The Guadalajara Beekeepers Association (Apicultores de Guadalajara) will hold the first Perla Tapatia Feria de la Miel (Honey Fair) from May 16 to 20 under the arches that surround the Municipal Palace in the Guadalajara city center.
The beekeepers aim to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators and the threats they face. One of the main threats to bees in Jalisco is habitat loss caused by deforestation. Other real threats include drought brought on by climate change, forest fires and the overuse of harmful pesticides.
Another important aim of organizers is to make the public aware of how to recognize original products from imitation or fake ones.
Around two dozen exhibitors from Jalisco and several other states will showcase their products and services at the fair. Products made by bees that are used in alternative medicine will also be showcased. These may include beeswax, bee pollen, propolis and royal jelly.
Bee pollen is known to provide many health benefits, as it contains vitamins, minerals, antibiotics and antioxidants.
The Guadalajara event coincides with World Bee Day, observed on May 20 each year to draw attention to the essential role bees and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy.
May 20 marks the day Anton Janša, considered the pioneer of beekeeping, was born in 1734.