Akumal Arte

The Yucatan peninsula, and particularly the coastal region recently dubbed Riviera Maya, is known for many things. Through the centuries, preceding arrival of European explorers, it was home to many colorful, sophisticated cultures including Olmec, Toltec and Mayan.

Today, as then, this unique part of Mexico is surrounded by warm water and beautiful beaches. There is lush vegetation, often described as jungle, unique animal life, delicious cuisine and cordial people. Cost of living is surprisingly low making it a mecca for retirees.

And there has always been abundant Arte, traditional and contemporary.

Until the late 20th century, history of the Mayan people was veiled in mystery. But development of Cancun as an international vacation hotspot opened archeologist and public eyes to an extraordinarily creative civilization. Soil boring and machete slashing have exposed amazing artifacts.

Temples and ceremonial buildings dating from pre-Spanish colonization (circa 500 AD) are rich with stone and wood carvings. The imposing architecture of the period, now uncovered and open to the public, feature symbolic wall paintings, decorative ceramics and stately, intimidating sacrificial altars.

We live near Akumal, roughly equidistant between casual-chic Tulum and throbbing Playa del Carmen. Each is a tourist magnet in its own right and each mini-metropolis first spawned as a humble fishing village. All three towns are home to art, art and more art of every description.

There is even an annual celebration of the Arts in Akumal. The 2022 Akumal Arts Festival, “a fiesta of art, community and magic in Akumal, Mexico,” is scheduled for January 28-30, 2022 (www.akumalartsfest.com).

But commitment to art and execution of it throughout Akumal continues all year long. The artist working above hails from New York City. He is shown creating a street mural using no outlines or templates. He relies strictly on personal inspiration.

Everywhere one turns in Riviera Maya there is color and creativity. In shops, stalls, hotel lobbies, busy streets, one is surrounded by eye-popping spectacle. The more crowded the venue, the more dazzling the attractions. Athletes, acrobats and costumed actors perform tightly timed routines at busy intersections hoping for tips from generous drivers. It is a way of sharing the culture. It is a way of life.

Check out the 2022 Akumal Arts Festival, January 28-30, 2022 (www.akumalartsfestival.com). Chip and Peg will be there.