Alux, the myth, the legend

Whenever you travel to Cancun, you start noticing all the enchantment the destination has to offer, you’ll be amazed by the blue sea, the beaches and also the culture, including the Mayan one, but arriving in the airport, and thru different zones of the road, you might be able to see some cute tiny Pyramids or houses, common sense will indicate us that those are there to amuse the visitors and to provide a glimpse, of what to expect during the trip. But this is wrong, as they serve another purpose.

Those structures, serve as the home for some mythological elves or spirits called the Aluxes, from the Mayan language Alux, these invisible beings can be considered as tricksters, as they are guardians of woods, the jungle, and the rocks, and they manifest themselves from time to time to scare people, their size is no more than 1 foot ( as the legend tells ).

The housing has a special name: Kahtal Alux meaning the Quarters. And their structure may vary in size and shape, some are designed as pyramids, others as Archs, but all serve the same purpose, keep them happy.

Interesting enough, these goblins are represented in several of the Mayan Structures throughout Mexico, Guatemala en Belice, so don’t think is just a story to scare the kids, the ancient Mayan civilization acknowledged them, and worship them, not like the gods, but yes with tributes, like food and flowers.

The Aluxes were guardians, and take care of the crop not to be damaged by third parties, or invaders, that’s why they are considered Tricksters as if you were near one of their guarded properties, they will make sounds mimicking animals, or throwing rocks at you, even misplacing things like tools.

There is another legend that tells, that these mythical creatures, where created by high priests, with the mud from a Cave where no woman had step foot in, then they molded the being and after nine nights they mixed it with honey, flowers and 9 drops of blood, this magical being had to be on the shadow for 9 more night in order to complete the creation process.

Legend tells, that one of the most known presence of the Aluxes in the City of Cancun, was back in 1980 when the bridge between Cancun Airport and the Kukulcan Avenue was being constructed, Each day, the work done was completely destroyed during the night, being desperate they ask for the help of a Mayan priest, that told them about these creatures, and they had to build a small temple under the bridge, so they could live there. ( look for it next time you’re in the city)

Some of the offerings you can catch a glimpse at these temples are Corn, Flowers, Mayan honey, Pozol ( a corn-based drink) and even fruits.

This is part of the legends of the Mayan culture, something new and interesting to keep an eye out, on your next visit to the Solaris Resorts, as you can find these structures all over Cancun, see you soon.