The Marco Gonzalez Maya Site Non-Profit Organization happily invites the public to celebrate All Things New at their Spring Equinox Event to take place on Sunday, March 18, 2018 at the Marco Gonzalez Archaeological Reserve.

At 10am Maya Priest Mr. Martin Choc will officiate a blessing of the Reserve as well as extending it to our island. If anyone has a birthday, anniversary or “just married”, they can request a special blessing from the Priest. Following the Official blessing, the festivities begin in celebration of spring.

Spring equinox is another name for “vernal equinox” or “March equinox”. An equinox is the moment in time (not a day-long event) when the Sun stands directly above the equator and day and night are of approximately equal length. For the Northern Hemisphere, the spring equinox is the moment when winter ends and spring begins. 2018 Spring Equinox is actually on the 20th at 12:15pm; however, we’ve chosen to entertain you on the Sunday prior.

For the past several years, the Marco Gonzalez Organization has held a summer solstice; however, they have been rained out several times. They are turning to the Spring for better weather (and lower bug population!) for you to enjoy! Following the Blessing, there will be a dance performance from the Masewal Maya Dancers from Yo Creek, demonstrations of pod-to-bean-to-chocolate from Belize Chocolate Co., an artifact display hosted by San Pedro House of Culture and site tours offered by Belize Institute of Archaeology and Dr. Kay McCarron.

Background Maya music will set the mood as you enjoy the morning. Hungry or thirsty? We have both to offer at a reasonable cost. Feeling Mayan? You may get the opportunity to throw a spear using the Atlatl – a wooden extension to propel the spear further!

The fundraising event will also feature some outstanding raffle prizes from snorkeling the Blue Hole to a martini party for eight with tapas included, there is bound to be something you want to take a chance on. Admission to the event is $20BZ/$10USD. Cash only – we have no electricity for credit cards. Driving time from downtown San Pedro is at least 45 minutes. After paying entry, there is another 15 minutes to reach the Main Plaza of the site and settle in for the 10am start. Dress comfortably for the forested environment; bring a towel or blanket to sit on. Comfortable shoes are a must for the walk in and touring the site. Perfume of the day is always bug repellent!

Corporate sponsorship is welcomed for the fundraiser. Gold $2000, Silver $1000, Bronze $500, and Friends at any amount is appreciated. Funds assist with school field trips, equipment, and general maintenance of the site.

We hope you come enjoy All Things New at our event. Have a unique visit to our beautiful Maya site while learning about the Coastal Maya Traders of Ambergris Caye. Call Jan Brown, 672-2725, for more information. Also visit https://belizing.com/Marco-Gonzalez-Spring-2018-Equinox/ for a special invitation.

BTIA San Pedro Chapter donates to Marco Gonzalez Spring Equinox Event

At their monthly meeting on February 28th, the Belize Tourism Industry Association San Pedro Chapter (SP BTIA) presented the Marco Gonzalez Archaeology Site with a check for $500. The donation will sponsor-in-part the Spring Equinox Event to be hosted at the Marco Gonzalez site on Sunday, March 18th. “We are dedicated to sustaining and improving tourism opportunities on Ambergris Caye, and as a group, we believe that the archaeological site south of San Pedro Town compliments the many tourism activities our island has to offer. The Spring Equinox event Marco Gonzalez is hosting is truly a unique experience that can be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike and we are pleased to be a sponsor of this fun and cultural occasion,” commented SP BTIA Chairwoman Tamara Sniffin.

The Marco Gonzalez Maya Site Non-Profit Organization invites the public to celebrate All Things New at their Spring Equinox Event on Sunday, March 18th at the Marco Gonzalez Archaeological Reserve. At 10am Maya Priest Mr. Martin Choc will officiate a blessing of the Reserve as well as extending it to our island. If anyone has a birthday, anniversary or “just married”, they can request a special blessing from the Priest. Following the Blessing, there will be a dance performance from the Masewal Maya Dancers from Yo Creek, demonstrations of pod-to-bean-to-chocolate from Belize Chocolate Co., an artifact display table hosted by San Pedro House of Culture, a demonstration and opportunity to throw a spear using the Atlatl – a wooden extension to propel the spear further, and site tours offered by Belize Institute of Archaeology and Dr. Kay McCarron. Background Maya music will set the mood as you enjoy the morning, and food and beverages will be available at a reasonable cost.

The fundraising event will also feature some outstanding raffle prizes. From snorkeling the Blue Hole to a martini party for eight with tapas included, there is bound to be something you want to take a chance on. Admission to the event is $20BZ/$10USD, cash only. Driving time from downtown San Pedro is at least 45 minutes. After paying entry, there is a 15-minute walk to reach the Main Plaza of the site and settle in for the 10am start. Dress comfortably for the forested environment; bring a towel or blanket to sit on, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring bug repellent.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

We attend each year, it is a special event with great information about the day to day lives of the Island Mayans who lived here 1600 years ago. We've enjoyed the blessing of the priest (spoken in the native language) along with an environment deep in the forest that gives you a feeling as if you have left the island and been transported to another place & time.... Coupled with this year's special additions such as the spear throwing and chocolate demonstration it will be well worth the adventure...... Hope to see you there....

Come celebrate the Spring Equinox at Marco Gonzalez Maya Site this morning at 10pm!

The spring equinox was celebrated yesterday at the Marco Gonzalez Maya Site on Ambergris Caye. The event featured Maya dancers from Orange Walk and a shaman all the way from Toledo.











Photos by Institute of Archaeology

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Marco Gonzalez Maya Site

Our adventure to the Marco Gonzales Archaeological Reserve was a good one. Nature and appreciation for culture and history all came alive.

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Marco Gonzalez Spring Equinox Celebration and Blessings