TULUM.- A poignant new exhibition, "The Last Witnesses," is set to open at the Regional Museum of the Eastern Coast (Mureco) in Tulum, offering a powerful tribute to the 178th anniversary of the Mayan Social War, often known as the Caste War. This solo show by Canadian photographer Serge Barbeau aims to honor history, preserve the memory of indigenous communities, and acknowledge the enduring legacy of Mayan resilience.
The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) invites the public to the temporary exhibition's inauguration on July 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM, in the Kaab Room. The exhibition will be on display through February 1, 2026.
"The Last Witnesses" features 20 compelling portraits of direct descendants of the Mayan insurgents who fought in the conflict. These images are intended to convey the symbolic strength and humanity of those whose ancestors endured centuries of oppression and inequality, serving as a testament to living memory. Complementing the photographs are three large-format textile art pieces—a cross, a rosary, and a huipil (traditional garment)—meticulously handcrafted from coconut fibers by Yucatecan sculptor Marcela Díaz.
Remembering a Brutal Conflict
The Mayan Social War, which began in Tepich, Quintana Roo, on July 30, 1847, remains one of the most brutal episodes in Latin American history. Led by figures such as Cecilio Chi, Jacinto Pat, and Manuel Antonio Ay, it represented a fierce response from the Mayan people to systemic exploitation, dispossession, and marginalization. The conflict engulfed the Yucatán Peninsula and lasted until 1901, leaving a devastating impact on the indigenous population, many of whom perished from the war itself, famine, disease, and forced displacement.
To deepen understanding of this complex period, the exhibition opening will be accompanied by a series of events. The day begins with a conference titled "In Search of María Uicab," where chronicler Carlos Francisco Chablé Mendoza and researcher Georgina Rosado Rosado (Uady) will discuss the crucial spiritual and political leadership of this key figure in Mayan resistance.
Following this, visitors can enjoy a trova concert by ecomusic composer Arturo Bayona Miramontes, whose lyrics often explore environmental themes. At 1:00 PM, the "Caste War and the Talking Cross" conference will feature Uady professor Mario Baltazar Collí Collí, who will delve into why recent years have seen a re-dignification of this historical event, re-labeling it as a social conflict and moving past outdated, often racist, historiographical perspectives.
The day will culminate with a special recognition presented to Mr. Angelino Chablé Chi, a native of Tepich and a direct descendant of Don Cecilio Chi. This gesture aims to honor the deep historical roots he embodies, bringing a profound sense of continuity, dignity, and homage to those who carry generational memory.
The exhibition is a collaborative cultural effort, supported by Fundación Zamna Tulum, Hola Tulum Comunicación, and several local businesses dedicated to preserving historical memory and promoting the region's heritage.
Admission to the exhibition is free. However, since Mureco is located inside Jaguar Park, visitors will need to cover the park's entrance fees. Tulum residents can enter Jaguar Park for free by presenting an official INE identification with a local address. The inaugural ceremony will also be streamed live on Mureco's official social media channels.
The Regional Museum of the Eastern Coast is located at the former Aeronaval Base, inside Jaguar Park, in Tulum, Quintana Roo. Its operating hours are Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
