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Since Chichen Itza became one of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, it undeniably has attracted more visitors. Among its tourists, many famous people have paid a visit to the ancient Mayan City. Some have been casual visits, others have been monumental concerts, and others might have gone a little too far. Still, these visits from presidents, singers, and even royalty, have become memorable and thankfully we have gathered pictures that immortalize such moments... Here's a list of People you won't believe visited Chichen Itza!
Related article: Important Events in Chichen Itza
On March 2006, almost a year before Chichen Itza was named one of the Seven Wonders of the New Word, the President of Mexico at that time, Vicente Fox, hosted a visit to the Mayan City of Chichen Itza. Along came former U.S. President, George W. Bush, and former Prime Minister Stephen Harper. They took about 40 minutes and were all amazed by the strong culture that built the city, I mean, they had the place just for themselves, it doesn't get any better.
In 2011, another political visit took place in Chichen Itza. President at the time, Felipe Calderon, and the Colombian president, Juan Manuel Santos toured the main esplanade of the Castillo de Kukulkán, the Temple of the Warriors, the Sacred Cenote, and the ball game, and later held a private meeting in the distinguished visitors' lounge at the tourist Parador.
One of the unforgettable encounters that Chichen Itza hosted, was the concert of British singer, Sarah Brightman. Almost 11 years ago, on October 31, 2009, Sarah Brightman transformed the pre-Hispanic vestiges of Chichén Itzá into a natural stage as part of the final performance of her "Live in Concert" tour of Mexico and Latin America. She was accompanied by the State's Orquestra, which only elevated the concert's atmosphere.
Placido Domingo was accompanied on the piano by Mexican pianist and composer Armando Manzanero. Domingo sang despite the weather conditions, as it started raining, but it only made the night more emotional. It was October 2008 when over 8 thousand people gathered at the archaeological site of Chichen Itza.
Elton John has earned his place in the music industry and has gone even further. So if anyone was worthy of singing at the Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen Itza, it was him. Over 7 thousand people were present that day in October 2010, and it became more than just a concert, it was an experience they will never forget.
In 2011, surrounded by the imposing steps of the Mayan pyramid of Chichen Itza, in the state of Yucatan, J.Lo wore a snakeskin-like dress and accessories for the setting of her next video. The singer chose the archeological ruins for the single "I'm into you". This is one of the most controversial visits to Chichen Itza since she is seen walking and going to "restricted sections" of the site.
Queen Elizabeth IIDid you know Queen Elizabeth II visited Yucatan in 1975? This is an honorable mention since she didn't get the chance to visit Chichen Itza. She instead was toured around Uxmal by Mexican President Ernesto Echeverria. These photos are valuable memories of the past. She visited the city of Merida and was happy to see the colorful city and its charming people.
It's important to highlight the fact that some people of influence have violated the Archaeological site's restrictions and have been held accountable. These events were criticized by groups opposed to the presentation as an attack on archaeological areas, which continue to occur until. After analyzing the different scenarios, INAH agreed to not hold concerts or events of this nature at Chichen Itza. Respect for the history and Mayan culture is held by safety and preservation. All these different events didn't help in the preservation of the ruins, just as INAH forbid the climbing of pyramids and other buildings for the same reasons.
That being said, we kindly ask visitors and encourage everyone to follow indications and respect this unique and amazing historic site.