A big celebration took place this April 22 at different places in the Maya Riviera. Click here to see pictures.

CEA organized some great events for Earth Day 2004, and invited everyone to join. Planning started about two months prior to the celebration. Work was done in combination with the enthusiastic team from Playa del Carmen, the "Consejo de la Juventud y el Deporte," the Tourist Council, the Environmental Department and wonderful support of private businesses, organizations and people from the Akumal community.

The first event took place in X’cacel, the yet-to-be-declared marine turtle sanctuary, just five miles south of Akumal. More than 150 children from schools in Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Chemuyil gathered to celebrate Earth Day by doing a beach clean-up and a sand sculpture contest. The children were divided into categories according to their grades and their sculptures. First and second graders were category "A," third and fourth grades were "B." fifth and sixth grades were "C," and junior high and high schools were "D" and "F." The sculptures were amazing and the prizes to the first three places were inspiring; passes to Xcaret, Xel-ha, Garrafon and Hidden Worlds cenotes were some of the most appealing. The contest ended at noon with a few words to the participants, reminding everyone about the importance of the date and the importance of living in a more environmentally friendly way, closer to nature and with respect to all living beings as part of the Earth itself.

At one o'clock a race began, from Xcaret to the Municipal office in downtown Playa del Carmen, about 5 kilometers. Over 25 contestants started the race. Police officers protected the group as they made their way along the highway, while officers on foot blocked the major intersections for the troupe. A Red Cross ambulance escorted the runners, too. Toward the end of the race, a few runners accepted a ride with the ambulance as the sun became a bit suffocating, draining every drop of sweat from the participants. A cheering crowd welcomed the runners at the finish line and the Municipal President himself handed out the prizes to the winners.

Finally, a writing contest was also part of the festivities. Children wrote a “Letter to the Water.”

Prizes were also awarded to contestants from local schools for drawings related to this year’s theme, Water. Members from several government offices were there to participate in the closing ceremonies.

CEA would like to congratulate the winners and to thank everyone who participated in all the contests and in organizing the events. Without everyone’s help the event would not have been as successful as it was. Thanks, and next year we'll make it even bigger!!

- Emilio Talancón