Maya are around today

In spite of the invasion of foreign tourism, Mayan culture has remained amazingly intact. Many of the Yucatan Maya whose ancestors were hunters, chicle farmers and fisherman now work in hotels and other tourist related businesses. More than 350,000 Maya living in the Yucatan speak Yukatek Maya and most speak Spanish as a second language, primarily learned in school.

Maya women can be seen wearing huipils, simple cotton dresses decorated with embroidery. The designs in their embroidery and weaving can be traced back to pre-Columbian times. Although Maya in other parts of Central America choose to limit contact with outside influences, Maya working in the tourist industry are generally open to conversation with polite strangers and if asked will teach you a Mayan phrase or two.

Rain Player A boy challenges Chac to bring rain to his village