On February 18, hundreds of Indigenous Mayans gathered at the historic site of Kaminaljuyu in Guatemala City to celebrate the new solar year through a deeply spiritual ceremony. This date marks the commencement of a new cycle in the Chol Ab’ Mayan calendar, a significant event for the community.
Cleansing rituals and spiritual practices
During the ceremony, spiritual guide Nelson Tuyuc led participants in a series of rituals aimed at cleansing their energy. Emphasizing the importance of breath as a means to start the year afresh, Tuyuc remarked on the significance of these practices in aligning oneself with nature and the cosmos.
A rich cultural heritage
While various Indigenous groups in the region follow distinct calendars, the Chol Ab’ calendar holds a revered status as the primary calendar overseeing the Mayan year. The celebration at Kaminaljuyu not only marks the solar new year but also serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and traditions that are integral to the Mayan identity.
“The start of the new year is a time for reflection and renewal,” Tuyuc stated, highlighting the importance of this celebration within the Mayan culture.
The event at Kaminaljuyu showcased the unity and resilience of the Mayan communities, reaffirming their connection to ancestral practices and the natural world.