Yucatán Celebrates Mexican Textile Art Legacy

Mérida, Yucatán — The Original Yucatán: Mexican Textile Art Encounter concluded with a grand performance by the Orquesta Típica Yukalpetén, cementing Yucatán's status as a meeting place for communities and a space where culture is recognized and shared. The closing event marked the end of four days of cultural exchange, fair trade, and reflection on the textile legacy of Mexico's indigenous peoples.

Considered the most important event of popular art in Latin America, Original—held for the first time this year outside of Mexico City—was the result of a coordinated effort between the federal Secretary of Culture of the Government of Mexico and the Government of Yucatán. The collaboration involved the state's Secretary of Culture and the Arts (Sedeculta), the Secretary of Tourism Development (Sefotur), the Yucatán Institute for Entrepreneurs (IYEM), and the Cultur Trust.

The Yucatán Siglo XXI Convention Center and the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya served as the stages for a celebration that brought together more than 350 creators from across the country, as well as national and local artists who shared their talent, tradition, and identity in a festive atmosphere of recognition and pride for Mexican popular art.

A Final Day of Activities

The final day of Original Yucatán began with a children's performance of "Títerechevere" by the company Titeradas, directed by Andrea Herrera. This was followed by the lively sounds of Yucatecan music with the Orquesta Jaranera Juvenil "Mi lindo Tixmehuác," alongside workshops for children and seniors guided by master artisans.

Subsequently, the artisan creators participated in reflection forums discussing topics such as the evolution of the textile tradition, the preservation of garments like the "terno" and the "huipil," and the respect for techniques stemming from community knowledge—an essential element for maintaining the historical legacy of their peoples.

In the evening, the last of the four thematic fashion shows of Original Yucatán, titled "Áaktunil Ka’an: Cueva del Cielo," was held in the Permanent Hall of the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya. The show featured diverse proposals from Mexican artisans, plus the participation of guest countries Cuba and Paraguay.

The program also included a free double feature from the Cycle of Cinema of Indigenous Peoples, screening "Bucan tu Rhachhidu" and "Tío Yim." Both films are by the renowned Zapotec filmmaker Luna Marán, who held a post-screening conversation about memory, the female voice, and cultural resistance through the narrative of cinema.

Music was once again present at this popular art festival with a performance by Gaby Romero, "La Reina del Requinto," who was distinguished as Female Soloist at the 2024 Banda Tops Awards. She got the audience dancing in the Ek Balam hall of the Convention Center.

Official Closing Remarks

During the closing of the encounter, the head of Sedeculta, Patricia Martín Briceño, emphasized that with the realization of Original Yucatán, the state solidifies its position as a meeting point for indigenous peoples, where culture is celebrated and shared.

Martín Briceño thanked the attending public for their support over the four days, noting their role in supporting fair trade and recognizing the value behind the work of the artisans. This work, she stated, represents the culture of peoples from across the country—a heritage shared by all Mexicans.

The finale of the evening and of this edition of Original Yucatán arrived with the Orquesta Típica Yukalpetén. Under the direction of maestro Pedro Carlos Herrera, the orchestra offered an emotional concert. The audience, which filled the encounter's concert space, gave the ensemble a standing ovation as they said farewell, marking the end of a great cultural festival that reaffirmed the living strength of popular art and pride in the roots of all Mexico.