Yucatán’s Festivals Now Cultural Heritage

Mérida, Mexico — The Joint Commissions of Constitutional Points and Governance, and of Art and Culture of the Congress of the State of Yucatán have unanimously approved a decree declaring various festivities, techniques, and activities as Intangible Cultural Heritage of the State of Yucatán.

Festivities and Traditions Recognized

The document establishes the recognition as cultural heritage of the festivities in honor of the Santos Reyes of Tizimín, proposed by Deputy Wilmer Monforte Marfil; the guilds of the patron saint festival of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción “Madre de Mérida, Patrona de San Sebastián,” initiated by Deputy Daniel Quintal González; the festivity “La Genuina Gardenia” of Ticul, presented by Deputy Neyda Pat Dzul; and the Yucatecan Guilds and the declaration of the Day of the Panadero (Baker's Day), proposed by the PAN parliamentary bloc.

Legislators Highlight Cultural Importance

Deputy Wilmer Monforte Marfil emphasized the importance of protecting the traditions that give meaning to the Yucatecan identity, stating that each declaration strengthens community unity and preserves the cultural roots of the state.

Regarding his proposal, he indicated that naming the festivities in honor of the Santos Reyes of Tizimín as Intangible Cultural Heritage recognizes “the largest popular festival in Yucatán and one of the most ancient and representative celebrations of the state,” highlighting its social organization and continuity.

Deputy Claudia Estefanía Baeza Martínez added that the celebration unites the entire town of Tizimín and represents a moment of identity and community pride.

For his part, Deputy Rafael Montalvo Mata highlighted the nobility of the legislation in strengthening culture above political preferences, while Deputy Manuela Cocom Bolio underlined the importance of strengthening municipal identity through culture, recalling the initiative regarding the Milpa Maya presented by her parliamentary bloc.

Decree Pending Final Approval

The approved decree will be sent to the Full Congress of the State for its analysis and, if applicable, final approval, thereby consolidating the protection of the traditions and festivities that form part of the Yucatecan identity.