When we think of the Riviera Maya, the first thing that comes to mind is its fine white sand, which caresses the feet of those who walk along its beaches. But not everything is as it seems. Have you ever wondered why the beaches in other states don’t look like those in Quintana Roo? Here’s why. All this is possible thanks to a little friend: the parrotfish. Thanks to it, we can enjoy the radiant white of our beaches. However, in reality, the sand is made up of tiny fragments of this fish’s excrement. Before you get alarmed, relax! There’s nothing to worry about. Parrotfish feed on algae and polyps that live on coral, but because of their beak-like mouths, they also bite off pieces of coral. Since they cannot digest it, they expel it in the form of granules, which over time become the sand we enjoy so much. If parrotfish did not do this work, corals would not be able to survive, as they need them to keep themselves free of parasites and other organisms that grow on their surface. So, the next time you are in the Riviera Maya, remember that all this is possible in part thanks to parrotfish, and that is why we must protect and preserve them.
There are many beliefs about the Aluxes, such as that they can take physical form to communicate with humans. It is also said that they can bring good fortune or “bad air,” and that it is not advisable to call them out loud, as you could summon a bad-tempered one. But before we continue, what exactly are the Aluxes and why are they so important in Mayan culture? Who are the Aluxes and what are they like? The Aluxes are guardian spirits, especially of the jungles, cenotes, and crops. They intervene in human affairs, sometimes favorably and sometimes by playing pranks. Many people say that if the Aluxes feel that their territory has been invaded or damaged, they can cause harm to humans. To prevent this, a small temple must be built for them on the site. They are described as beings resembling children between 3 and 4 years of age, but with the appearance of adults or elderly people. They dress much like the ancient Mayans or Mayan peasants. The origin of the Aluxes Legend has it that, long ago, Yum Kaax (the lord of corn) was walking through the Mayan World. He saw that humans were working hard in their fields, but it was not enough to feed their families. To help them, with a magical breath from his heart, he gave the Aluxes to the world. Among their main functions are: Protecting the fields from thieves, envy, and bad vibes. Attracting abundance in the harvests.
