The ceremony is led by tradition-bearers from the Carrillo Puerto community\u2014priest Juvencio Cen Un, beekeeper Don Gregorio V\u00e1zquez Canch\u00e9, and veterinarian and beekeeper Manuel V\u00e1zquez Cetina\u2014as an act of gratitude and a prayer for natural balance and abundant harvests. Recognized as an expression of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Mayan people, this ancestral practice was held up to six times a year in pre-Hispanic times. Today, Xel-H\u00e1 keeps this legacy alive through two annual ceremonies, reaffirming its commitment to equity and respect for human rights by providing dignified spaces where communities can proudly and freely share their culture, spirituality, and worldview. \u201cAt Xel-H\u00e1, we recognize that protecting the Melipona bee is vital not only for ecological balance but also for preserving a worldview in which humans and nature coexist in harmony. This ceremony represents our bond with the nearby community\u2014whose visits honor and dignify us\u2014thereby strengthening a relationship that has spanned many years,\u201d stated Elizabeth Lugo, Executive Director of Parks and Tours at Grupo Xcaret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, the Melipona bee faces significant threats: habitat loss, climate change, and displacement by bee species that offer higher economic yields, such as the European honey bee. In response to this situation, Grupo Xcaret not only actively protects its hives but also promotes educational programs for visitors and local communities, aiming to raise awareness about the species’ importance to biodiversity and cultural heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This effort is part of a comprehensive strategy that integrates scientific research, environmental education, and the promotion of sustainable practices, reaffirming Grupo Xcaret\u2019s purpose: \u201cTo make the planet happier by sharing our deep love for Mexico.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Xcaret, Riviera Maya, June 7, 2025. In a moving gathering with the community\u2014amidst nature, spirituality, and our country’s cultural roots\u2014Grupo Xcaret held another edition of the Melipona Bee Ceremony at Xel-H\u00e1 Park, reaffirming its commitment to environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and the promotion of sustainable tourism. For 26 consecutive years, this ritual has been celebrated […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":4146,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[114,72,113,110,1,111],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.grupoxcaret.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Abeja-melipona-4-1024x683.jpg\")
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