HISTORY

The first Maya settled in Cozumel 2,000 years ago. However, during the classic period 300-900 A.C.- a time when priests were at the top of the social hierarchy in the Maya world and life revolved around religious ceremonies Cozumel became one of the most important sanctuaries in the Yucatan region. Cozumel derives its name from the Mayan words Cuzam (swallow) and Lumil (land of), which form the word Cuzamil (land of swallows). The Mayan word changed with time to the Spanish name of Cozumel. The Mayans believed the island to be a sacred shrine.

Religious pilgrimages were common to the island especially from women who were either pregnant or wanted to get pregnant. They pay homage to the goddess Ix Chel, the deity of the moon, pregnancy and childbirth. It was a tradition among the Maya People in general to make the trip at least ossnce in their lifetime to the shrine of this goddess By 1200 D.C, in Middle America there existed an important long distance trade in which Cozumel was a key link.

It was on this island where all kinds of merchandise arrived from far away places. Goods were temporarily stored before being sent in canoes to other distribution points.

It was by 1518 that the Spanish explorer Juan de Grijalva arrived to the coast of the island on Holy Cross Day (May 3rd), named this land as “Isla de la Santa Cruz” and proclaimed the land as property of the Doña Johanna and Don Carlos Kings of Spain, The Spanish arrive, to Cozumel on May 06 making a peaceful stop on the island, received by the locals, exchanging gold and a variety of goods.

Juan de Grijalva ordered the chaplain Juan Díaz to offer a mass on the same place that the islanders had a temple therefore on may 6th the first catholic ceremony was held in México, at a location named by the Spanish like Saint

John (currently named Las Casitas (little houses), where every year mass is still celebrated by the locals.

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