Chetumal
At
no more than of 5 hours from the cosmopolitan city of Cancun, one of the most
recognized resorts cities in the world, there is a place which for years had
remained hidden from the eyes of the world, but now at the dawn of the new
century, this part of Mexico rises his voice, reminding us its existence,
and of course we can not refer to anything other than the city of Chetumal.
Birthplace of the mestizos
Chetumal,
among other things, is known as the birthplace of mestizos, (the children
resulting from the union of a European with an American Native), because
of the legend that tells how in 1511 the expedition of the
Spanish marine Gonzalo Guerrero and Jerónimo de Aguilar, wrecked on the coasts
of Yucatan, were taken prisoner and transported to the Mayan city of Ichpaatún,
at north of what is now the Bay of Chetumal, although some theories place these
events in the nearby cite of Oxtanka. There, he was a slave, but later he adopted
the Mayan culture, and after being released for saving the life of his master,
took in marriage the maya princess Zazil-Ha. From that union was born their first
daughter, Ixmo, who according to legend was the first mestizo of Mexico.
Museum of the Maya Culture
The
Museum of Maya Culture is one of major tourist attractions in Chetumal. You
can find information on this and on many more things in the section,
The museum of Mayan culture. It is the largest museum
of its kind in Quintana Roo, where you can enjoy for hours the multiple rooms
that cover the entire chronology of the mayan culture.
Museum of the city
Also, enjoy the Museum of the city which was created to protect and disseminate
the historical memory of Chetumal, nearly one hundred years after it was founded.
This museum is located in the former school "Belisario Domínguez" where are the
facilities of the Ministry of Culture, one of the oldest buildings in the city.
It has six rooms designed with a superb museum. Here are historical documents,
household items, photographs, furniture, weapons and other objects that reflect
a history of struggle in pursuit of city growth and prosperity for its
multi-ethnic and multicultural population.
Sculpture Corridor Chactemal
Moreover, Chetumal is at the forefront of the art too. Just as in 2003 was held
in this capital city, the "International Sculpture meeting Chetumal 2003. During
the event was created the Sculpture Corridor Chactemal which displays works of
twenty-four artists from ten countries and four continents, which are related
to the local environment: they are allegories of the natural beauty of
Quintana Roo and traditions of the Mayan culture and the Caribbean.
Boulevard Bahía
But
not everything here is history and culture, if a walk outdoors is that you like,
you can´t miss "The Boulevard Bahía", an avenue that runs along the Bay of
Chetumal, consisting of a boulevard parallel to the sea. On this boulevard
are most of the sculptures in the Sculpture Corridor Chactemal. It is
traditionally used by Chetumal people to stroll and enjoy the beautiful
sunsets or bike riding, jogging, or simply to park in front of the bay
to enjoy with friends, music from their cars or a simple chat. This
corridor extends from Renaissance Park, which commemorates the tragedy
that occurred in 1955 with Hurricane Janet, and continues north until
you reach the village of Calderitas.
Night life and food
Chetumal is a city with a wide choice of recreational sites with many
restaurants, cafes and nightclubs. You can enjoy an international
quality coffee in front of the sea, or dance from dusk to dawn in
one of the clubs along Boulevard Bahía.
Furthermore Chetumal is the gateway to many attractions where you can enjoy
eco-tourism, diving, canoeing, exploring, fishing, and much more. So don´t
wait more to come to Chetumal, a city full of magic and fun for all.
