Part II 

Following  the footsteps of the Maya World at Knórosov Center

Interview with Rogelio Valencia Rivera, Academic Director at Knórosov Center

After a brief tour at the Knorosov Center we stoped at the Library. A collection of books and research on  Mayan deciphering will be opened to the public soon.

The Xcaret compendium of Maya hieroglyphic deciphered by Yuri Knorosov

“Understanding the Mayas is not only a matter of reading what they wrote” a second voice responds. We are ready for the second interview with Rogelio Valencia, Academic Director of  Knórosov Center.

How did your get interested  in the Mayan culture?

It was love at first sight. I wanted to be an archaeologist when I was a child, but my parents discouraged me. I went to the British Museum and assisted a Congress on Mayan studies and epigraphy (…) I left my PhD and changed it for one in Anthropology.

Which is the most beautiful experience you remember?

The work I do in Calakmul,  an archaeological site in Campeche. I have  the opportunity to see amazing things over there. I work as one  of the epigraphers of the team. I make a photographic record of the monuments and then make drawings and interpretation, along with iconography.

In addition to his career, Rogelio carries out research at  Knórosov Center. His work includes information analysis and interpretation as part of the Center’s mission to integrate interdisciplinary group of researchers specializing in Mayan epigraphy through the Knórosov method.

What do you think is the greatest legacy of the Mayas?

The writing system, very innovative in its style and a very particular way of understanding the world. The record we have of the Prehispanic period is limited,  we only  hear the voice of the Mighty. But, for that reason we need archeology, to seek a coherent explanation for everything we see as a cultural material record.

How do you think the Mayans really perceived the theme of 2012?

As a renewal effort. It doesn’t mean we will do it the same way. The date of the creation is important, but that has already happened. Remember that myths are the history of their time. The only evidence that speaks of 2012 is in the archaeological site of “Tortuguero“. If it was really important we would see it everywhere. Never in the mind of the Mayas was the possibility that the world  would come to an end.

Rogelio recommended us to never fall into misconceptions. As Mexican it is important to lead these issues with a sense of responsibility and expertise including reading and studying texts via web. Also, there are several of research Centers and Universities specialized in the Mayas.

We recommend the following link to begin your study: Breaking The Maya Code: A fascinating world of writing

We also invite you to follow the activities of Knorosov Center through its Facebook page and read Part I of this interview: Knorosov Center at Xcaret, a great project for the Study of Language and Mayan Epigraphy

Contact: knorosov@knorosov.org.mx

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Interview by: Arianna Bañuelos Zetina, Social Media Analyst at Experience Xcaret

Photo: Leonel Partido, Public Relations Executive Online at Experience Xcaret

Part I 

Knorosov Center at Xcaret, a great project for the Study of Language and Mayan Epigraphy

Interview with Paola Martin Lopez. General Manager at Knorosov Center (Centro Knórosov)

A lot has been written about Mayan history. Today, everyone seems to be an expert. However, there are different opinions about this topic: Is it possible that a scientific project aims to study history and Mayan culture in Mexico?

The answer is yes. I could not believe there was a center in Xcaret Park with open doors to the public. Mayan language will be studied with an interdisciplinary team that includes the participation of Mexican scientists. This is an achievement for our country and the analysis of our history.

With optimism, Paola Martín Lopez, General Manager of Knorosov Center gave us an interview:

Who came up with the idea of Knorosov Center?

“It came from Marcos Constandse and the knowledge he had from Yuri Knorosov, the epigrapher who deciphered the mayan code. This idea came while he was still alive. After ten years, the idea materialized with one of his disciples, Dr. Galina Ershova (Director of Knorosov Center). Architect Miguel Quintana (General Director of Xcaret) made this dream come true with the support of “Universidad Veracruzana” and the “University of Sciences of Russia”.

Prior to Yuri Knorosov, how is it possible to explain that no other Mexican has been interested in the Maya deciphering code?

Yuri Knorosov, a serious-faced figure stands at the Knorosov Center at Xcaret. Having fought in the armed forces during World War II, he graduated from Moscow State University and became interested in Mayan glyphs.

Paola Martín answers: “Our job is to awaken a worldwide interest. I had no idea about many things until I came here. Now I am very sad because we have an acceptable level of preparation, but indeed, people have no idea. From primary, secondary school, we should have learned  Pre-Hispanic history”.

What is Center Knorosov’s  long term vision?

“In three years we have to be economically self-sufficient, but projects are underway. Actually, we are supporting a major project in the archaeological site of  Tortuguero Macuspana, the “Universidad Veracruzana” provides us with two researchers, the University of Sciences of Russia provides four researchers. There are plans to bring more”.

One of the biggest challenges, Paola told us, is to make Mexicans aware of these topics. “To reach that, you have to do a lot of work at home” Knorosov Center has scheduled several research projects with the participation of Mexican scientists, the study of Mesoamerican epigraphy and hieroglyphic texts desciphered by the Knorosov method since it opened its doors in December of 2010.

To be continued …

Language Studies and Mayan Epigraphy at Knorosov Center, Xcaret.

