A new cultural project titled “100 Jewels of Sacred Art of the Yucatán Peninsula” was unveiled at the Yucatán International Reading Fair (Filey), showcasing little-known treasures of religious heritage from Yucatán, Quintana Roo, and Campeche. The initiative includes a book, a tourist guide, and multimedia products, aiming to highlight the region’s sacred art and hidden corners.
Project Overview
- Launch: March 17, 2026, at the Feria Internacional de la Lectura Yucatán (Filey).
- Organizers: Diario de Yucatán, commemorating its centennial.
- Scope: 90 sacred art pieces from Yucatán, 5 from Quintana Roo, and 5 from Campeche.
- Format: Hardcover and softcover book, tourist guide, and multimedia content.
Featured Treasures
- Catedral de Mérida: A golden chalice crafted in Paris in 1905 by the Casa Poussielgue, valued at 10,000 pesos at the time.
- Kanxoc: An 18th-century oil painting of the Virgin of the Rosary and the Souls in Purgatory, rarely seen by the public.
- Convent of Izamal: An atrium with 123 arches, the largest in Latin America, second only to St. Peter’s Square in Rome.
Selection Process
- Curated by experts in sacred art, architecture, and history.
- Divided into five categories: architecture, wooden and stone sculptures, retablos, and liturgical objects such as chalices and bells.
- Emphasis placed not only on aesthetic beauty but also on cultural identity, community devotion, and historical significance.
Tourist Guide
- Designed as a “compass for adventurers”, the guide goes beyond traditional routes.
- Covers Mérida’s historic center, markets, Paseo Montejo, Mayan cities, cenotes, and coastal towns.
- Reveals hidden corners often overlooked in mainstream tourism.
Broader Impact
- The project strengthens regional identity by connecting communities with their sacred heritage.
- It also promotes cultural tourism, encouraging visitors to explore beyond well-known landmarks.
- By integrating multimedia, the initiative ensures accessibility for diverse audiences, from scholars to casual travelers.
“100 Jewels of Sacred Art of the Yucatán Peninsula” is a landmark cultural project that uncovers hidden treasures of religious heritage, blending scholarship with tourism promotion. From Mérida’s golden chalice to Izamal’s vast atrium, the collection highlights the richness of sacred art across the peninsula.
Source: yucatan.com.mx
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