Guatemala's Poised to Become the Meeting Place for the Change of Era in 2012. A Remarkable Program of Activities Will Exalt the Mayan Culture and Cosmogony.
The Guatemala Tourism Board –INGUAT– together with the Ministry of Culture and Sports –MICUDE–unveiled the "Plan Integrado y Estrategias de Divulgación "Oxlajuj B'aqtun 2012," a comprehensive strategic and promotional planto commemorate Oxlajuj B'aqtun in 2012. The project was presented during a high-level event with Guatemalan president, Alvaro Colom in attendance, and other top government officials at the Teatro Nacional.
The main objective of this plan is to promote the evolution of Mayan culture over time within the framework of the Oxlajuj B'aqtun commemoration, at both the domestic and international levels, to help positioning Guatemala as the Heart of the Mayan World.
"Tourism authorities will carry on with the international promotion and marketing efforts on behalf of Guatemala. It's our goal to spread the word about the significance of Oxlajuj B'aqtun and the sacred sites of the Mayans. More than predictions, these are new conceptions, an opportunity for humankind to grow spiritually. We have a strong commitment to strengthening and promoting around the world the cultural identity and spirituality, as living expressions of the Mayan Cosmogony," said Roberto Robles, Director of INGUAT, during the launch event at the Teatro Nacional.
The sacred sites that have been chosen are key in the beginning and end of the Oxlajuj B'aqtun era, and fundamental to understanding the legacy of the Mayans:
- Uaxactun: An astronomical observatory and also a convergence point of cosmic energy.
- Quiriguá: It's an important place for the time countdown. Its location marks the beginning of the era, and it's also a place where the Mayan Calendar was studied.
- Kaj Juyub: Here you will experience many living expressions from the Mayan views of the Cosmos. The Rabinal Achí, or Dance of the Trumpets, is the most celebrated activity at this site.
- Chicabal: It's a place where harmony with Mother Nature eternally manifests. It's been designated a NATURAL SACRED SITE.
- Takaliq Abaj: This site holds great value and significance for it's directly linked to the very beginnings of the ancient Mayan culture.
It's expected that many parties will benefit from this cooperative effort that promotes Oxlajuj B'aqtun, such as several indigenous villages and communities located near the Mayan sacred sites. These families will be positively impacted thanks to the creation of new jobs and economic development as a result of the tourism activity.
Many parties, such as the Ministry of Culture and Sports, and INGUAT as the major player in the areas of product development and tourism marketing, will be involved with the success of this project. The Office of the Mayan Peoples will also play a key role overseeing the execution of all spirituality-related activities and the right understanding of the Mayan Cosmogony.
About INGUAT
The Guatemalan Tourism Board is the governing entity responsible for tourism in Guatemala.Its main objective is to promote, support and sponsor internal and inbound tourism, while highlighting the natural, cultural, historical and archeological treasures of Guatemala, the Heart of the Mayan World.INGUAT is a decentralized independent governmental organization.For more information, visit www.visitguatemala.com.
Contacts:
For INGUAT
Aryam Pla, 305-476-3551
apla@turkel.info
