Quintana Roo Declares Its Cuisine Cultural Heritage

Quintana Roo — The state has officially declared its gastronomy an intangible cultural heritage, a designation published Aug. 25 in the official state gazette.

Gov. Mara Lezama Espinosa signed the decree on June 2, recognizing the state’s culinary traditions as an expression of collective identity, cultural diversity, historical memory and community tradition.

The declaration covers traditional Maya, mestizo, coastal and Caribbean cuisines, as well as the ancestral ingredients, utensils and techniques used in their preparation. It also extends to festivals, markets, community practices and other cultural expressions tied to food.

According to the document, Quintana Roo’s cooking is closely connected to the natural environment of the Mexican Caribbean, the jungle and biocultural resources. It draws on Maya knowledge along with contributions from mestizo, coastal and contemporary traditions.

The designation highlights the work of local producers, traditional cooks and knowledge bearers. The Maya milpa system is cited as an ancestral practice that helps maintain ingredients and knowledge handed down through generations.

Under the decree, the state government must develop actions to safeguard, preserve, research, disseminate and transmit the region’s gastronomy. Planned measures include festivals, gatherings, exhibitions, research, publications and educational programs focused on culinary traditions.

The Secretariat of Tourism and the Secretariat of Education, together with other authorities, will be responsible for strengthening the gastronomic value chain and promoting participation by local communities, traditional cooks, producers and tourism service providers. The Institute of Culture and Arts of Quintana Roo will register the cuisine in the State Registry of Cultural Heritage.

The decree warns of threats such as cultural homogenization, the loss of traditional knowledge and the fading of community identity. The protection is intended to help preserve these elements and keep them alive for future generations.

The designation follows UNESCO’s 2010 recognition of traditional Mexican cuisine as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It also aligns with the state’s Gastronomy Promotion Strategy 2021–2030 and other cultural and tourism policy instruments.

The decree took effect the day after its publication and sets a 30-business-day deadline to formally enter the declaration into the State Registry of Cultural Heritage.