U Hannal Pixan - Mayan Day of the Dead

Mayan U Hannal Pixan - Day of the Dead Food Celebration

The Maya celebrate with an Altar and delicious traditional food the Day of the Dead in November.  It is a family gathering event to honor their ancestors and to remember we are all destined to leave our earth body and join in the spirit of life.  The Maya prepare special meals and delicate candies for their departed beloved family members and friends, creating "altars" to honor them by placing their photos most cherished belongings, lots of candles, favorite food and candies as well as treats to invite the spirit of joy and family inner connection among those alive and those that have died.

At Hacienda Chichen, Chef Josue Cime bakes special Day of the Dead breads and sweet pies, plus the meals of the family members that will be honored that day in the altar of the hotel's private Colonial Church, a lovely 16th Century stone church above an ancient Maya temple platform in Chichen Itza, Yucatan.   I have visited this lovely green hotel many times in recent years, loving the way the staff and owners honor Mother Nature, the Maya cultural traditions and life with simple daily acts of reverence.  U Hannal Pixan is one of those moments where tradition and family honor is vivid in this green hotel, and guests like us are lucky to experience such special time.  It brought meaning and a deeper respect for the Maya people of today to see how deeply committed each person was to make this celebration a special event rooted in love and sharing.  

What a blessing to spend time in a place like Hacienda Chichen has been for us. The first time we stay we came for one night to ease our visit to the Maya archeological zone of Chichen Itza, in a matter of minutes we came to understand this soulful hotel was more than a night rest for us, it became our own retreat and a place to connect with the rich and vast cultural traditions of Yucatan, the Maya people and with our own selves.

If you plan to travel to Yucatan and visit Chichen Itza, give yourself a treat and stay at the Hacienda Chichen for more than two nights,  make time to participate in one of the many monthly cultural events the hotel offers its guests, visit their  cultural and activities calendar before you plan your trip.

Take also time to learn about their Maya Foundation In Laakeech and the ways to help their sustainable non-profit social work.

written by:  Ronney W.

For the Love of Organic Healthy Food, Gourmet Cooking and Beauty

Executive Chef Josue Cime and his Assistant Irma collecting their daily fresh fruits at the Hacienda Chichen Resorts'  in-house organic orchard, Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico

You know Chef Josue Cime is really committed to bring to your table the freshest organic fruits and vegetables when you see him picking delicious ripe produces at his own Organic Orchard Fields within the Hacienda Chichen Resort grounds.

No wonder we loved eating at this green boutique hotel's restaurant !!  I met Chef Josue Cime in my first visit to Chichen Itza when we stayed two glorious days at the Hacienda Chichen; would had stayed longer if we had not planned our return trip next day.  So we have come each year to this fantastic sustainable hotel with our friends for a good four day relaxing vacation and enjoy each time more and more what we find in this amazingly green destination.

Yes, the Maya pyramids and archaeological sites are impressive, but more amazing is to know the Maya people that work at this hotel and the Maya healers or shamans that with such caring love take you into their holistic wellness center, Yaxkin Spa, and help you release stress and other toxic tensions from your mind, soul, and body.

Met Mr. Jim Conrad, the hotel's resident naturalist who knows just about everything you can ever wish about nature and wildlife, he offers free Nature Guided Tours each morning to guests of the hotel and this is an experience that will deeply connect you to Mother Nature and our planet. Then of course is Mrs. Beatriz Correa, the soul of this beautiful land and hotel, she will guide you and assist you in Maya medicine healing traditions as well as sacred Maya rituals that are celebrated by authentic Maya Priests in the premises.

Over all, the Hacienda Chichen, like Chef Josue Cime, are uniquely connected with their Maya cultural roots and traditions, speaking to your soul through their love for our planet and life itself.

Note by Jean Langs

Create one of Chef Josue's Free Maya Cuisine and Fusion Recipes

Make your next Party Menu one that celebrates Maya Cuisine by Chef Josue Cime, Hacienda Chichen Resort's Executive Maya Chef and Organic Gourmet Master.

http://www.yucatanadventure.com.mx/cookingrecipes.htm

Most visitors know about Chichen Itza's legendary archaeological zone, but food-savvy travelers and respected food connoisseurs also know Chichen Itza to be an exceptional Fine Mayan and Gourmet Culinary Destination, thanks to Hacienda Chichen and its dedication to fine dining experiences. This boutique hacienda has won top culinary ratings from respected fine culinary professionals and a group of International Chefs, who considered its restaurants menu selection among Mexico's best gourmet culinary experiences.

Chef Josue blends the nutrition rich value of his organic food produce choices with the warm, calming taste of his Mayan Culinary traditions.  His Maya Fusion Cuisine mastery has earned him the respect and admiration of many experts, and his Wedding Gala Gourmet Menu Selection has earned Hacienda Chichen Resort top ratings as Yucatan's Most Romantic Wedding Destination. This green boutique hacienda hotel and Maya Spa Retreat is located within the amazing ancient Maya city of Chichen Itza.