The rich history, stunning architecture, and mysticism of the magnificent ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, have long been an attraction for visitors from around the world. And on October 4th, magic will definitely be in the air when the world famous tenor Placido Domingo steps forth to entertain a crowd of thousands, in what is sure to be a spectacular show entitled "The Concert of a Thousand Columns".

Performing in Yucatan has a special meaning for Placido Domingo, he is known to feel incredible love and passion for the area, which in turn means the concert may quite possibly be one of his best ever. Although he was born in Madrid, the tenor moved to Mexico with his parents, to the beautiful colonial city of Merida, when he was just 8 years old.

His parents had their own theatrical company that performed Spanish opera, often with a satirical twist, known as Zarzuela and his mother, Pepita Embil, was a renowned performer in Mexico. Placido Domingo first began his illustrious career singing alongside his mother in 1957 when he was sixteen years old, and continued to do so for many years, particularly when the zarzuela featured the role of a young man or boy.

Who would have thought at the time that this young boy would go on to perform alongside such icons as the late Luciano Pavarotti, and Jose Carreras. And in such impressive arenas around the world, including the Baths of Caracalla in Rome in 1990, Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in 1994, the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 1998 and at the World Cup Finals in Japan in 2002, to name but a few.

Mexico's archeological sites are seldom used for concerts of any kind, because the INAH, National Institute of Anthropology and History, has concerns about the detrimental effects they can have. Although, Luciano Pavarotti did perform an amazing concert at Chichen Itza, back in 1997, to an audience of approximately 17,000 people. It is rumored that Placido Domingo wanted to perform last time but Luciano Pavarotti was chosen instead of him. However, this only adds to the excitement of the upcoming event.

So, on October 4th, to celebrate its 20th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the internationally renowned tenor Placido Domingo will fulfill his dream and perform at this 1500-year-old Mayan city. Making it even more special is the fact that it's also Chichen Itza's first anniversary as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. A huge stage is going to be erected in front of the magnificent Kukulcan Pyramid, surrounded by the remnants of 1000 ancient columns, which are the inspiration for the concert's title "Placido Domingo at Chichen Itza: The Concert of a Thousand Columns".

Placido Domingo is not going to be the only star shining brightly on October 4th. The tenor will be joined by other international talents at this legendary archeological site, including Armando Manzanero on the piano, the stunning Puerto Rican soprano Ana Maria Martinez, and the Yucatan Symphony Orchestra. The backdrop, the stars and the magic of the area are sure to provide for a truly awe inspiring event.

If you're visiting the area but can't make it to Chichen Itza, then there is still the chance to watch the concert. Originally it was stated that the show would only be available on pay-per-view, to be broadcast on local TV at a later date, however now it has been decided that all the people in the Yucatan should be able to watch it for free. So, they are going to show this incredible spectacle on large screens in the town centers across the state and also on the local television channels.

If you want to be a part of this incredible event, but are staying in Cancun or the Riviera Maya then why not take one of the fantastic tours to Chichen Itza and experience this incredible archeological site and one-off show. Or alternatively, there are also lots of amazing Chichen Itza hotels to stay at and really get to experience the wonder of what is sure to be an incredible, once in a lifetime event, when Placido Domingo steps out onto the stage and fills the stunning site of Chichen Itza with his amazing voice.