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Interview by: Arianna Bañuelos Zetina, Social Media Analyst at Experiencias Xcaret

Photo: Leonel Jesus Partido Priego, Public Relations Online Executive at Experiencias Xcaret

Endangered Species: In Mexico and the world are our priority

In Mexico there are thousands of species in danger of  extinction. It is important to take collective responsibility of the critical state of our evolutionary process, since the environment and food chains have been altered by human action, such as: pollution, fishing, hunting, trafficking and illegal catch, among others activities.

The extinction of flora and fauna has serious impacts in ecosystems, especially those regarding food chains. Damage from ancient times has been accelerating because of  food scarcity and environmental degradation.

In Xel Há, we seek to take  care of the flora and fauna as part of  our natural wonder. Xel Há is a natural reef that was formed 5 thousands of years ago and like the rest of the Yucatan Peninsula, presents permeable calcareous soil with high vertical erosion. Hence, the fragility of nature is important when considering  goals we want to convey with our visitors.

Three  endangered species in the Park, have  been a priority in Xel Há:

1) Loggerhead turtle

Scientific name: Caretta caretta

Brown tortoise from the back and yellow at the front. The shell is 90 to 114 cm. The loggerhead is carnivorous and feeds on sponges, jellyfish and marine organisms. Highly migratory species reproduce from May to September. It is located in the United States, Yucatan, Veracruz, Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua and Brazil.

In Xel Há, loggerhead is  taken care by: Flora, Fauna and Culture of Mexico Association.

2) Queen conch

Scientific Name: Strombus gigascol Rosa

It is known as pink conch or queen conch because its shell is pearly pink. It’s  invertebrate reproduction is internal. It’s located among the plankton. In the adult stage is larger than 20 cm and weighs up to 2 kgs. Predators are: rays, octopus, turtles, but the biggest predator is the human being. The beauty of its shell and its valued meat make the queen conch an endangered species. For this reason, Xel-Há and the Cinvestav-IPN, Merida Unit, joined several years ago to establish a scientific and educational agreement and the diffusion of science for the sustainable management of this important marine resource of the Caribbean Sea.

3) Manatee

Scientific name: Ntritechus manatus

Manatees are herbivores that spend most of their time searching and ingesting plants.

n 2008, as part of a rescue by federal authorities in Tabasco, 2 specimens of manatees were delivered into the custody of Xcaret and then became part of Xel-Há’s family. Here, manatees receive veterinary care, feeding according to their age and weight, and are monitored around the clock. Manatees are part of a research project of organisms in captivity as they are an endangered species in Mexico and the Caribbean. As a result of the care received in the park, a manatee was born in captivity.

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Remember that a healthy planet is everyone’s responsibility. We invite you to a reflection to become aware of the natural beauty that surrounds us. ”Endangered species ” is our theme in the following free yoga session which will take place at Xel Há on February 25th. Join the movement of consciousness. We are waiting for you!

Gaby Rodarte. Weddings in Xcaret. An unforgettable experience…

The Xperiencias Xcaret team had the opportunity to meet one of the most romantic Faces of Xcaret: the one in charge of making one of the most magical and memorable moments in our Park come true, the wedding coordinator. Gabriela Rodarte Medrano is the Special Events Manager and she shared with us all the magical experiences that she’s entrusted to perform.

Gaby shared her love not only for Xcaret, but also for her job and the task she has to supervise, making sure every wedding planned inside the Park is perfect. Her job also includes sometimes “being a psychologist and a counselor“.

A number of weddings have been conducted in Xcaret since its beginning, including political figures, and popular culture celebrities such as Mexican actress-singer Patricia Manterola, Paulina Rubio, “la chica dorada”,  the businessman Emilio Azcarraga and the footballer Zague who married the journalist Paola Rojas, to name a few.

Before her wedding planning days, Gabriela worked in the Groups area, where she had the opportunity to attend to personalities in politics such as current President Felipe Calderon and several Latin American Heads of State including Raul Castro, president of Cuba. “At the end of the Latin American summit, Mr. Raul Castro, president of Cuba, told me that the food here was the best he’s tried in Mexico.”

During her one and a half year in weddings, she has worked creating “incredible” moments as she calls them and tells us with nostalgia and teary eyes the first wedding she helped planned, when Edgar and Antonella’s vows were so authentic and moving, she couldn’t help but shed a few tears.

At the end, she explained how planning weddings has changed her life and her concept of this union. She enjoys the professional challenge that weddings represent: “no matter what happens, weddings are going to happen—whether there are hurricanes, influenza, whatever happens, people are going to get married, and it’s a great feeling that you keep working and creating these incredible moments.”

When asked if she would get married in Xcaret, she answered: “Of course, but in one condition, that day none of the people that help me plan the weddings would work. I wouldn’t like to see my friends working during my wedding, I would like to have them seated with me, and there would be new people hired so that my friends could be with me, sharing my happiness.”

This is how we said good bye to one of the Faces of Xcaret and we invite all those people in love to come live an unforgettable moment in unique locations, surrounded by nature and most importantly by the kindhearted people who work to make of this a memorable experience.

And you, ¿would you marry in Xcaret?

Enter the link to get more information about Weddings in Xcaret