Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza

This special event marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere. It happens when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky after crossing the celestial equator.

At sunset, the sun's rays make it look like a snake, Kukulcan, is going down the stairs of El Castillo. The Mayans showed their ability to combine astronomy, religion, and architecture by aligning the sun with the pyramid's design.

People have different beliefs about this day. Some think they feel good energy, so they wear white and do yoga together. Others believe witches get stronger and celebrate with songs, energetic cleansing, and burning incense.

It marks the start of the planting season. It helps farmers with traditional farming. It advises them when to cultivate and when to harvest their crops.

Experience the spring equinox

Seeing the spring equinox in Chichen Itza is a special experience that shows the mystery and greatness of the Mayan civilization.

As the day calms down and excitement grows, the sun sets, casting shadows that gradually form the shape of Kukulcan (the Feathered Serpent). The crowd cheers as they watch Quetzalcoatl descend, which takes about 5 hours.

Light refracts on the staircase, forming 7 triangles. The snake head sculpture at the base completes the snake's body, pointing towards the sacred cenote of Chenku. moves forward, linking us to ancient people who also celebrated this event.

Interesting Facts about Chichen Itza.

The Mayans were good at math and studying the stars. El Castillo pyramid shows this. It has 91 steps on each side, plus one more leading to the temple. This adds to 365, the same as our calendar.

For the ancient Mayans, the steps represent the “18 bodies” or months of their calendar (each month had 20 days) and the last 5 steps represent “The 5 disastrous days”, also known as Uayeb, were an important time period in the Mayan calendar. Those days brought bad luck and were associated with the underworld, death, and chaos.

Legends say that the manifestation of God Quetzalcoatl revealed the Spring Equinox to the Mayans. He appeared on earth and communicated through the high priest.

Watching Quetzalcoatl descend takes about 5 hours. Light refracts on the staircase, forming 7 triangles. The snake head sculpture at the base completes the snake's body, pointing towards the sacred cenote of Chenku.

We hope tourists in March can see this spectacle. If it's not possible to come this year, consider booking your vacation for next year to witness it. Now, it's time to plan ahead and secure my spot to see this remarkable show.