Visit Kanan Miatsil, the "Guardians of Culture"
Ms Felicita Cantun in Yo Creek Village
Kanan Miatsil is the brainchild of Felicita Cantun, a retired teacher who spent forty years in the classroom. Throughout the years, Felicita Cantun was awarded the “Meritorious Service Award” in recognition for her contribution to Culture and Community Service by His Excellency, The Governor-General of Belize, the Chancellor of the National Honors and Awards on 11th September 2014. She also received numerous other awards, such as the “Woman of Culture” title by the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), the “Mayor’s Award” for Continuous and Selfless contribution to Promoting Culture from Orange Walk Town’s Mayor, his Lordship Kevin Bernar. She was also featured in Bembe Vision, a magazine published by the Image Factory Art Foundation in Belize City as a “Culture Warrior” for her many decades of hard work. The following is her story.
“During my years with the children in school, I had the opportunity to teach social studies at all levels in the primary schools. Introducing the “units” on culture was so much fun for my students and me. They danced the Jaranas and Zapatiados and other dances at the celebration of the Arts Festivals and at every chance they had. Stories of Xtabay, Tata Duende, La Llorona, El Alux were typical in my classroom. Dramatizations included Maya characters such as Ixchel, Yuum K’aax, Itzamna and other Maya deities. We sang songs in three languages- English, Spanish and Maya. Teaching was an unforgettable experience that gave me the chance to broaden my knowledge and to share my Maya Yucatec culture and traditions with almost everyone I came in contact with. This gained me the several titles by which I am known, such as “Maestra de la Cultura”, “Cultural Ambassador”, “Cultural Boss” to name a few. After retirement, I had the opportunity to travel and learn more about my culture, attitudes and beliefs.”
She also organized women groups, dance groups, flag bearer groups, music groups and works in close collaboration with them and the community. Ms Felicita is confident that her combination of practical work and solid educational experience has prepared her to make a positive contribution wherever she goes or whatever she does. Her goal is to continue working with groups and to stay active online in groups of Maya spiritual leaders and Mayan language professors from many countries.
Traditional ceremony with Kanan Miatsil, 2019
Her experience as a cultural ambassador has given her unforgettable opportunities to be in contact with different cultures from countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Chile, Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba, Guyana and India among many others. We are more than thankful that she is part of our family here at Epic Mayan Tours. We want others to enjoy our Yucatec Maya Culture. We are part of the Kanan Miatsil Group that consists of thirteen members—all of them are members of the Cantun family. As Ms Cantun says; “My passion for my culture has been so ingrained in my family members that they continue it.” Us family members serve side by side on the board and committees of Kanan Miatsil carrying on the work she began. All family members are invited to attend meetings, and all receive detailed minutes of each session.
I firmly believe we will succeed in making Kanan Miatsil one of the best cultural destinations in Belize. If you want to do more than just travel and learn more about the Yucatec Maya culture, we are your destination! Check out our tour with Kanan Miatsil here!
Jenny Cantun, owner of Epic Mayan Tours, and her mother, Ms Felicita Cantun taking a trip to Corozal Town, 2020