Hotel Maya Presents Dexter the Monkey for ‘Maya-Animals’ Program

To celebrate the “Monkey,” which is one of the Mayan animals most popular and powerful symbols in Mayan mythology and culture, Hotel Maya will host “Dexter the Monkey” a real, live animal experience in the sculpture garden adjacent to Fuego for educational purposes and complimentary photos on Sunday, March 13 from 12-3 p.m.

Monkeys were highly revered in various ways often showing up on pottery, murals and sculptures. They were instrumental in hunting for food. In religion, they were the patron god of the arts. Monkeys were portrayed as serious and industrious sometimes but other times they were silly and mischievous.

In the spirit of honoring these powerful symbols of Mayan mythology and culture Hotel Maya is featuring a different Mayan animal once a month during a Sunday brunch from 12-3 p.m. Guests and visitors are encouraged to enjoy brunch while visiting “Dexter the Monkey,” for reservations call 562-481-3910, or make a weekend of it with the Happy Maya Days special room package.

“From the hawk to the jaguar and now the monkey, we appreciate the opportunity to share the stories and experiences of these powerful animals of Mayan culture with our guests and team members,” said Greg Guthrie, General Manager at Hotel Maya - a DoubleTree by Hilton. “We strive to offer authentic Mayan programs throughout the year that helps educate everyone visiting Hotel Maya while enjoying a Latin American meal in Fuego or a stay at the resort property.”

The “Maya-Animals” Experience will include live dance performances, music, storytelling, animal demonstrations, lectures and many other exciting events for both kids and adults to enjoy.

The Mayan animals that are popular and powerful symbols in Mayan mythology and culture are Deer, Turtles, Iguanas, Lizards, Armadillo, Bats, Rabbit, Ducks, Pumas, Snakes, Crocodiles, Monkeys, Macaws, Parrots, Quetzals, Hawks, Falcon and ­– the Jaguar, which is the most spiritual and famous Mayan animal. The Mayans believed that all kings would share their spirits with the Jaguar, which was a highly respected and loved animal by the Mayan people.

The “Maya-Animals” Experience began on January 16 with HawkEye Predators and Hollywood the Hawk. Guests enjoyed an up-close experience to a flying bird of prey demonstration, informative presentation and photo opportunities. On February 20 the “Jaguar” was celebrated with the Jaguar Owners Club, Los Angeles, car show with more than 50 Jaguar cars participating to include a classic 1956 Jaguar XK140MC OTS. Led by President Mark Mayuga with over 95 club members taking part, the Jaguar car show was held in the Hotel Maya parking area and adjacent to the entrance to the lobby.

Eat, drink and celebrate at Fuego at Hotel Maya’s waterfront patio dining area for Saturday and Sunday weekend Brunches. For reservations, which are preferred, please call 562-481-3910 or visit https://www.hotelmayalongbeach... or https://www.opentable.com/fuego-maya-hotel.

Fuego, the modern, Latin infused indoor-outdoor restaurant and lounge, offers a unique seaside setting featuring 13-foot-tall glass walls that fully retract with seating on the patio area. Fuego’s stunning open-air views and expansive patio seating include the Pacific Ocean, Long Beach skyline and Queen Mary. Fuego restaurant is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Hotel Maya – a DoubleTree by Hilton is located at 700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802. For additional information or to make room reservations, please call 562-435-7676, visit http://www.hotelmayalongbeach.com, like http://www.facebook.com/hotelmaya or follow on http://www.Instagram.com/hotelmaya.