In Chiapas attending the ATTA World Summit and exploring this unique region of Mexico. As usual, his attendance at this conference brings news of inspiration and a new found motivation to action across all of DuVine’s adventure travel trips.
This is my 4th year in attendance, and I am constantly amazed at how inspired and driven I become, both at the summit and upon my return, to affect positive change in how I run my business. Every year brings the summit experience a little closer to home, as I have developed strong friendships and bonds with my colleagues in the industry, and this familiarity only helps to improve our communication and knowledge sharing. In our efforts to promote global adventure travel and industry growth, over time, our visions have become more aligned. Trusted friends helping friends share their knowledge more effectively and efficiently.
ATTA colleagues and friends
Attending this yearly summit has become a much anticipated highlight of my year, both professionally and now, personally. I go seeking inspiration on how to continue to perpetuate and cultivate DuVine style and craft the type of experience our guests want, but also to meet with good friends who share a similar drive. Each year it seems to get better and better, and every year I make a point of taking away 3 key ideas to focus my efforts.
This year’s theme was “Prosper with Purpose”. According to Shannon Stowell, ATTA president “ it reflects our undeterred interest in thriving and flourishing as businesses within an industry through gathered knowledge, thoughtful design and intent. We are determined to affect positive and measurable socio-economic and environmental change worldwide through adventure tourism- a model that serves as a powerful, real and sustainable economic force.” And with that also came the message – “give back”. It is interesting to note that the choice of the summit location and my experiences in that region reinforced that message.
San Cristóbal de Las Casas is a fascinating place. Located in the highlands of Chiapas, it is one of the most diverse indigenous areas in Mexico. It is a place where ancient customs and modern culture co-exist, but don’t encroach on each other. The largest population of Mayan Indians inhabits this area, Tzotzil and Tzeltal being the most prominent groups. Here traditional dress and local handicrafts trump modern clothing and international business (aside from the prevalence of Coca Cola…something we will get to later…). The city itself is a remarkable colonial city with colorful markets and arty shops, but the Indian villages surrounding are a different world.
The church in San Juan Chamula
I had the opportunity to visit one of these mystical villages called San Juan Chamula. Here paganism and ancient Tzotzil traditions thrive. I wish I could show you pictures of what I encountered here, but the use of cameras is banned (for your safety), as many of the Mayan cultures believe that it captures your soul. (Apparently there are stories about tourists who didn’t abide by this suggestion and serious bodily harm was the result). Needless to say, you will have to trust my account of the visit…and trust me, although it may seem like a scene from a screenplay, I am not making this up!
As I said, indigenous traditions are alive and well in Chamula, including shamanism. Incredulous and yet, ever so curious, I had a local guide take me to witness a healing ritual at the local church. Strangely enough, this was a Catholic church, not a pagan temple. In many regions the local Mayans have taken over the Catholic churches built by the invading Spaniards, and although there is a strong prevalence of Catholic imagery, the ceremonies are traditionally Mayan. And in Chamula, the church alone is the only vestige of a Catholic presence…here they practice their more “unorthodox” religion.
Upon entering the church, I was intrigued to see pine needles strewn all over the floor and the walls lined with dense branches. Aside from the daylight that filtered through the windows, the only light was from the emanating candles and there was some sort of incense burning, a pungent and unfamiliar scent. Several bottles were lined up (including a bottle of Coca Cola) as well as a live chicken. My guide informed me that a healing was about to take place. In hushed voices, the ritual began. It all went by in a blur…but from what I remember, the shaman began praying and the chicken was brought out, circled around the ‘patient’ and rubbed on his body. He was handed the bottle of Coca Cola and asked to drink. More praying ensued and then I heard the most high-pitched scream as the chicken’s neck was broken and handed to the man. Wow. I think that chicken’s scream is still resonating in my ears. And who knew animal sacrifice was still alive and well? And Coca Cola? What is a modern beverage doing in a Mayan ritual?
I deferred to my guide to answer that question. Apparently, they have incorporated the beverage into the ceremony to be used as a medicine, as a large swig can produce an intense belch. According to their beliefs, belching expels demons and sickness. Well, there you go! Interesting how something so modern found its way into ancient ritual. I don’t know why, but somehow that adaptation amuses me. I guess it reminds me of the movie “The Gods Must be Crazy”, but in that instance, the Coca Cola bottle had a negative, not beneficial impact.
A young girl wearing the traditional dress
Needless to say, I was amazed to witness such a unique experience and fascinated by this thriving indigenous culture that exists in Chiapas.
Throughout the week there, I was constantly surprised at how tourism, although prevalent in this region, didn’t seem to have a modernizing effect on the culture. And how something so simple as having my shoes shined, or purchasing some of the local handicrafts contributed to the livelihood of the indigenous people, but did so in a positive way. I do think word spread among the locals of my generosity, as I was constantly having shoes shined (or sneakers, for that matter!) and solicited to purchase various local wares. I will admit, they have perfected the art of negotiation, and are quite savvy in their approach!
Another shoe shine!
But it’s not only the chicken’s scream that still resonates with me, it’s the inspiration to “give back” and “prosper with purpose” that this visit to Chiapas has instilled in me. And I thank the people of San Cristóbal and my colleagues at ATTA for providing me with this transformative experience.
On an aside, I also want to mention how impressed with Mexico I am, and how diverse this country really is – both in culture and landscape. This is a great destination to visit with plenty of places to explore and discover. I have encountered nothing but friendly, helpful and charming people and despite the misconception as of late, I see no reason to avoid experiencing this yourself. As the President of Mexico said during his speech at ATTA, Mexico is open and ready for business. And while we do not have a trip in Mexico at this current time (one is in the works), I encourage you all consider Mexico as a travel destination, with or without us.
