Annual Traditional Party in Chichen Itza on May 15

Every year on May 15 the Hacienda Chichén and Yaxkin Spa organizes a traditional party to honor their patron saint San Isidro Labrador, so if you are at the hacienda at that time you will be invited to join in the jubilant festivities. For decades they have celebrated this important tradition, inviting the staff, the Mayan communities near the hotel, and also all the guests. 

The women of the village decorate the church, and the road is decorated with the traditional colored paper flying between the trees, indicating the path to the party.

Since Colonial times, San Isidro Labrador was named the patron of the Hacienda Chichén by the Montejo family, founders of Mérida. The tradition to honor this saint is entrenched in the customs of the Mestizo Mayas of the region, and the village of Xcalacoop also took this saint as their patron when the town was founded 60 years ago.

The hotel guests have been participating and celebrating this happy event together with the staff and their families for more than 50 years; during the past ten years the owner has also attended the event to welcome all the guests and travelers, and she takes the time to give a brief introduction to this Mestizo-religious custom so that they can happily integrate to the party, prepared with great reverence to the traditions of the meal, preparing a Lechón of pork and Cochinita Pibil, baked in a pit underground. 

This celebration begins with the decoration of the platform where the statue of the saint is installed; then the traditional procession begins where the participants light their candles and walk from the Casco to the church, joyously singing the hymn of San Isidro with the traditional band from the village which accompanies them. Then a Catholic religious rite takes place, usually a brief mass. Non-Catholic participants support the event by helping to hang the piñatas in the children's play area, or help to set up the food and beverage tables. The party includes a food basket with nutritious food items for each family of workers, live music, and a delicious meal of tortas and tacos for everyone.

If you would like to attend, you can take advantage of the following specials: Hacienda Chichén 2009 SUMMER SPA GETAWAY Packages: Special offer for Yucatan Today Readers who mention this note. Come and enjoy ONE night stay during May, June and July 2009 and we will include these delicious courtesies: 25% discount on any Yaxkin Spa's full body Mayan SPA experiences. Free: Two Tropical Breakfasts and two Light Dinners per package reserved! Single or Double Room: $ 130 USD per night plus taxes. Honeymoon Room:  $ 140 USD per night plus taxes. Master Suite:  $ 170 USD per night plus taxes. These offers apply only to new reservations booked directly through us, and require a 50% non-refundable deposit when booked. 

You can find more details and a brief history of San Isidro Labrador at  www.yucatanadventure.com.mx

Visit the hacienda's website at 
www.haciendachichen.com