YUCATAN, Mexico—On April 24, the community of Citilcum, in the municipality of Izamal, marked the 10th consecutive year of celebrating its patron saint festival in honor of San Bartolomé Apóstol without animal cruelty. This change transformed what was once a violent, exclusionary tradition into a humane celebration the entire community has embraced and can now enjoy together— one that is rooted in local traditions. This milestone reflects a profound cultural shift spearheaded by Humane World for Animals Mexico in close collaboration with the community and local civil society organizations.
In the past, the festival’s Kots Kaal Pato tradition involved filling piñatas with live animals and beating them to death, as well as the slaughter of ducks hanging from a beam. The events were often so violent that many women and children stayed inside during the celebrations, leaving the festival largely limited to young men.
The festival site’s layout has undergone significant transformation through a collective community effort. Today, the space features a vibrant community mural and hosts handmade piñatas crafted by local residents. The mural, depicting animals alive and thriving, alongside a sign that reads “En Citilcum cuidamos a los animales”(“In Citilcum, we care for animals”), stands as a permanent reminder of compassion and respect for animal life.
The mural was officially inaugurated at an event attended by local authorities and other interested parties, including members of the Izamal city council, Lorena Martin, Izamal municipal secretary, Dr. Alex Cante, secretary of the Yucatán Veterinary Medical Association (AMVY), and Alfredo A. Arellano del Razo, director of crime prevention at the Yucatán State Prosecutor’s Office. During the event, Arellano highlighted that penalties for animal cruelty in the state can reach up to 10 years in prison, underscoring the point that the legal framework supporting these cultural changes and the community’s decision to move away from violence.
“Thanks to community participation and the support of local authorities, we are able to celebrate this festival for the 10th year with activities that truly bring people together,” says Dr. Claudia Edwards, program director at Humane World for Animals Mexico. “What was once a site of demoralizing violence and harm to animals has been transformed into a space for connection, play, and community pride. It is deeply encouraging to see families—including children who once stayed away—enjoying these traditions in a humane and joyful way.”
Anton Aguilar, executive director at Humane World for Animals Mexico, emphasizes the value of shared community experiences: “Being part of the games —from traditional activities like lotería to community-led contests—and seeing families laugh and enjoy themselves together in a safe, compassionate environment is incredibly meaningful. The people of Citilcum are kind and compassionate, and this celebration reflects the best of that spirit.”
Residents note that the cruelty-free format allows them to celebrate with their children without exposure to scenes of animal suffering that were common a decade ago.
In the months leading up to the festival, Humane World for Animals Mexico supported community-wide animal care efforts, including a free health campaign reaching 100 dogs and cats in Citilcum, along with 20 sterilization surgeries. In the municipality of Izamal, 30 horses also received veterinary care, including vaccination, deworming, and dental treatment.
Humane World for Animals Mexico expresses its gratitude to Mayor Melissa Puga of Izamal and her administration for their support in the development of the mural, the organization of the festival and the implementation of animal care clinics. The organization also acknowledged the foundational role of Albergue Franciscano del Animal Desprotegido (AFAD) and Movimiento Consciencia, as well as the ongoing efforts of local organizations in Izamal and Citilcum that continue to sustain and strengthen this cruelty-free tradition.