Authorities of the Wixárica Indigenous people and officials from the Jalisco Ministry of Culture have reaffirmed their commitment to protect Xapawiyemeta, a sacred site located on a high point of Lake Chapala’s Isla de los Alacranes.
On Wednesday, August 6, representatives of the San Sebastián Teponahuaxtlán and Tuxpan communities inaugurated the restored Xiriki—a small stone, thatch-roof structure where ceremonial offerings are placed.
The tribal authorities issued an urgent call for respect and preservation of the site, designated a Wixárica Cultural Heritage Site in 2017.
They lamented that the sacred space has been damaged on several occasions by activities contrary to their traditions, such as improvised rituals conducted by tourists.