Fundadores Park and its Mayan Traditions is in part what Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is all about. Like any other park it has a gazebo, lots of trees, pigeons, and a place where family and friends meet. It also has a few things that aren’t found as well. Throughout this adventure we are going to experience a day filled with tradition, culture and history.
Parque Los Fundadores - translated “Founding Fathers Park”, sits at the foot of Caribbean fed water and landscaped with palm trees and tropical plants. It is always filled with sounds of activity whistling through the air.
If you have ever dreamed of having a quaint little wedding in a small whitewashed chapel near the sea, this is the place you need to see. However, it is best advised to visit Nuestra Senora del Carmen Chapel for information and possible reservation.
The latest addition to Fundadores Park is the Bronze archway that was designed by Arturo Tavarez. Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is deeply enriched with centuries of Mayan ancestral culture. Its given title, “Portal Maya” gives meaning to the end of the Mayan calendar and at the same time, celebrates the coming of a new cycle.
Every afternoon until mid evening in the park, Mayan Indian descendants dress in centuries past - traditional wear. They spend most of the day performing ritual dances that symbolize worship to the Mayan gods.
Their wardrobe is authentic in every detail. Each dance has to be special and directed to a god that they are worshiping.
The drummers who set the tone for the ceremonial dance are a vital part of the music in which the Mayas keep rhythm to. Each step conjurers up a praise, a thank you and/or request to the gods.
May it be dancers, pole swinging Voladores (future article) or vendors selling their goods. There is always something going on in the park. The pigeons are always pecking around looking for crumbs left by people eating their lunch or midday snacks.
There are plenty of local restaurants and shops that surround the park. This part of Playa del Carmen somewhat remains with a reminiscing of what it was like fifteen or more years ago. Street vendors still man their tables selling everything from fresh fruit to handmade jewelry. Today PDC is an international destination with hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and growing.
Playa’s Parque Los Fundadores is a family friendly attraction that will capture your mind and heart with its traditional feel. You can step back in time and see how people shared stories amongst family and friends in such a tranquil setting. There are various live shows that reenact past cultural events most everyday. A small donation is requested afterwards. There is no obligation, but if you can give anything, it does go to keeping their history alive.
Author: Anthony Scopel
Photography: Anthony Scopel
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical Mastering & Support: Matt Kemper
Publisher: YMATD
