Diario de Yucatán: A century of journalism, history and culture

On Saturday, May 31, 2025, the Diario de Yucatán celebrated a century of existence as a beacon of critical journalism and trustworthy information, but above all, of contribution to the history and culture of the Peninsula.

Founded in 1925 through the tenacious efforts of Carlos Ricardo Menéndez González, the newspaper has been both witness to, and protagonist in, the social, cultural, and political evolution of the southeast of Mexico for more than a hundred years, and continues to be so today.

The splendid 17th-century reredos in the parish church of Calotmul, Yucatan

To commemorate this first centenary, the Diario, the flagship publication of Grupo Megamedia – the most important media, printing, and logistics corporation in southeastern Mexico – decided not only to look back to the past, but also to continue focused on the road ahead, and cast its gaze towards the future, with several proposals that would link journalism, culture, and society: a jubilee of special events taking place until May 2026.

One of these commemorative projects is “100 Treasures of Religious Art in the Yucatan Peninsula,” which invites visitors to discover, explore and appreciate marvellous works of art that stand firm against the march of time in the form of monasteries, churches, chapels, altarpieces, sculptures, paintings, and liturgical objects. These religious gems recount stories that transcend their superficial beauty and reveal the heart of their history and significance.

Many of these artworks, some of which have been neglected or are at risk of disappearing, are true spiritual treasures that reflect the region’s architecture, history and devotion, as well as the fusion of two distinct cultures that make the Yucatan Peninsula unique.

This compendium, which encompasses gems from Yucatan, Campeche, and Quintana Roo, seeks to be not only a visual guide but also an invitation to discover, understand, and appreciate the region’s unique identity and heavenly charm during the course of an enjoyable and educational journey. All of this has come about from the fusion of indigenous Mayan and European influences, a syncretism that enriches the cultural heritage of the Peninsula.

The font - carved in 1786 by Pascual Ek - in the church at Tihosuco, Quintana Roo. — The font – carved in 1786 by Pascual Ek – in the church at Tihosuco, Quintana Roo.

The venture, which was first conceived in 2019 and began to take shape and gather momentum in 2023, is not merely an artistic or historical exercise, but rather a multi-platform effort dedicated to preserving and respecting our roots. The Diario de Yucatán seeks to strengthen identity and foster pride in the region’s traditions through awareness and appreciation of these treasures, because diversity is also a source of cultural wealth. It is no coincidence that our motto is: “The newspaper of Peninsular life.”

The project recognizes the cultural and artistic wealth of the region, and is available in deluxe volumes, in Spanish and English. It also includes a concise publication that offers an in-depth and enriching look at the most emblematic pieces of sacred art in the Peninsula, allowing readers to appreciate the beauty and historical significance of the artworks in all their splendor.

There is also a link to a special section on the newspaper’s website, www.yucatan.com.mx, where you can access additional content such as photographs, audio files, videos, and a tourist guide, all of which complement and enhance the experience of discovering these exceptional treasures.

These exclusive digital resources allow the curious to explore the cultural and religious heritage of the Yucatan Peninsula in greater depth, fostering a closer connection with its history and traditions.

The combination of printed information and multimedia resources makes this book a priceless tool for scholars, tourists, and lovers of sacred art alike, furthering the understanding and preservation of these treasures in an accessible and dynamic format.

Torso and face of the revered Black Christ of San Roman, carved in ebony in Italy, standing in its shrine in San Francisco de Campeche

“100 Treasures of Religious Art in the Yucatan Peninsula” is a tribute to our rich past. In keeping with the newspaper’s century-long legacy, it invites us to explore, recognize, and celebrate the spirituality, beauty, and history of each piece, each corner, and each story that make up the shared heritage of three states. It is a reminder that religious works of art are a living reflection of regional faith, culture, and spirit.