Yucatán’s Culture Shines at Los Pinos Festival

Mexico City — Governor Huacho Díaz Mena inaugurated the "Yucatán en Los Pinos" festival at the Los Pinos Cultural Complex, a showcase of the gastronomy, art, music, and traditions of the Yucatecan people taking place on September 20 and 21. He stated that the event represents an opportunity to display the cultural richness of the state and strengthen ties with the thousands of families residing in Mexico City, thereby reaffirming the pride of a people looking toward the future without losing their roots.

"Yucatán is present in the heart of Mexico. We have come to Los Pinos to share with thousands of families the richness of our culture, our traditions, and our hardworking people," he announced.

The Secretary of Culture of the Government of Mexico, Claudia Curiel de Icaza, indicated that this festival allows for the discovery of the Mayan memory that coexists with living traditions and contemporary creativity. She also recalled that Yucatán will be the first host state, outside the capital, for the "Original" encounter.

Referring to the state's role on the global stage, Curiel highlighted: "We took Yucatán to Mondiacult, the meeting of culture ministers from around the world, to showcase its best practices and the contribution of its communities to Mexico's international vision."

Díaz Mena acknowledged the role of the traditional cooks, who prepared emblematic dishes with a unique touch. "To make these stews we had to bring firewood from Yucatán, because they say it doesn't taste the same if cooked with other firewood," he commented. He added that this authenticity reflects the wisdom of Yucatecan grandmothers and mothers, a living heritage now being shared in the capital.

Similarly, he highlighted the talent of artisans who transform fibers, woods, stones, and threads into unique pieces that narrate the history of the Yucatecan people.

The event included performances by the "orquesta jaranera," the youth folk ballet, and the voices of Maricarmen Pérez and the Pech sisters, who made the audience vibrate with Yucatecan trova music. "This artistic program is a window for Mexico City to get to know who we are," stated the Governor.

The festival brings together more than 70 exhibitors, including cooks, artisans, and producers from different municipalities, who traveled enthusiastically to showcase the heritage of their communities. The space is expected to receive over 12,000 visitors who will be able to discover and rediscover Yucatán as a place full of life and with much to contribute to Mexico.

Díaz Mena thanked the support of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and the Secretary of Culture of the Government of Mexico. He also acknowledged the work of the Director of the Los Pinos Cultural Complex, Elisa Lemus Cano, and the presence of representatives from other states of the country who participated in the event.

He reaffirmed that the Mayan Renaissance is the guiding principle of his administration, a commitment to exalt the language, art, and worldview of the Mayan people. "We want the Mayan people to live their best years during our government, with well-being for their families. To go to Yucatán is to encounter an ancient culture, but also the Maya of today, proud of their past," he stated.

At this showcase, producers offered chiles xkatik, habanero, sweet and green peppers; recados, condiments, salt from Celestún, honey and its derivatives, jams, traditional sweets, cosmetics, and sauces.

Artisans exhibited pieces made with plant fibers such as coconut, palm, and henequen; textiles embroidered by hand and on pedal machines; woven hammocks, guayaberas, jewelry made from seeds and filigree, as well as turned wood. Each product reflects local talent and the capacity to transform traditions into items with identity and added value.

Accompanying the governor were the Secretary of Tourism Development, Darío Flota Ocampo; the head of the Yucatán Institute for Entrepreneurship (IYEM), Salvador Vitelli Macías; the Secretary of Culture and the Arts, Patricia Martín Briceño; and the Representative of the Government of Yucatán in Mexico City, Víctor José López Martínez.