Palo Ensebado
The traditional dance of the Palo Ensebado is part of the festivities in San Luis, Peten. This traditional dance is headed by Mayan Priests in the Blanco Mountains. This ceremony begins on August 24h, with the participation of Queckchies and Mayas Mopan. The participants go early in the morning to cut a valerio tree. A week before this dance starts, five men go into the forrest to choose a suitable tree. Before the tree is cut, the priests offer their apologies and ask for permission from the valerio tree to be cut. When the tree is cut, the tree is carried by several men to a place to be debark and waxed.
Between the 25 and 26th of August, the tree is climb for 6 young men. The person that climbs it the highest is rewarded with money, licour and food that have to be shared with rest of competitors. The six people to climb the tree are chosen and they should abstein from having sexual relations eigth days before the celebration. These are the rules established by the Mayan Priests. This tradition is practiced since 300 years ago. During this celebration, it is also possible to see the Dances of the Moors and the Deer.
