NICH’s Delegation to the 177th Anniversary of the Maya Social War in Mexico
From July 24th to 30th, a delegation from the U Chan Muul Yaax K’aax Museum of San Lazaro Village, Orange Walk, Belize participated in the 177th Anniversary of the Maya Social War, better known as the Guerra de Castas, at Felipe Carrillo Puerto in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The event was a deeply enriching cultural exchange that not only commemorated an important moment in Maya history but also fostered the development of young artists, cultural promoters, and scholars.
The delegation, sponsored by the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), included Hugo Carrillo, a cultural promoter and museum representative, Ryan Uh, a member and coordinator of the Sak Pakal Maya Yucatec Dance Group, and Adriel Carrillo, a youth visual artist and muralist. Their journey to Mexico was an opportunity to engage in a series of cultural, historical, and artistic activities, creating lasting connections with local communities and experts in Maya heritage.
A Vibrant Celebration of Culture
The event officially kicked off on July 24th, beginning with a series of cultural activities designed to honor the memory of the Maya Social War. The first day featured the screening of two important documentaries: Chan Santa Cruz, 1901-1912, donated by a descendant of General Ignacio A. Bravo, and Tren Maya and the Peninsula. These documentaries provided a deep dive into the historical context of the region and the Maya insurrection, setting the stage for the days to come.
On July 25th, a roundtable discussion titled Misterio de Xihum took place, led by researcher and historian Miguel Gongora Sanchez. This discussion focused on the mysterious location where Batabs (Maya chiefs) such as Manuel Antonio Ay, Cecilio Chi, and Jacinto Pat gathered during the Maya Social War to set the date for the insurrection. The discussion took place at the Centro Holístico José María Barrera, offering the participants a deep understanding of this significant historical moment.
The cultural exchange continued on July 26th with a visit to the Sanctuary of the Talking Cross, where Professor Mario Colli shared the rich history of the site. The delegation, alongside other participants, offered gifts of Belizean honey buns, Polvoron biscuits, bread buns, and postcards as tokens of respect for the guardians of the Cross. This exchange of cultural symbols was a meaningful gesture of solidarity.
That same day, the delegation participated in the inauguration of an art exhibit titled Por Más y Colores de Resistencia (For More and Colors of Resistance), which featured youth artwork and was coordinated by renowned artist Marcelo Jimenez. The exhibit celebrated the resilience and creativity of the youth, marking a significant contribution to the cultural landscape of the region.
Empowering Youth and Promoting Cultural Exchange
A key focus of the delegation’s participation was fostering the next generation of artists and cultural leaders in the region. On July 27th, Adriel and Ryan had the chance to engage in mentorship and apprenticeship programs with local artists and cultural professionals. Ryan, who is a member of the Sak Pakal Maya Yucatec Dance Group, had the opportunity to meet with professors and directors of Yucatec Maya music and dance. Adriel, the talented youth muralist, worked alongside his mentor, Marcelo Jimenez, to share techniques and explore the possibility of creating a mural with the youth of Felipe Carrillo Puerto.
Hugo Carrillo took the opportunity to engage with local professionals while learning about the ongoing restoration efforts at the Museo Chan Santa Cruz in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, an important landmark in Maya history. The delegation also participated in an insightful educational tour, which offered a deeper understanding of the region’s historical development and the lasting impact of both the Maya civilization and the Mexican military on the area.
Preserving Oral Histories and Sharing Stories
The importance of oral history and community storytelling was underscored on July 28th, when the delegation visited local elders. Through these encounters, they were able to hear firsthand accounts and traditional stories, enriching their understanding of the community’s cultural heritage. The visit was a humbling experience that further emphasized the importance of preserving Maya traditions and passing them down to future generations.
On the final days of their stay, the team participated in a radio talk show at Radio XHNKA La Voz del Pueblo, a station that broadcasts in both Maya and Spanish. The team shared their experiences and the knowledge they had gained, amplifying the voices of their community back in Belize.
A Legacy of Collaboration and Future Endeavors
The delegation’s return to Belize was marked by a final reflection on the lessons learned and the opportunities created. At the CTV3 Radio and TV station, they shared their experiences with the broader Belizean public, underscoring the value of international cultural exchange and collaboration. The visit to Mexico not only strengthened the ties between Belize and Mexico but also furthered the efforts of the U Chan Muul Yaax K’aax Museum to preserve and promote Maya culture.
Looking ahead, the delegation remains committed to working with collaborators in both Mexico and Belize to maximize resources and continue the mission of the U Chan Muul Yaax K’aax Museum. Their goal is to inaugurate the museum as a centre for Maya heritage, art, and culture, and to continue the work of preserving and celebrating the rich history of the Maya people.
The 177th Anniversary of the Maya Social War served as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural preservation, intergenerational knowledge exchange, and the role that youth and cultural promoters play in ensuring that the rich legacy of the Maya people endures for generations to come.
More information:
CTV3 Appearance (1:05:00 – end): https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1203279967492929
Written by Reynaldo Cus
Multimedia Assistant, NICH-ISCR
Add your first comment to this post