Maya Farmers Use Ancient Calendar to Protect Agricultural Knowledge

Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo — Promoters of traditional agriculture analyzed the importance of the xook k’iin in the Maya territory of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. The objective was to halt the loss of ancestral peasant knowledge.

The cooperative Túumben K’ooben organized the tsikbal, or participation forum, titled “The Importance of the Xook K’iin in Maya Territory.” Agricultural promoters, collectives, and civil organizations participated in the meeting.

The forum was facilitated by Bernardo Caamal Itza, known as Arux or Duende. During his intervention, he proposed reflecting on the impact of Western influences on traditional agricultural practices.

Additionally, he raised the question of what peasant communities currently depend on. He also explained how the principles of the field connect with life and community balance.

During the dialogue, participants shared experiences from their different work spaces. In this way, they made visible both the benefits and the risks of losing traditional knowledge.

The exchange allowed for the identification of concrete threats to peasant knowledge. Among them, they highlighted the disuse of ancestral practices and the breakdown in generational transmission.

Subsequently, Bernardo Caamal explained the meaning of the xook k’iin agricultural calendar. He detailed how recording time allows for forecasting favorable harvests.

The promoter noted that he has practiced and disseminated this knowledge for more than 20 years. Likewise, he presented the new challenges that the xook k’iin faces in light of climate change.

The meeting reaffirmed the need to protect Maya agricultural knowledge. It also underscored its value for food sovereignty and the cultural identity of the region.