Xel-Há Honors Sacred Melipona Bee in Ancient Maya Ceremony

Xcaret, Mexico — Grupo Xcaret held a new edition of the Ceremony of the Melipona Bee at Xel-Há Park, reaffirming its commitment to environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism. The event, now in its 26th consecutive year, brought together the community in a celebration of nature, spirituality, and Mexico’s ancestral traditions.

A Living Tradition of the Maya

The ceremony was conducted by tradition bearers from the Carrillo Puerto community, including priest Juvencio Cen Un, beekeeper Don Gregorio Vázquez Canché, and veterinarian and beekeeper Manuel Vázquez Cetina. It serves as an act of gratitude and a plea for natural balance and abundant harvests.

The Xunán Kaab, or melipona bee, is a stingless native species considered sacred by the Indigenous peoples of the Yucatán Peninsula. Beyond its ecological importance, the bee is integral to the traditional Maya milpa agricultural system. Its honey, though scarce—with an annual production of just 1.5 liters—is prized for its medicinal properties and spiritual significance.

Recognized as an expression of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Maya people, this ancestral ritual was performed up to six times a year in pre-Hispanic times. Today, Xel-Há keeps the tradition alive with two annual ceremonies, providing dignified spaces for communities to share their culture, spirituality, and worldview with pride.

A Commitment to Conservation and Community

Elizabeth Lugo, Executive Director of Parks and Tours at Grupo Xcaret, emphasized the ceremony’s deeper meaning:

“At Xel-Há, we recognize that protecting the melipona bee is not only vital for ecological balance but also for preserving a worldview where humans and nature coexist in harmony. This ceremony strengthens our bond with the nearby community, enriching and dignifying us with their presence, which has fortified our relationship over many years.”

The melipona bee faces significant threats today, including habitat loss, climate change, and competition from more economically productive bee species, such as the European honeybee. In response, Grupo Xcaret actively safeguards its hives and promotes educational programs for visitors and local communities, raising awareness about the species’ importance to biodiversity and cultural heritage.

This effort is part of a broader strategy integrating scientific research, environmental education, and sustainable practices, aligning with Grupo Xcaret’s mission to “Make the planet happier.”