The 13th Festival de la Tortuga was a spectacle indeed! After rain delayed the festival one week, the sun shone for three days on activities at Xcacel, Tulum, Akumal Bay, and Akumal Pueblo.
The festival opened on Xcacel beach with sand sculpture contests for the children and a baby turtle release at dusk. The next day in Tulum at Playa Pescador many of all ages enjoyed making kites and flying then on the beautiful white sandy beach. Later in the town of Tulum educational events about turtles and crafts were held for all ages. The tortugueros who work so hard to protect our endangered sea turtles somehow found energy to help with all these events.
Closing ceremony started at Akumal Bay with the traditional Maya dancers honoring the scared tortuga. A beautiful dance with costumes and history of the Maya culture was enjoyed by residents and tourists who were lucky enough to be on the beach that day.
The ceremony continued as the dancers walked across the bridge to bring the celebration of the turtle to the new activities dome in Akumal Pueblo, a new location that allowed more space and protection from threatening rain storms. Local women sold crafts and native food as children from the Montessori school in their hand-made turtle costumes danced to honor the turtles they learn to protect. Musical entertainment continued into the night and ended with the Maya final tribute to close the ceremony until next turtle season.
The tortugueros who endure unbearable conditions to protect the turtle during nesting and then protect the babies while hatching should be very proud of not only their work on the beach but their help in making this a successful, educational, fun festival that we look forward to attend next year.
Many sponsors this year made it possible for the children to receive wonderful prizes in the contest –- the youth are the future for continued protection of this endangered species. Educational events that bring awareness to the Tortugas Marinas will help Akumal the “Land of Turtles” continue to be a haven for this endangered species.
Many sponsors this year made it possible for the children to receive wonderful prizes in the contest – the youth are the future for continued protection of this endangered species. Educational events that bring awareness to the Tortugas Marinas will help Akumal the “Land of Turtles” continue to be a haven for this endangered species. Thank you all!
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