Chichén Itzá Equinox

Chichén Itzá equinox 2020 is coming. 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. This remarkable example of the pre-Columbine architecture was built with an astounding precision that still surprises nowadays.

The construction of the Pyramid of Kukulcán was in such a way that it has a complete alignment to the sun rays during the equinox. As the sun goes down, it starts appearing seven triangular shadows projected on the north side of the building. These shadows are resembling the body of a snake, and the phenomena symbolize the descent of Kukulcán god that comes to the ground to fertilize it for the upcoming harvest season.

Chichén Itzá Fall Equinox

The fall equinox at Chichén Itzá takes place between September 22nd and 23rd. It is call equinox because day and night have the same duration (equal night) due to the Earth’s translation movement. From this date, the night becomes longer until the beginning of the winter until reaches the northern solstice in December.

The ancient settlers of Yucatan observed continually the stars movements and were expert astronomers; they create accurate calendars when getting aware of the times for sowing and harvest seasons. The Pyramid of Chichén Itzá is the biggest calendar on Earth, plus being one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the only one in Mexico.

The shadows cast on one of the sides of the Kukulcán Pyramid formed triangles from top to bottom, creating an astounding phenomenon for its precision. This civilization is well renowned all around the globe for its technologic advances and the extraordinary accuracy of its architecture. Through projecting shadows and lights, as well as the acoustic secrets in many of their temples and buildings, we are aware of their mastership in many areas.

Chichén Itzá Serpent Shadow

Because of the Earth and Sun positions, at sunset on the north face of the Kukulcán Pyramid, shadows appear. Little by little, visitors can watch how the Chichén Itzá Serpent Shadow descents from the top until reaching the enormous stone head in the pyramid’s base that represents Kukulcan god.

Due to the influence of the Toltec culture, Chichén Itzá had a remarkable splendor era during the Classic Period. Many archaeologists and scholars have found several coincidences between Quetzalcóatl and Kukulcán since both deities are represented as a feathered snake.

The act of the Chichén Itzá snake descent from the top of the Kukulcán Pyramid is considered an act or manifestation of a deity. This god is related to the wind, the forces of the universe, and the planet Venus, plus being connected with the Itzaes region, although there are several representations in other cultures or pre-Columbine towns in Central America.

Visiting Chichén Itzá during an equinox

If you visit this archaeological site during the days where the light and shadows phenomena occur on the Kukulcán Pyramid, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, and a cap or a hat, since it can be a hot day.

The Yucatan Peninsula has warm weather most days of the year, and at the main gate of Chichén Itzá, you can find places to buy an article you might forget, although it is better to be ready from the beginning of your tour.

You can also take an equinox tour to attend this show of a remarkable pre-Columbian civilization.

Touring Chichén Itzá

Get to know Chichén Itzá, an impressive World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Book the Xichén Deluxe Tour and discover its majestic structures and temples, plus visiting the Magical Town of Valladolid. On this tour, you can take pictures in the wondrous Zací cenote and taste the best of the local cuisine at La Casona de Valladolid, which is a restored mansion only a few blocks away from the San Gervasio Church and the main square.

At this complete tour through one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico, you will be in touch with an enigmatic pre-Hispanic culture, besides taking a look at the Colonial influence in Yucatan. You can also enjoy the natural beauties of the region and for a magnificent ending, a journey through the gastronomy of the Yucatan Peninsula.