Uncover the secrets of the Ancient Maya (and try some chocolate!) this Family Day Weekend – February 18 to 20
Family Day Long Weekend is extra sweet at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) this year as we invite families to tour Maya: Secrets of their Ancient World and learn about chocolate, the food of the gods. Join us Saturday, February 18 to Monday, February 20, 2012 from 11 am to 4 pm to discover the mysterious ancient Maya culture. Participate in Maya-themed crafts and learn about the Maya’s chocolate traditions, while enjoying the ROM’s new lower admission prices.
Maya: Secrets of their Ancient World brings the ancient Maya culture to life with nearly 250 artifacts including large sculptures, ceramics, masks, and jewellery. Many of these objects have never previously been publically displayed. Make sure to look for the Maya High Priest, covered in body paint and wearing an ornate headdress. He loves posing for photos!
After learning about the Maya culture, the ROM invites you to take part in Maya themed crafts, including archaeological digs and pyramid building. Take part in chocolate and tortilla workshops throughout the afternoon to learn about their fascinating history.
The whole family will enjoy learning about the food of the gods! Visitors will be treated to chocolate workshops with ChocoSol, an ecological and inter-communities initiative between farmers in Chiapas, Mexico, sustainable technologists in Oaxaca City, Mexico and horizontal traders and chocolatiers in Toronto, Ontario. Find out how this Maya treat goes from cacao bean to chocolate goodness.
To expand upon the long weekend’s tasty theme, The Chocolate Farmer film will screen continuously throughout the day. Follow cacao farmer Eladio Pop as he cultivates his small jungle plot in the tradition of his Maya ancestors in southern Belize to provide for his wife and 15 children.
On February 20, 2012, the ROM will be launching its SCVNGR app with a special trek based around the Museum’s first ever children’s book, Burton & Isabelle Pipistrelle: Out of the Bat Cave. Using your smart phone, follow Burton on his quest through the museum from 1:00 to 4:00 pm for your chance to win special prizes.
You’ll need to fuel up after learning about the Maya’s sweets. Enjoy specials in the ROM’s casual family restaurant Food Studio Café, then browse the ROM Museum Store where treasure troves of exciting toys and interactive fun are available for purchase.
Please visit our ROM kids site for more information, pricing and updates: https://www.rom.on.ca