- He received the Staff of Command from the Council of Elders.
- Caring for indigenous peoples and those most in need is a government priority.
- Tata Gerardo calls for strengthening culture and preserving the mother tongue.
Papantla, Ver., Wednesday, March 19, 2025.- In an act of deep respect for the tradition and legacy of the Totonac people, Governor Rocío Nahle García was received at the Kantiyan , House of the Grandparents, by the Council of Totonac Elders, where she participated in the incense ceremony and received the Staff of Command, a symbol of trust and recognition of the native communities.
Later, he led the opening ceremony of Cumbre Tajín, Tachanán , the sowing for the world, in the Plaza del Volador, where he witnessed the first ascent of the dancers of the Ritual of the Flyers, kicking off four days of cultural exchange and celebration at the Takilhsukut Theme Park .
Addressing the audience, he emphasized the importance of the Identity Festival as an open space to strengthen the pride and identity of Indigenous peoples, emphasizing that his administration promotes culture with the same determination as it does social programs.
«Here, hearts are opened and a hand is extended to our indigenous peoples, not only in Veracruz, but throughout Mexico. It’s an honor to welcome you to this great celebration that belongs to everyone. Culture is a central focus of our government, and that’s why this Summit is free, so everyone can be part of it,» he said.
During the reception of the Baton of Command, he reiterated his commitment to the well-being of the state’s communities.
«I express my respect to the elders, the Totonac people, our culture, and our roots in all the ethnic groups of our beautiful state. I promised, and here I am. I promised to be a governor of the people and for the people. I promised that our culture would be a fundamental pillar, and today I reaffirm my commitment,» she added.
For his part, the president of the Totonac Council of Organizations and Communities, Tata Gerardo Cruz Espinoza, called for strengthening the culture and native language, inviting the community to keep its traditions alive.
«Thank you all. I hope we can work together with the communities and all the teams so that the culture is not lost. We will continue to speak our mother tongue, because it is very important. Grandparents and mothers should teach it to their grandchildren to strengthen our people,» he said.
The Governor was accompanied by representatives of the three branches of government, federal and local legislators, cabinet members, municipal authorities, and commanders of the armed forces and security forces. Also present were the Cuban ambassador to Mexico, Marcos Rodríguez Costa, and the UNESCO Culture Officer in Mexico, Carlos Tejeda.
Also participating were guardians of the Totonac tradition, grandmothers and grandfathers of the Kantiyan , representatives of the Center for Indigenous Arts and promoters of the Ritual Ceremony of the Flyers, whoWith their presence they reaffirmed their commitment to preserve and disseminate the cultural wealth of Veracruz.
