Mexico’s Mazahua Community Combats Modern Challenges with Sustainable Tourism in Monarch Butterfly Region

Published on December 31, 2025

Nestled in the heart of Mexico’s Michoacán highlands, the Mazahua community continues to weave the intricate fabric of its culture despite modern challenges. The Mazahua people, whose history dates back to the 12th century, are well-known for their traditional artisan crafts, particularly their unique cross-stitch technique known as lomillo. Lucila Marín García, an artisan in Crescencio Morales, uses a vintage Singer sewing machine alongside her daughter and niece to continue a centuries-old tradition. Their work is not only a family affair but also a community one, as five families in the area work together to create beautiful hand-embroidered shawls, skirts, and sashes, each one a testament to their heritage.

The clothes they make are an essential part of local life. Crescencio Morales, which has a population of around 8,000 people, relies on handmade clothing for a variety of occasions, including the annual Day of the Dead celebrations. Each traditional outfit takes about three hours to complete, a time-consuming process that helps to preserve the Mazahua people’s vibrant cultural expression.

However, the artisans’ work is not only about cultural preservation. The region’s economic reality has prompted many people to look beyond their hometowns for new opportunities. The promise of higher wages has enticed many men in the community to work in the United States, particularly in factory jobs, as demonstrated by Antonio Zendeja, who commuted to Philadelphia from New Jersey for a year to work at a chicken factory. This movement has had an impact on the local economy as well as changes in family dynamics, complicating an already fragile situation in the region.

The Monarch Butterfly and Its Changing Migration

A significant aspect of life in Michoacán’s Central Highlands is the annual arrival of millions of monarch butterflies, which migrate from the United States and Canada to the region’s forests each winter. For decades, the Mazahua community has viewed these butterflies as a symbol of returning souls, coinciding with the Day of the Dead observance, which takes place on November 1 and 2. The fluttering wings of these butterflies provide a deeply spiritual connection to the afterlife for the Mazahua people, marking an essential element of the community’s rituals and celebrations.

However, recent changes in the butterflies’ migration patterns have raised concerns. While in the 1990s, entire 40-acre colonies would blanket the forests, their current territory has drastically diminished, now only covering 2.2 acres. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including climate change and habitat loss, which have impacted the butterflies’ ability to navigate their migration routes effectively. With this shift, not only are the butterflies’ lives in peril, but so too is an integral part of the Mazahua culture, which has long relied on these creatures to enhance their spiritual and cultural celebrations.

The Casa de la Cultura Mazahua: A Beacon of Hope

In response to these challenges, a new initiative aims to turn the Mazahua community’s rich heritage into a sustainable source of cultural tourism. The Casa de la Cultura Mazahua, which opened in September, was established by Chris Rainier and Olivia McKendrick through their organization, Cultural Sanctuaries. The purpose of this new cultural hub is to both preserve and promote the region’s traditions while fostering community-based tourism.

For a nominal fee of 150 pesos (about $8.20), visitors can experience workshops and services that showcase the artistic and cultural prowess of the Mazahua people. This cultural space has been designed not only as a platform for artisan crafts but also as a means to empower the local community by creating opportunities for sustainable income. The hope is that through cultural tourism, the community will not only survive but thrive amidst the pressing challenges it faces, including the economic pressures of migration and environmental degradation.

As part of their efforts to introduce the Mazahua culture to a global audience, the Casa de la Cultura Mazahua is also collaborating with tourism operators to explore different routes for reaching this remote yet culturally rich region. One of the innovative routes being tested includes a 30-minute helicopter transfer from Mexico City, introduced by Journey Mexico in 2025, to offer an exciting and convenient option for those seeking a deeper connection with the country’s Indigenous heritage.

A Sacred Connection to Nature

Beyond the cultural workshops, the Mazahua community are deeply connected to the land and the natural world around them. One of the community’s most cherished rituals is the temazcal, a traditional sweat lodge ceremony that has been passed down through generations. Jesús González Villareal, also known as Don Chuy, is one of the local elders who leads these ceremonies, using them as an opportunity to bring the community together in gratitude. The temazcal ceremony is a symbol of renewal, cleansing, and spiritual connection, drawing on pre-Hispanic traditions to cultivate a sense of unity and well-being.

In the forests where the monarch butterflies once flourished, Don Chuy blesses the land with the sound of a conch shell, invoking the spirits of the forest as a gesture of respect for nature. This sacred act underscores the profound relationship the Mazahua people have with their environment, a bond that is both spiritual and practical. The forests not only serve as a sanctuary for the monarch butterflies but also as a source of livelihood and cultural identity for the Mazahua community.

Challenges Amid Opportunity

Despite the hopeful emergence of the Casa de la Cultura Mazahua and the growing interest in cultural tourism, the region faces a host of challenges. The increasing influence of criminal cartels in certain parts of Michoacán has led to warnings for tourists, making some hesitant to visit this remote area. This threat looms large over local businesses, including those involved in tourism, as it impacts the safety and security of the region’s visitors and residents.

Additionally, the fragile forest ecosystems, where the monarch butterflies once thrived, are being threatened by illegal logging and environmental mismanagement, making it even more difficult for the butterflies to sustain their traditional migratory patterns. These environmental pressures, coupled with the economic impacts of migration, create a complex web of challenges for the Mazahua community. Yet, with the right support and sustainable tourism initiatives, there is hope that the Mazahua can continue to preserve their cultural heritage while adapting to the changing realities of climate and migration.

A Call to Preserve and Protect

The Mazahua community, along with the Casa de la Cultura Mazahua, exemplifies how cultural heritage can be preserved through sustainable tourism. As monarch butterflies face shifting migration routes and climate change, the Mazahua people continue to weave their history into the fabric of their daily lives, using their artisanal skills as a bridge across generations.

For those seeking to experience the heart of Mexico’s cultural riches, the Mazahua community provides an authentic and meaningful journey in which nature, tradition, and spirituality intersect. However, this journey is not without its challenges. The community must navigate environmental threats, economic pressures, and shifting migration patterns. However, with community-led initiatives such as the Casa de la Cultura Mazahua, there is hope that this heritage will not only survive but thrive, inspiring future generations of travellers and artisans alike.