Mayan culture

A Mayan dancer performs at the Xcaret Eco Theme Park on the outskirts of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.

A temple in Tikal, one of the Mayan city states. The main plaza during winter solstice celebrations.

Tikal Temple

A Mayan statue stands in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, where people will gather before making
their way across the Yucatan Channel, to the Cozumel Island, in a ten mile pilgrimage in honor
of the Mayan goddess Ixchel.

North Acropolis, Tikal, Guatemala

June 1, 2007 shows a Mayan priest taking part in a ceremony before 22 traditional Mayan canoes cross the Yucatan Channel, from the mainland near Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, to Cozumel Island,
in a ten mile pilgrimage in honor of the Mayan goddess Ixchel.

Figure of a Maya priest.

March 10, 2008, people watch as Mayan indian priests participate in a ceremony while one
holds up a crystal skull at the Mayan ruins of Palenque, Mexico.