SPRING EQUINOX APPROACHING IN THE YUCATAN Although the Spring Equinox is a global phenomenon, only in Mexico can you see a feathered snake slither across a pyramid. This incredible display happens at Chichen-Itza, the Mayan ruin in Yucatan State, which is nominated to be a new world wonder. The equinoxes mark the time when the Mayans planted and harvested, and it was necessary to use advanced astronomy and geometry to map out cycles of the sun for the equinoxes. March 21 is the day of the Spring Equinox, and as the sun rises on the Yucatan Peninsula, thousands of people gather together to witness the afternoon shadow of the snake-god Kukulcan, slowly crawling down Chichen-Itza’s largest pyramid, El Castillo. This incredible occurrence is a tribute to the astronomical achievements of the Mayan people and is reenacted almost nightly with a spectacular sound-and-light show which takes place during the rest of the year. In addition to Chichen-Itza, visitors to the area can check out the nearby ruins of Ek-balam as well as the colonial cities of Izamal and Valladolid. For more information about the major event at Chichen Itza, refer to our guide for visiting this remarkable site. HOME