Mopan Maya Artists Stitch Belize into CARIFESTA Spotlight

Two talented Mopan Maya artists from San Antonio Village are in Barbados, and they took Belize’s rich Indigenous culture with them. Luciana Chun and Magdalena Chiac were selected to represent Belize at CARIFESTA XV, the Caribbean’s biggest celebration of arts and culture. These master artists specialize in “counted stitches”, an ancient textile tradition passed down from mother to daughter for generations. At a time when the Mopan Maya language and traditions are at risk of fading, this moment is a powerful spotlight on Maya heritage and the strength of its traditions. Their journey is supported by SATIIM and Xe’il: True to Our Roots, Belize’s first Maya brand, with backing from the Caribbean Development Bank and Creative Caribbean. And to top it off, the documentary Xe’il – Threads of Culture, Tradition and Community will also be screened at CARIFESTA, showcasing the beauty and strength of Maya culture to the entire region. It’s a proud moment for Belize and a reminder that every stitch tells a story of survival, identity, and pride.