Riviera Maya, Q.R. — Mexico’s highest court has denied Xcaret the right to continue using Mayan symbols throughout its company. In a vote, the court ruled the company, Grupo Xcaret, will have to remove all Mayan symbols.
With seven votes in favor and two against, members of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) voted to revoke the definitive suspension granted in February 2025 to Xcaret Group.
The company has been ordered to remove all Mayan symbolism it uses to promote its attractions. The decision was made after members of the Supreme Court agreed with Minister María Estela Ríos González that the definition of Mayan community and people are made up of 1,021 communities, not only the Great Mayan Council.
Years ago, the Great Mayan Council signed an agreement with Grupo Xcaret for the use of Mayan symbolism. However, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, said that the Council do not have legitimate representation since they were not elected by an assembly of the members of these Mayan communities.
The presiding minister clarified that the trial is not about representing the Great Mayan Council, but rather about protecting the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples, which prompted the National Institute of Copyright (INDAUTOR) to intervene, since it belongs to the entire Mayan people, not just a part or indigenous community.
On Thursday, the SCJN (Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación) ordered Grupo Xcaret to suspend the use of symbols of Mayan cultural heritage in its parks and tourist promotion. The conflict over the use of the Mayan symbols had been ongoing since 2022.
