Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

National Geographic got Joshua Berman's firsthand report of staying overnight on Ca'ana at Caracol, for the Winter solstice, to celebrate the end of the long count Maya calendar.  He got some great pictures, including one of Dr. Jaime Awe explaining Caracol's history.

"Tonight, one era ends and another begins.  The most complex, far-reaching of the various calendars that the Maya created is the Long Count, developed at least 1500 years ago by the Maya and, probably, by their Olmec ancestors.  On this day, an important cycle of the Long Count — 13 b’aktuns, which is equal to 1,872,000 days, or 5,125 years — is coming to completion...  They lit the candles and incense and invited us to light ours and place them on the stone.  As the sky darkened and the candles burned, a man played a beautiful Native American melody on a wooden flute, adding to the dusky jungle cadence of birds and insects.  Eventually, everyone descended — except me.  My vigil carries on as I drift in and out of sleep.  As morning approaches, I awake to the throaty grunts of howler monkeys, carrying across the canopy from several directions."

The Institute of Archaeology is having a Winter solstice overnight camping trip at Caracol.  The trip will include a traditional Mayan dinner, multiple ceremonies, a guided tour, a presentation, transport, and more.  Contact the IA for more information at research@nichbelize.org.

Great article from Chaa Creek, highlighting Dr. Rosita Arvigo's work with Don Elijio Panti, and the Maya Winter Solstice celebrations.

"Rather than misinterpreting Maya beliefs to falsely predict the end of the world, researching and practicing ancient Maya medicine and natural healing techniques can open a new world of health today, noted author and Maya medicinal plant expert Dr. Rosita Arvigo advised participants at Chaa Creek’s 2012 Maya Winter Solstice celebrations.  Chaa Creek events coordinator Denise Duran said that Dr Arvigo’s presentation, 'Tales of a Maya Shaman' was one of the highlights of the Belizean eco resort’s week-long Maya cultural exposition surrounding the 2012 Maya Winter Solstice celebrations of December 21, 2012."