MAYCOBA COMMEMORATES THE 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING THROUGH FAITH, CULTURE, AND HISTORICAL IDENTITY

MAYCOBA COMMEMORATES THE 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING THROUGH FAITH, CULTURE, AND HISTORICAL IDENTITY

In an atmosphere of joy, remembrance, and community fellowship, the O’ob Pima people celebrated the 350th anniversary of the founding of San Francisco de Borja de Maycoba, established in 1676 by the Jesuit missionary Alonso Victoria.

The commemorative activities, held from October 9th to 11th, brought together local families and visitors for an extensive program that included Holy Mass, religious processions, cultural events, historical lectures, and workshops designed for the entire community.

The event was made possible through a significant collaborative effort involving several institutions, most notably Misión Kateri A.C., the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the Sonoran Institute of Culture (ISC) of the State Government of Sonora, the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples (INPI), and authorities from the Yécora municipal government.

Additionally, the *comisariado ejidal* (communal land authority), along with students and teachers from Maycoba’s high school and middle school, played an active and leading role. They delivered presentations on the history and identity of the community, and performed folk dances as well as traditional reenactments associated with the O’ob Pima Holy Week.

During the commemoration, Father David Beaumont, Episcopal Vicar for Indigenous Peoples of the Diocese of Ciudad Obregón, paid tribute to the Jesuit missionaries who left behind their homelands and customs to dedicate their lives to evangelization and to accompanying indigenous peoples, particularly in northern Mexico.

He also emphasized the significance and profound impact of this historical event, stating: “Celebrating the origins of the people of Maycoba should be about fostering hope, peace, and the creation of a better community—both now and in the future.”

Finally, he addressed the younger generations, encouraging them to keep this tradition alive and to honor their roots as an essential foundation for building a more dignified and prosperous future.

Meanwhile, anthropologist Alejandro Aguilar Zeleny, a researcher at the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), explained that efforts are already underway to seek and promote the restoration of the old church in Maycoba, which is considered one of the most significant historical buildings in Sonora.

The celebration was attended by Beatriz Aldaco, Director of the Sonoran Institute of Culture, and Miguel Epifanio “Fano” Campoy Burboa, President of Misión Kateri AC.