Apiary

Central America and Australia are the only two regions in the world to house Meliponini, a variety of honey-producing, stingless bees. Ancient Mayan civilisation revered this bee, as a symbol for the bee god Ah Muzen Cab. These bees were, and still are, treated by native Mayan families as pets.

 

The ancient method of enclosing a wild hive into a portable log is still in use today. Meliponini are, however, rapidly declining in population due to deforestation reducing their habitat and the increase in africanised bee-farming, which produces much more honey. The beauty of the sacred honey-harvesting ritual is quickly disappearing with it.

 

Xel-Ha celebrates a traditional honey-harvest twice a year, cleaning its hives and collecting honey during the full moon in June and December. This beautiful ceremony is conducted by a Mayan priest, with musical performers, traditional altars, and is ultimately celebrated with a feast.

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