By THE PULSE NEWS MEXICO STAFF

As covid-19 sanitary measures continue to ease nationwide, Mexico is due to open a total of 137 archeological sites for equinox observances this year, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) announced Saturday, March 12.

While still requiring masks and other sanitary precautions, the INAH said in a press release that it is prepared to receive more than 25,000 national and international visitors on Saturday, March 19, Sunday, March 20, and Monday, March 21, at 137 archaeological zones reopened to the public under its “new-normal” policies during the 2022 spring equinox.

However, while some archeological sites, including many that have remained closed during most of the last two years due to covid, will be opened for the equinox — a phenomenon that played a key role in pre-Hispanic cultures and which was often contemplated in ancient architecture to produce a visual interchange of shadows and light on that particular date — others will remain closed.

In order to prevent overcrowding, the INAH said, the archaeological zone of Teotihuacán in the State of Mexico will close its doors on March 20 and 21.

Similarly, due to a high influx of visitors, both Cobá in Quintana Roo and Dzibilchaltún in Yucatán will remain closed to public visits during those dates.

In the case of Chichén Itzá, a major tourist attraction, a maximum of 15,000 people will be allowed to visit each day.

Visitors to all INAH sites will be required to use of face masks at all times and to apply sanitary gel on entering. Social distancing will also be enforced.

No equinox ceremonies or events of any kind will be allowed within the sites.