Vote Chichen-Itza! In the spirit of driving the vote for the archaeological site as a new world wonder, the Mexico Tourism Board will be hosting the film "Mystery of the Mayas" at the IMAX Theater at Navy Pier in downtown Chicago from June 18 to 24. The film is open to the public and free of charge (subject to availability).

Filmed on location at numerous sacred sites throughout Mexico, the film explores the culture, science and history of the Mayan civilization. The story is told through a modern-day archaeologist and a young Mayan descendant who explores ruins and legends to unlock secrets of the past. "Mystery of the Maya" takes the audience through a breathtaking trip on Mayan culture and history.

Dr. Joel Palka, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Latin American and Latino Studies of the University of Illinois at Chicago will give a special presentation on the giant IMAX screen highlighting state-of-the art in Maya archeology (recent finds, new directions, etc.) for the VIP audience. Dr. Palka's current research covers ancient Maya social differentiation, settlement archaeology and the collapse of the Maya civilization.

Show times are Monday, June 18, at 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, June 19, at 7:15 p.m.; Wednesday, June 20, at 12:15 p.m.; Thursday, June 21, at 5:45 p.m.; Friday, June 22, at 9:45 p.m.; Saturday, June 23, at 9:45 p.m. and Sunday, June 24, at 3:00 p.m.. For tickets, please contact Erick Laseca via email at Erick.Laseca@bm.com, phone at 312-228-0517, ext. 14 or fax at 312-312-228-0515.

A voting station at the entrance of IMAX Theater at Navy Pier will enable visitors to vote for Chichen-Itza as one of the new seven wonders during the week-long showing. Voters will be eligible to win a free trip to Chichen-Itza, including roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations for two.

"We are pleased to be sharing our Mexican culture and history with the Chicago community through this film," said Eduardo Chaillo, director of the Strategic Business Unit for the US and Canada for the Mexico Tourism Board. "Residents will be able to appreciate the Mayan culture and see why Chichen-Itza is worthy of becoming one of the new seven world wonders," he added.

About the Mexico Tourism Board
The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico's tourism attractions and destinations nationally and internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico's tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

About Chichen-Itza, the World Wonder
Swiss-based New7Wonders Foundation is revising the original seven ancient wonders of the world, and Mexico's Chichen-Itza in Yucatan State is one of 21 finalists to become a new Seven World Wonder. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, Chichen-Itza is considered to have been one of the greatest Mayan centers of the Yucatan peninsula, and today is one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in Mexico. To vote for Chichen-Itza as one of the new Seven World Wonders, visit the "new7wonders" website.

# # #

Erick Laseca
Mexico Tourism Board
312-228-0517 ext14
erick.laseca@bm.com
http://www.visitmexico.com