A 38-year-old German tourist caused outrage during the Spring Equinox celebration at Chichén Itzá by climbing the sacred Kukulkán Pyramid. On Thursday, the man evaded security and ascended the 25-meter-high pyramid, a UNESCO World Heritage location, amidst crowds gathered to witness an ancient astronomical phenomenon.
Footage shared by onlookers shows the tourist racing up the ancient structure on all fours, while people from the crowd shouted insults like "idiot!" and "stupid!" Upon reaching the summit, the man attempted to hide inside the chamber of the pyramid to evade the site's security. The situation intensified as enraged visitors began to boo, verbally assault, and physically attack him, with some shouting "sacrifice" in reference to ancient Mayan rituals.
"He eluded us, even though we're keeping watch on the western side of the temple. He ran past us. He's clearly in good physical condition," said a National Guard officer, according to a report by Euro Weekly News. Security personnel from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) eventually apprehended the tourist, bringing him down from the east side in front of the Temple of the Thousand Columns to avoid further confrontation with the indignant crowd.
Despite efforts to protect him, the tourist suffered a blow to the forehead that caused bleeding. Some members of the crowd even turned against agents of the National Guard and INAH who were escorting the man, leading to a brawl as tensions escalated.
The incident occurred during an event when thousands of visitors converged at Chichén Itzá to witness the phenomenon known as the "Descent of the Feathered Serpent." This spectacle involves the projection of seven isosceles triangles of shadow on the pyramid's steps, symbolizing the descent of the deity Kukulkán. More than 9,000 visitors were present to observe the natural show and celebrate Mayan heritage.
Climbing the Temple of Kukulkán has been banned since 2008 to protect its structure and cultural importance, as per the INAH's regulations. Violators may face fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 pesos under Article 55 of Mexico's Federal Law on Archaeological, Artistic, and Historical Monuments and Zones. This measure applies to all visitors, which is why the actions of the German tourist generated widespread anger among others.
Social media erupted with reactions to the incident, with numerous users sharing clips and expressing their discontent. Comments included, "The equinox demands blood!!! Sacrifice," and "That should already be classified as a federal crime and immediate expulsion from Mexico so that foreigners learn to respect foreign land," as reported by Proceso.
This event mirrors previous incidents at Chichén Itzá. In 2022, a woman climbed the pyramid and was met with chants of "Lock her up!" and "Prison! Prison!" from angry onlookers. Additionally, in 2023, a Polish tourist was assaulted with a wooden stick after climbing the steps of Kukulkán, underscoring the severity of the response to such infractions.
Even members of the National Guard and INAH were attacked when they tried to protect the German tourist from the angry crowd. Authorities and locals have urged greater respect for these ancient sites.
The pyramid of Chichén Itzá, chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, is an emblematic monument of the Mayan civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The German tourist, whose name has not been released, was handed over to local authorities and may face legal consequences for his actions. His motive for climbing the pyramid remains unknown.
The Spring Equinox is an event that attracts many visitors each year, drawing global crowds to witness the natural show and celebrate Mayan heritage. The phenomenon guided the indigenous people in their agricultural crops, emphasizing the cultural and historical importance of the event.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.