Mayan Statues to Transform Cozumel’s Cultural Route

Cozumel, Mexico — The Cozumel Municipality and the Maya Government of Quintana Roo are preparing an ancestral route through the installation of Mayan statues along the island's malecón and in the Plaza de las Dos Culturas. The initiative aims to boost cultural tourism, enrich the island's offerings, and empower Mayan artisans through the donation of sculptures carved from stone.

Project Aims to Strengthen Cultural Knowledge and Tourism

Margarita Vázquez Barrios, Secretary General of the Cozumel Municipality, explained that the project was proposed by Carlos Francisco Pacheco Polanco, the Maya Governor of the state of Quintana Roo. It consists of placing statues alluding to Mayan deities and others representing the uses and customs of the ancient Maya along the Cozumel malecón.

Through these actions, the project intends to promote cultural tourism, provide additional attractions for the island, and foster respect and knowledge of Mayan culture. It also seeks to empower Mayan artisans, who would be donating these sculptures, which are mostly carved from regional stone, thereby empowering the indigenous Maya of the state.

"We are working to make this Mayan Route an important attraction for Cozumel, adding more Mayan statues to the island, such as those already located in the town center, like in Benito Juárez park, and others within some plazas, also donated by the Maya government of Quintana Roo," commented Vázquez Barrios.

Statues to Be Placed in Key Locations

The plan is to place these pieces in the Plaza de las Dos Culturas, opposite the public beach "Casitas," and in an adjacent space where sculptures were installed decades ago. This will allow for the installation of additional statues at key points along the malecón, creating a route for tourists to learn more about Mayan culture.

Although a specific date for the project's completion has not yet been set, progress has been made with the installation of some of these sculptures. Work is also underway to develop a narrative script to explain the history of the Maya to tourists who visit these spaces.