Tixméhuac is a Maya community located in southern Yucatán, just 20 kilometers east of the Pueblo Mágico of Tekax. Here, the local identity remains deeply rooted in ancestral traditions and religious ceremonies; one of the most unique is held from March 1 to 9, dedicated to the Santa Cruz de Popox (The Holy Cross of Popox).
A temporary, community sanctuary
Once a year, a private home is transformed into a communal sanctuary that draws hundreds of parishioners. Originally from a ranch of the same name in the municipality of Hocabá, the Santa Cruz de Popox is considered highly miraculous. Throughout the year, this sacred icon travels across several towns in the peninsula. Each community venerates it in its own distinct way before passing it on to the next village to continue the celebration.
Tixméhuac is renowned for its meticulous organization and the offerings it presents annually. Devotees visit the temporary sanctuary to offer flowers, rue, water, candles, and k’exitos: tiny votive charms pinned to the Cross’s shroud to request specific favors. There are charms shaped like bees for beekeepers; pigs, bulls, or hens for farmers; and figures of pregnant women or children. It is also common for people to place cups of water and rue on the main altar to be consecrated during prayers and consumed later.
The "Ramadas"
A society of Maya devotees known as “The Brothers of the Ramadas” is responsible for offering two ramadas—frames made of wood and vines decorated with vibrant tissue paper. These structures are filled with fruit, traditional breads (such as yeast-free roscas de agua), and drinks as a gesture of gratitude for the year's abundance and blessings. The ramadas hang from the ceiling of the sanctuary and are lowered the following day to share the food among the Brothers.
The Grand Celebration
As a traveling effigy, the Santa Cruz de Popox receives countless gifts on its journey: from cendales (fine linen cloths) and embroidered shrouds to gold jewelry like medals and chains. When a town receives the Holy Cross, they also receive her belongings, making it necessary to conduct an exhaustive inventory to ensure everything is accounted for before handing her over to the next town's guardians.
March 9th marks the Fiesta Grande (Grand Celebration): a farewell organized so the Holy Cross can continue its path. The community prepares chilmole for all attendees, and a popular dance is held with a local keyboardist. On this day, residents also donate dozens of candy-filled piñatas as a way of sharing the blessings received throughout the year.
To bid farewell to the Holy Cross, three rosaries are held: at noon, at 8:00 PM, and finally at 2:00 AM. Once the last prayer concludes around 3:30 AM, the villagers carry the Cross in a procession to the town center, where devotees from the village of Pixyah wait to receive the sacred effigy. Amidst the thunder of fireworks (voladores), hymns, and tears, the people of Tixméhuac say goodbye to their beloved Cross of Popox, hoping to welcome her back next year.
In Tixméhuac, everyone is welcome to experience this deep-rooted tradition!
First published in Yucatán Today website on February 2026.
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