According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), it is estimated that around 20% of world tourism has Religious and Spiritual Tourism as the reason for travel, and in the specific case of Mexico, several enclosures meet these characteristics which are closely related to the uses and customs of the towns.
Such is the case of Tizimín, from the Mayan words “i’tsimín” which means “Place of the Tapir”, one of the oldest municipalities in the state of Yucatán, where its pre-Hispanic antecedents of the Mayan culture left great vestiges that coexist in harmony. with the heritage of European influence, which came to the entity during the conquest and with it one of the most important regional festivals in southeastern Mexico and the world, which is held in honor of the Three Holy Kings.
It is important to note that the second most visited sanctuary in the world, dedicated to the Three Holy Kings, is located in Tizimín, only after the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.
In this Mayan community, after being evangelized during the 16th century by Franciscan friars, the construction of its church was promoted in 1745 (17th century) and dedicated to commemorating Melchior, Gaspar, and Baltazar, who were represented in cedar wood images and decorated with colors and gold leaf.
There are many stories surrounding these images, however, the legend about their arrival in the town is one of the most impressive.
It is said that in those times there was a group of travelers enthusiastic about visiting Tizimín, however, many people tried to convince them to give up on the journey that involved getting to that town, and even with the warnings, they decided to embark on the adventure, disappearing. for several days and assuming that they had been shipwrecked at sea. One afternoon, on the coast near Tizimín, the boat of those adventurers was seen, which did not have a crew, but did have the three wooden figures on board.
Immediately, the residents prepared to carry them, but their weight was too much, making them difficult to move; In addition, there was something that caused astonishment in those present, regardless of the position in which they were found, the gaze of the Three Wise Men was directed towards the town of Tizimín, so they decided to take them there, legend has it that according to the sculptures As they approached the town, they weighed much less, considering that detail as a sign that those travelers had already decided where to stay.
Over time, the three Wise Men of Tizimín occupied great relevance in the cultural and religious life of the town, assigning January 6 as the date on which the entire town celebrated and welcomed travelers back with their arms. open.
According to tradition, the festivities will begin on December 28 with the “lowering” of the images of the Holy Kings; who will begin to receive visits from the parishioners who make up the guilds and brotherhoods, with those belonging to the first group in the state being the first to pass; which was founded by inhabitants of Mérida, Progreso and other towns in 1905, called Faith, Hope and Charity.
Likewise, three processions will take place; the first is on January 6 as it is the first day of the fair where the images will make their way around the park followed by the priests and parishioners. The second will be held on January 8 with the pilgrims who visit the site and the last on January 12 with the inhabitants of Tizimín, who at the end place the images again in their niches, ending the fair in their honor.
Hundreds of travelers gather on these dates in the beautiful town of Tizimín, some come for religious reasons and others come to enjoy the hubbub of the festivals that include dairy farms, music, a popular fair, dances, and a lot of traditions.
The traditions of Yucatan are the result of an extensive series of cultural manifestations with a long history, the result of miscegenation between the indigenous people and the contribution of the Spanish conquerors; In addition, its geographical location and history have caused it to also receive influence from countries such as Cuba or France.
Without a doubt, Yucatán is a destination worth knowing for its hundreds of traditions that remain rooted; Just as its innumerable archaeological, cultural, and gastronomic benefits continue to conquer the entire world, making it the best destination to visit in 2024, this vacation, lean on the yucatan.travel travel planner and join the thousands of travelers who have decided to visit the lands of the Mayab.
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