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We say goodbye to August and hello to September! And to officially welcome the fall in the Yucatan Peninsula, the Equinox is what sets the exact time. This season means a bit of rain and a lot of humidity, but there’s nothing stopping us from witnessing one of the most marvelous phenomena.
Bringing together nature and the human mind, the Mayan Culture made its way through history by creating amazing buildings with engineering technics.
At sunset on September 22, 2022, a unique spectacle is observed on the north staircase of the Chichén Itzá Castle, marking the beginning of the autumnal equinox. According to the calendar of solstices and equinoxes, the equinox of September 2022 takes place on September 23rd at 01:04 hours UTC. This means that the right time of the autumnal equinox in Mexico is September 22, 2022, at 19:04 hours.
At sunset on September 22, 2022, is when the phenomenon of a meandering solar projection is observed. Consisting of seven triangles of light, inverted, as a result of the shadow cast by the nine platforms of that building, at sunset.
This may interest you: Everything you need to know about the Equinox
To begin with, the first shadows of the upper bodies of the pyramid begin to draw the isosceles triangles that make up the body of the feathered serpent. Gradually the shadow advances towards the head in the form of a serpent located in the lower part of the side of the staircase.
During this magical moment, the serpent of Kukulcan descends the stairs of the pyramid of Kukulkan in Mexico. Shortly after, the figure of Kukulcan begins to dissipate to put an end to a process that lasts approximately 45 minutes, from its beginning to its culmination.
The pyramid has 4 stairways of 91 steps each to form a total of 364 steps, the 365th step is considered the upper platform (as many as the days of the year). Thousands of people attend the event when the serpent descends the steps. It is a place that must be visited once in a lifetime.
Pro tip: This phenomenon can also be enjoyed on September 21 and 23, 2022. Although they are not the "official day", it’s much less crowded…
Even though this isn’t the best time to visit the area, you can still enjoy some cool weather and light rain. September happens to be one of the hottest times of the year to visit Mexico when the average temperature is 28°C. During this month, highs of up to 32°C are the norm, dropping down to 24°C after dark.
If you are planning to visit Chichén Itzá during the equinox, it is recommended to bring cool clothes, comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, and a hat or cap. Biodegradable insect repellent and even an umbrella will also be useful.
The Yucatan Peninsula has a warm temperature most of the year and at the entrance to Chichen Itza, you will also find places to buy any items you may have forgotten, although it is best to be prepared.
You can also take an equinox tour in Chichén Itzá to witness this spectacle of a civilization that continues to surprise us: the Maya.
Get to experience one of the 7 wonders of the world and this unique phenomenon by booking a Tour to Chichen Itza. Enjoy a day trip to a cenote and walk around the great Mayan buildings. Explore Valladolid and have an unforgettable time in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Don’t forget that you can also experience the Kukulkan nights. The light and sound show is held in Chichen Itza. The show narrates Mayan History in a modern and high-tech way.
And of course, be ready to witness the Equinox in Chichen Itza, remember this only happens twice a year.
Being at Chichen Itza during the night will become an exceptional experience, it’s like being in a completely different world. The light and sound show is a unique experience for all audiences and it offers a different aspect of Mayan culture. If you visit Chichen Itza, don’t miss the show, it will make you spellbound.
According to the Mexico Desconocido blog, these are the best archaeological sites to witness the equinox:
If you want to know more about the Fall Equinox in Chichen Itza, check out our article.