Xcaret at Night
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If you have passed on Xcaret because you thought it was a little too touristy for your taste you may have made a big mistake. Xcaret has recently built a brand new large theater with a huge palapa roof and a state of the art light and sound system. The theater has replaced the once open-aired, dirt floor ball stadium where they performed the ancient Mayan Ball game in the late afternoon, on days it did not rain. Now with the new theater the show must go on – rain or shine. The evening we attended there was a shower that blew through during the show but we barely noticed it.
The show actually starts early on the walk up to the theater. Along the walkway the Mayan actors line up and stand like statues in full ancient dress and makeup. To be able to see them this close is really remarkable, and the music sets the stage.
Your admission to the night-time show is included in your day pass, or you can come after 3:00 for a reduced rate. With all the park has to offer it is well worth making a day of Xcaret. You have your choice of a number of restaurants throughout the park and there is a snack bar right outside the theater where you can grab a hamburger or hot dog for the show. If you want to really make a night of it you can choose the dinner show package for an additional cost. You will be seated in a special section and waiters serve you your meal during the show.
The show begins with a short but fascinating ancient Mayan Ball game. The players are in full dress and the game is a combination of soccer and basketball, the objective being to get the ball through a small, round, stone hole without using their hands. At the end of the ball game the lights go out and a second game is played. This game uses hockey-type sticks, but in place of a puck there are flaming balls of fire, which are rolled and thrown from one side to the other – the scoring is much like hockey or soccer.
Following the games there is a brief theatrical, historical depiction of the Spanish Inquisition and the affects on the Mayan people. For anyone who loves a good battle scene this is sure to please. There is a short intermission.
Act two is a musical extravaganza that shares the music and authentic dress of each of the Mexican states. By the end of the evening people were dancing in the aisles. It truly was a wonderful evening.
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