What happens at Chichen Itza during the spring and fall equinox?

At Chichen Itza, during the spring and fall equinoxes — this pyramid dedicated to Kukulcán (or Quetzalcoatl) serves as a visual symbol of the day and night. On every equinox, the sun of the late afternoon creates the illusion of a snake creeping slowly down the northern staircase.

What happens every March 21 in Chichen Itza?

Between March 20th and 21st the Chichén Itzá spring equinox, will take place, which is a light and shadows show that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. At the time the sun begins its way towards the horizon, several shadows start to appear on one of the faces at the main pyramid at Chichén Itzá.

Where is the spring equinox celebrated in Mexico?

Teotihuacán
Spring equinox in Teotihuacán is an annual event which takes place around the 20th and 21st of March at the pre-Hispanic site of Teotihuacán, Mexico. This event is mirrored by other similar events in other pre-Hispanic sites such as Chichén Itzá and Malinalco, Mexico State.

Is Chichen Itza open?

Chichen Itza is open.

Are there snakes at Chichen Itza?

In Chichen Itza, you will find over 12 endemic snakes species, most are endangered or at risk, due to human hunting and intense deforestation of their habitat. When encoutering a snake, it is not recommended you try to kill the snake yourself, it is best you calmly and gently back away from the area.

What happens twice a year at Chichen Itza?

El Castillo—in Spanish, “the castle”—looms at the center of Chichén Itzá, a 79-foot pyramid of stone. Also known as the Pyramid of Kukulkán, the structure embodies Mayan myth along with natural astronomical cycles. The phenomenon that El Castillo is famous for occurs twice each year, at the spring and fall equinoxes.

How does Mexico celebrate spring?

Mexicans celebrate the spring equinox at the Teotihuacan archaeological site, by wearing white and climbing the pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, where they raise their hands to the sky to receive the energy of the sun.

Is Vernal a spring?

According to the astronomical definition of the seasons, the vernal equinox also marks the beginning of spring, which lasts until the summer solstice (June 20 or 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, December 21 or 22 in the Southern Hemisphere). …

How long do you need at Chichen Itza?

On average, 3 hours is usually enough time to see Chichén Itzá. Depending on your sightseeing style (i.e. if you just want to take a quick look around or if you want to learn the history of every feature), you might stay between 2-4 hours.

Can you swim in the cenote at Chichen Itza?

The cenote NEAR Chichen Itza that you can swim in is Cenote Ik Kil and is definitely worth a visit. This is the cenote inside the Chichen Itza, you may not swim in this one.

What is inside Chichen Itza?

Further excavations revealed that it had nine platforms, a single stairway, and a temple containing human remains, a jade-studded jaguar throne, and a so-called Chac Mool. The Chac Mool is a type of Maya sculpture of an abstract male figure reclining and holding a bowl used as a receptacle for sacrifices.

Is Chichen Itza a pyramid?

La Pirámide, known as the Temple of Kukulcán (or also just as Kukulcán), is a Mesoamerican step-pyramid that dominates the center of the Chichen Itza archaeological site in the Mexican state of Yucatán.

Where to watch the equinox at Chichen Itza?

But none perhaps more widely celebrated than the Spring and Fall Equinox at the ancient site of Chichén Itza in central Yucatan. Each year thousands of pilgrims and curiosity seekers flock to the nearly six square miles of national park ruins to watch a phenomena that was carefully mapped by ancient architects and astronomers.

Why is the Chichen Itza equinox important to the Mayans?

The Chichen Itza Equinox and the Serpent effect that the sun provides in certain days and hours of the year is one of the main attractions to this Mayan Archeological Site.

What does the Snake symbolize at Chichen Itza?

At Chichen Itza, during the spring and fall equinoxes — this pyramid dedicated to Kukulcán (or Quetzalcoatl) serves as a visual symbol of the day and night. On every equinox, the sun of the late afternoon creates the illusion of a snake creeping slowly down the northern staircase.

How many days are there at Chichen Itza?

This adds up to a 365 day solar year with the 91 days between each event matching the 91 steps to each side of the pyramid. Chichén Itzá is open 8 A.M. to 5:30 P.M., every day of the year. Arrive early if you can so as to avoid the tour buses from Cancun.