COSTAMAYABLOG.MAHAHUALLIVE.COM: Jats'a-Ja' - 2nd annual festival to celebrate the rebirth of Mahahual

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Jats'a-Ja' - 2nd annual festival to celebrate the rebirth of Mahahual

On August 21st of 2007, Hurricane Dean, the 3rd worst hurricane ever to hit land slammed into Mahahual. The small town was devastated. Not only was the town in shambles, the the main source of income, the cruise ship dock was damaged. A Year later, in 2008, the annual festival of Jats'a-Ja' was created to celebrate Mahahual's rebirth.

This year, they have moved the festival up to July 17-19. Not enough time to promote it accurately, but it is a great celebration that you will enjoy if you can make it to Mahahual.

The Mayan Word Jats'a-Ja' means the moisture that enters house when it rains - there is no equivalent in English or Spanish and it has little to do with hurricane, but it is a beautiful word for a lovely ceremony.

Schedule of Events

Friday, 17th of July

6:30 PM opening ceremonies at Plaza Martillo
7:00 PM Nautical procession of Jats'a Já - Participants are requested to wear white
8:30 PM Mayan Ceremony and offering to the gods - Mayan prayer to Mother Earth, seeking mercy towards her people in order to keep hurricanes away and bless this land.
9:30 PM fire works
22:30 PM Disco at Tequila Beach

Saturday, 18th of July

9:00 AM Photographic exposition opens
11:00 AM - 1:00 - Kite flying and Kite creation contest
2:00 - 4:00 PM Gastronomica - Flavors of the world
5:30 PM Aquathalon
10:00 PM - Dance on the Malecon/Tequila Beach

Sunday, 19th of July

8:00 AM - Sand sculptures - between the Lighthouse and Tequila Beach
1:00 PM - Soccer Match
2:00 PM Skating tournament - "Free Wheels"
3:00 PM Thanksgiving Mass
5:00 PM Closing ceremonies and awards

All photos shown are from 2008

Eventos

Viernes 17 de julio

18:30 hs Inauguración en la Plaza Martillo
19:00 hs Procesión náutica y ofrenda floral al Jats'a Já -En el trayecto, se lanzarán al mar las ofrendas florales que previamente se distribuirán en cada embarcación.Desembarcarán frente a Capitanía de Puerto, donde estará preparado el altar para la Ceremonia Maya. Se solicita a los participantes ir vestidos de blanco.
20:30 hs Ceremonia Maya - Ritual Maya ofrecido por sacerdotes provenientes de Tihosuco, Q. Roo que consiste en una oración a la madre Tierra, solicitando su clemencia hacia sus pobladores con el fin de mantener los huracanes y malos tiempos lejos del lugar y bendecir estas tierras.
21:30 hs Juegos pirotécnicos
22:30 hs Baile música disco - Tequila Beach