Cancún Honors Indigenous Peoples with Cultural Celebration

Cancún, Quintana Roo — In a heartfelt ceremony held at the Conalep Cancún I dome, Mayor Ana Paty Peralta led the commemoration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, celebrated annually on August 9. The event honored the invaluable contributions of indigenous communities to cultural identity preservation, biodiversity, and the local economy.

A Celebration of Heritage and Self-Determination

Under the theme “The Right of Indigenous Peoples to Self-Determination: A Path Toward Food Security and Sovereignty,” Mayor Peralta emphasized the importance of safeguarding traditions, ancestral knowledge, and sustainable production models that strengthen social cohesion and economic justice in the region.

“Cancún is more than a tourist destination; it is a multicultural city that has welcomed and embraced people from all over the world. But today, I want to say that what truly gives us identity and pride are our indigenous peoples, who live among us, who fight daily to preserve their customs, language, and culture. They are a treasure that, as a deeply humanist government, it is our duty and commitment to protect, dignify, and strengthen,” Peralta stated.

She added, “Honoring our indigenous peoples means recognizing the roots that sustain us as a society and the vision that drives us toward a more just, united, and sustainable future.” The mayor reaffirmed the municipal government’s support for artisans, local producers, and community projects that promote economic autonomy and social cohesion.

Calls for Unity and Recognition

Bernardo May, delegate of the Institute for the Development of the Maya People and Indigenous Communities of Quintana Roo (INMAYA) for the Northern Zone, noted that the commemoration also serves as a reminder of the unity and strength of indigenous peoples.

“This day is not only a recognition of our history but also a call to action for our rights and the acknowledgment of our dignity,” May concluded.

Cultural Showcase and Community Engagement

Following the official remarks, Mayor Peralta, accompanied by state and municipal authorities as well as indigenous community representatives, toured the “Merkadito,” a marketplace where she engaged with producers and artisans. She reiterated the city’s commitment to public policies that bolster cultural heritage and family well-being.

The event, organized by INMAYA, featured a Mayan ceremony, performances by the musical group Maya Pax, traditional dance presentations, and displays of ancestral gastronomy and herbal medicine. Ten vendors from the “Merkadito” program showcased handicrafts, embroidery, honey products, artisanal soaps, and traditional remedies.

The celebration underscored Cancún’s dedication to preserving indigenous traditions while fostering economic opportunities for local communities.