The Maya Temple of Tikal is about an hour’s drive from the Belize border and a popular day trip for tourists.
Singers such as Elton John, Plácido Domingo, Bruce Springsteen, Janet Jackson and the Irish rock band U2 have been invited to participate in the Maya 2012 Celebrations on 21 December says an announcement from the neighboring country of Guatemala.
The list includes singers Neil Young of Canada, and Janet Jackson from the United States. A spokesman for Guatemala’s Ministry of Tourism is quoted in the newspaper El Periódico de Guatemala as saying the invitations have gone out and a response is expected within the next two weeks. No concert is expected from any of the celebrities, who are being invited as guests to attend the celebrations says Carlos Batzin, Minister of Culture and Sports.
Added to the list for what is described as a “World Summit For Humanity” will be world thinkers, philosophers, scientists, and leaders in the field of education and communication”, added the official note.
The day December 21 marks the end of the great cycle of the current Maya Calendar – called 13 Baktun – and the beginning of a new era of 5 thousand 200 years.
The Government of Guatemala, the humanitarian producer Raul Julia-Levy, the Guatemalan writer Carlos Barrios, Mayan spiritual guides and local indigenous authorities are leading activities.
Time of change
According to the Maya solar calendar 21 December will end an era of 5 thousand 200 years and start a new cycle, which has led to conjectures about the end of humanity, although the Mayas do not share that vision.
The Maya calendar consists of 18 months of 20 days each, with the additional month of El Wayeb, the holy month that runs for five days. The Baktun is the longest unit of this system and is equivalent to about 400 years.
The Maya culture had its greatest splendor in the so-called classic period (250-900 ad), until it entered a phase of decline during the Postclassic (900-1200 A.D).
Belize is also organizing events aimed at luring more tourists to the country to coincide with the Maya 2012 event but so far has not offered detailed plans except for small ceremonies at the various Maya temples throughout the country.
It’s a pity Guatemala doesn’t practice what they appear to be preaching – and LEAVE BELIZE ALONE. A fundamental right of humanity is a safe place to live – Belizeans have a safe place to live, it’s called Belize.
People seem to forget that Belize was part of Guatemala, no matter who took it over or who lives there. The Mayan roots in the people will never fade
The celebrations, belong to all Ruta Maya countries, Honduras, El Salvador, Belize, México and Guatemala. Every one will promote as to their capacity of tourist infrastructure. Belize has a big average of tourist visitors compared to this bigger country our neighbor. Thus Belize is not alone. Criticism is good, but should be positive, friendly and not aimed at creating divisions, especially in this special era of change.