The Rally Maya makes its comeback to the Yucatán Peninsula
The Rally Maya arrived in Progreso with a parade of 122 classic cars along the city’s boardwalk.
During this friendly automotive competition, classic car enthusiasts from all over the world take part in an eight-day tour of the peninsula.
This year’s rally kicked off in Campeche and will come to an end Saturday in Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo.
The event has been held yearly since 2014 but was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event highlights the Peninsula’s cultural attractions while providing entertainment for spectators across the region.
Cars participating in the rally must be at least 40 years old, and some of the vehicles date back more than a century.
The vehicles are sorted into three categories depending on the model year. Judges examine the vehicles based on the historical authenticity of their refurbishments and repairs, overall aesthetic, and character.
The Best of Show award in 2019 went to Jose-Antonio Arguimbau and Rodrigo Baz for their 1978 Porsche 911.
Earlier: At Rally Maya, classic cars compete with the heat
During past editions, the Rally Maya has hosted several car shows, during which attendees could get up close to the vehicles, speak with drivers, and pose for selfies.
However, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, event organizers have opted for a parade-style approach.
The automotive event will arrive Friday in Tizimin, where local authorities have asked that spectators be respectful of social distancing guidelines.
Some of the car brands represented during the event include Rolls Royce, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Cadilac, and Audi.
Former Mexican President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa and his son were apparently involved in an accident during the rally but were not injured.
For more information about the Rally Maya, check out their website at rallymaya.com (Spanish).
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer and adventure leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds multimedia, philosophy, and translation degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
