizing. About 300 people participated in the show, with children as young as five showing incredible dancing skills.
The performance lasted an hour and a half and was a truly special experience. While the Yucatán region is known for its cenotes, beaches, and colonial buildings, this show is uniquely captivating. If you’re planning a trip to Valladolid, make sure to attend Momentos Sagrados Mayas, the spectacular outdoor theater performance.
We are grateful to Casa Hamaca Guesthouse for hosting us during this part of our stay in Valladolid.
