Despite Maya doomsday prophecy theorists predicting the world will end on December 21, 2012, today’s winter solstice ushers in a year of celebration across the heart of Maya territory in Mexico.
Renowned for its extraordinary art, architecture, rituals and achievements in written language, astronomy and mathematics, the mighty and mysterious Mayan civilization extended from what are now the Mexican states of Chiapas, Tabasco, Quintana Roo, Campeche and Yucatán through the Central American countries of Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador and Honduras.
Established during the Pre-Classic period (c. 2000 BC to 250 AD), Mayan civilization reached its peak during the Classic period (c. 250 to 900 AD). Though their opulent jungle cities eventually fell into ruins, the Mayan people today number in the millions and vigorously celebrate their culture and heritage.
As for the end of the world? While a single reference to 2012 on a 1,300 year-old Mayan stone tablet has end-of-day enthusiasts predicting an apocalypse on December 21, 2012, scholars argue that other references to dates after 2012 in ancient Mayan literature imply that winter solstice 2012 only signifies the end of a five-millenia cycle on the Mayan calendar.
Indigenous Mayan communities have already begun their countdown to this significant date which Mexico’s tourism agency is promoting as a time of renewal. The country expects 52 million visitors in 2012, more than twice the usual number. For more on travel to Mexico including a calendar of events, See Mexico Tourism.
In Toronto, delve into Mayan culture past and present at the blockbuster exhibition Maya: Secrets of their Ancient World at the Royal Ontario Museum until April 9, 2012. Maya-themed menu items are featured at the museum’s restaurants. Tickets for the Maya show should be purchased ahead on the ROM’s website. Look for special evening and holiday discount offers.
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