Mayan Communities Seek Clarity on Cultural Heritage Rules

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Mayan communities are demanding clearer rules on the commercial use of their cultural symbols, nearly two months after Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled against the Xcaret eco-park group in a landmark case.

Hermelindo Be Cituk, state coordinator of the National Indigenous Plural Assembly for Autonomy (Anipa) in Quintana Roo, said the issue has been a recurring topic in recent community meetings, including one held this past weekend. He stressed that the communities are not opposed to Grupo Xcaret but want transparent regulations that ensure all indigenous people benefit from the use of their heritage.

“Our fellow community members have held assemblies where they ask to continue the relationship with the group. They are not against the use of cultural heritage and the corresponding rights. They want it to be regulated,” Be Cituk said.

Some business leaders have also called for the creation of regulations under the Federal Law for the Protection of the Cultural Heritage of Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Peoples and Communities, the legal framework used to revoke Xcaret’s permit to use indigenous symbols.

On March 26, the Supreme Court ruled against Xcaret in an incidental review proceeding. However, nearly two months later, the court has yet to publish the full ruling that will determine the specific effects of the decision against the ecotourism park operator.

“There is a legal claim being pursued through copyright law, but it should benefit all indigenous communities, not just certain groups. We are not against Xcaret; we want benefits for everyone,” Be Cituk added.

Since the ruling, other legal cases involving Xcaret have come to light, including tax audits, trademark disputes related to its hotels, and lawsuits over damages linked to the use of its facilities.