Xcaret Park Evening Show

Several folks have recommended the evening show at the park as a must-see. So that's the last activity we did before returning home. It did not disappoint. It was a combination of sports, religious history, and a review of the costumes of the different regions of Mexico.


Below is the stadium where events take place. It is built around a traditional "ball court".


The crowd is provided candles, to signify the solemnity and importance of the ball court ceremony.

At each end of the court are attendants, who will surround the visiting royalty. The games were usually played between two cities and towns - the civil aspect. The religious aspect of the ball game is to honor the spirits of the earth and sky - an opportunity to bring them together.

The game starts with the sound of the gilded conch blowing.

The little girl represents a pure spirit, which pleases the gods.

A short dedication ceremony...

The priests or royalty are seated at opposing ends of the court.

The game is played. Several differences from the original ball game - there are multiple goals made during the game here, and the goal rings are lower and not the usual 20 feet in the air. Also, solid rubber balls were originally used, requiring padded hip, shoulder, and leg guards. Only the hips, shoulders and legs are allowed to be used.

The winner is pronounced and honored. In the real games, it is uncertain what really happened. Some say the the captain of the winning team is beheaded (an honor) as a tribute to the gods. Others say it was a slave who was sacrificed. Others believe that no sacrifice was made.

For the second game, Fireball was played. I don't think that this was actually played in the ancient times. The same court is used, but flaming balls are used. The players use implements like hockey sticks, and the goals are at the end of the court so that flaming balls don't accidentally end-up in the crowd. The lights are out, and it is quite an entertaining spectacle.

Below is an introductory ceremony, presided by a god of fire, who ignites the first ball.

A small Mayan ensemble provides the music.

And the game is played.

Periodically, a new ball is introduced by lighting it and rolling down the slanted wall into the court.

The next phase of the show reenacts the conquering of the Mayans by the Spanish.

This scene shows the first encounter between the two cultures. The high priest with the feathered headdress, representing abundant knowledge - and the conquistador.

A battle for dominance ensues.

The conquistadors are triumphant.

The Mayans are forced to erect a cross, with a noose, representing religious enslavement .

This is a new scene where a contemporary man is reminiscing about the colonial days of Mexico.

The various States in Mexico were represented by dances and costumes. The photos below are a sample of them:

Dance of the Old Men

The Veracruz dance was the most colorful.

The Flyn' Mayans were part of the Veracruz section.

And looked pretty spectacular in the lights.

The show ended with some contemporary Mexican songs.

Thanks for viewing our trip !!!