Bilingual Maya-Spanish Poetry Book ‘Kuulul Saam’ Launches in Cozumel

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The Foundation of Parks and Museums of Cozumel (FPMC) presented the second book by writer Baltazar Villegas Carrillo, a bilingual poetry collection in Maya and Spanish titled “Kuulul Saam, Arena Encallada,” inspired by the experiences, history, and natural beauty of the island.

The event took place at the auditorium of the Museo de la Isla, where museum director Isela Carrillo Cupul welcomed attendees and praised the author’s talent, sensitivity, and commitment to preserving, promoting, and dignifying the Maya language through literature.

Dr. David Domínguez Povedano, who wrote the book’s prologue, and Carlos Pacheco Polanco, a Maya governor, also participated. Pacheco Polanco highlighted the importance of initiatives that strengthen indigenous languages, noting that a significant percentage of these ancestral languages are lost each year. He recognized Villegas Carrillo’s work in promoting reading and contributing to the conservation of Maya.

Baltazar Villegas Carrillo was born in Mérida, Yucatán, and spent his childhood in the community of El Naranjal in the municipality of José María Morelos, Quintana Roo. A native Maya speaker, he was recognized in 2026 as a writer of indigenous languages in the National Encyclopedia of Indigenous Literature, solidifying a career dedicated to cultural and linguistic promotion.

Attendees praised the value of writing in the Maya language and the content of the poems, which depict daily life, historical memory, and the natural wealth of Cozumel, while expressing their appreciation for the author.

Villegas Carrillo shared the motivations behind the work and announced that part of the edition will be sold, with a percentage donated to island schools to bring the book to new generations, thanks to sponsorship from the Cozumel Rotary Club.

On behalf of FPMC General Director Juanita Alonso Marrufo, the museum director, accompanied by board member Alejandro Queb Franco, presented the writer with a recognition award for his valuable contribution to the culture and linguistic heritage of Quintana Roo.

Alonso Marrufo emphasized that, in line with the New Agreement for the Welfare and Development of Quintana Roo promoted by Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa, preserving the mother tongue is fundamental as it is a pillar of identity, collective memory, and worldview of Maya-speaking communities, while also strengthening pride in their roots.