Discover Oaxaca’s Legend of Matlazihua at Cozumel Exhibit

Cozumel, Mexico — The Foundation of Parks and Museums of Cozumel (FPMC) has extended an invitation to the community and visitors to attend the inauguration of the collective exhibition "The Legend of Oaxaca: Matlazihua." The event will take place on Friday, July 11, at 8:00 p.m. at the Island Museum.

Strengthening Artistic and Cultural Exchange

Juanita Alonso Marrufo, Director General of the FPMC, emphasized that the exhibition represents an opportunity for Cozumel residents and tourists to engage with the cultural and artistic richness of other Mexican communities. She noted that the initiative aligns with the New Agreement for Well-being and Development of Quintana Roo, promoted by Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa, as it fosters inclusion, identity, and access to culture.

The Legend of Matlazihua

Isela Carrillo Cupul, Director of the Island Museum, explained that "The Legend of Oaxaca: Matlazihua" is a project led by Manuel Castro López and Joy Juárez. The initiative seeks to revive interest in Oaxacan society regarding oral traditions surrounding the Matlazihua, a female figure described as a beautiful woman dressed in white who appears on solitary roads to enchant men and lead them to ruin.

The legend, deeply rooted in Oaxacan folklore, has been passed down through generations and has influenced various artistic expressions, symbolizing mysticism, ancestral values, and the worldview of indigenous communities.

Featured Artists and Works

To broaden the reach of the legend, Oaxacan visual artists—including Inés Lara, Jesús Cuevas, Miguel Alvarado, Manuel Miguel, Edison Blas, Alexei Rivera, Elece, Jorge López, Diego Navarrete, and Cándido Santiago—created paintings and sculptures inspired by the tale. These works will be displayed at the Island Museum as part of the exhibition.

Event Details

Carrillo reiterated the invitation to the public to attend the inauguration of "The Legend of Oaxaca: Matlazihua" on July 11 at 8:00 p.m. at the Island Museum. The exhibition aims to bridge cultural connections and share Oaxacan heritage with a broader audience.