What Pluricultural Nation Day Means for Quintana Roo

Chetumal — In recognition of the cultural richness, roots, and diversity that give identity to the country, the Government of Quintana Roo, through the Ministry of Finance and Planning (SEFIPLAN), held a civic ceremony in Chetumal on the occasion of the Day of the Pluricultural Nation. The event took place at the Civic Plaza of the Flag, in front of the Government Palace, and brought together authorities from all three levels of government to recognize the cultural diversity, traditions, and legacy of Indigenous peoples.

Observed every October 12, the commemoration calls for recognition of the history, languages, traditions, and knowledge of Indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples, whose presence and contributions are an essential part of the national identity and cultural richness of Quintana Roo.

On behalf of Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa, the ceremony was led by Irazú Sarabia May, director general of the Institute of Social Economy of the Ministry of Welfare.

The ceremony served as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and valuing the cultural diversity that distinguishes Mexico and, in particular, Quintana Roo, where the legacy of the Mayan people and the contributions of Indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities form part of history, identity, and cultural wealth.

Recognizing this richness also means valuing the women and men who keep their customs alive, as well as promoting respect for their rights, equal opportunities, and the participation of all communities in the development of Quintana Roo.

This vision is part of Governor Mara Lezama’s humanist policy, which promotes a fairer and more inclusive state, where cultural diversity is recognized and respected, and where well-being and shared prosperity reach everyone, leaving no one behind.

During the civic ceremony, the State Band performed the “Long Live Mexico” March. Afterwards, the Quintana Roo Anthem and the Mexican National Anthem were sung, and the National Flag was honored.

Representing civil and military authorities were Saulo Aguilar Bernés, president of the Municipal Affairs Committee of the 18th Legislature of the State Congress; Gabriel Martínez Durán, lieutenant colonel and surgeon, representing the 34th Military Zone; Manuel Alonso García Merino, lieutenant commander of the Marine Corps Paratroopers, representing the Eleventh Naval Zone; Jorge Vargas Soto, first captain of the National Guard, representing the State Coordination of the National Guard; Mario Ulises Lara Velázquez, councilman and president of the Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Affairs Committee of the Othón P. Blanco City Council; and Oscar Asís Flores Xacur, technical director of the Undersecretariat of Revenue of SEFIPLAN, representing Secretary Martha Parroquín Pérez.

The commemoration of the Day of the Pluricultural Nation serves as a reminder that the diversity of the country’s peoples, cultures, and traditions is one of the greatest strengths of Mexico and Quintana Roo. Recognizing and preserving it is also a way to build a more respectful, inclusive society, proud of its roots, where every community and every generation is part of the present and future of the state.