Mexicans exhibit Maya artefacts

On Monday, Mexicans and Belizeans alike will unite to celebrate our northern neighbour’s Independence Day. In addition to the beer, tacos and mechanical rides, this year’s festivities will include the promotion of business, education and culture. Tonight at the Mexican Cultural Institute, an archaeological exhibition and conference will explore our related histories under the theme: Quintana Roo and Belize: Common Pre-Hispanic Roots. According to Mexico’s Ambassador to Belize, Arturo Trejo, the common denominator of our Mayan history will prove interesting to a Belizean audience.

Arturo Trejo, Mexican Ambassador to Belize

“The exhibition is about the archaelogical sites of the south of Quintana Roo, specifically five ones: Chacchoben, Kohunlich, Chakanbakan, Dzibanche, Oxtankah. These are sites which are very close to the Mexican-Belizean border, and it belongs to the common past which Belize and Mexico share concerning Maya culture. And this evening, we’re having a conference, which is on the subject of the common Mayan heritage between Mexico and Belize. It is in the Spanish language and will be given by a professor of the University of Quintana Roo.”

Janelle Chanona

“What sort of information is going to come out?”

Arturo Trejo

“The information is about the history of the sites which share common characteristics in Belize as well as in the southern part of the State of Quintana Roo in Mexico.”

Janelle Chanona

“Why is that important you think?”

Arturo Trejo

“I think for the Belizean public it is important to know their own past and also the common past which they share with your Mexican neighbours.”

The exhibition, which opened earlier this evening, runs through the end of September and is free to the public. It should be noted that the archaeological pieces on display are replicas, not originals.