The former Mayan city of Chichén Itzá in southern Mexico is one of the most visited attractions in the country. The historic settlement in the north of the Yucatan Peninsula is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of the modern world. The heart of the archaeological site is the Kukulcán Temple, also known as “El Castillo” (in English: “The Castle”).
In order to protect the building from the stream of visitors, entering the facility has been strictly forbidden since 2008. A barrier separates the tourists, millions of whom flock to the well-known pyramid every year, from the well-known structure. Actually. At the weekend, a visitor climbed over the partition and climbed the 91 steps of the pyramid. Much to the annoyance of the rest of those present.
Other tourists immediately pulled out their smartphones and captured the action on video. The images spread rapidly on TikTok and Twitter. The outrage of the other tourists can be seen and, above all, heard on the recordings. They shout, boo and verbally abuse the woman. “Prison!” demand some. Others suggest sacrificing them to the gods. The vacationer doesn’t seem to let that deter her. She tirelessly climbs the stairs and, when she reaches her destination, performs a short dance.
Only when a security guard appears does she leave the building again. At its foot, the angry crowd is already waiting. While the woman is being taken away by the staff, the other visitors attack the vacationer, who, according to the daily newspaper “El Universal”, is from Mexico herself. They push the woman, throw water at her, throw stones at her and pull her hair. Her disrespectful behavior also had financial consequences. As reported by the Spanish newspaper “El País”, among others, the legislation provides for a fine of up to 8,845 dollars for unauthorized entry into the historical monument.
For the Mexican, who was handed over to the Ministry of Public Security, the fine of $5,000 was comparatively light. After she had paid the sum, she was released from temporary custody. According to the Mexican newspaper “El Heraldo”, people who damage an archaeological, artistic or historical monument can even face a prison sentence of up to ten years. However, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) announced that the building was not damaged by the tourist’s action.
Quellen: “El Heraldo”, “El País”, “El Universal”, “Express”
