Daira Bautista recognized for preserving Mazahua cultural heritage

Daira Naomi Bautista Sánchez, a 17-year-old student at the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEMéx), is working to preserve the Mazahua heritage of her community in San José del Rincón.

Alongside her family, Bautista Sánchez organizes activities including Mazahua language classes, traditional dance, artisanal embroidery, and traditional medicine to ensure ancestral knowledge is passed to younger generations. Her efforts earned her the 2026 State Youth Award in the “Raíces que inspiran” (Roots that Inspire) category, presented by the Government of the State of Mexico.

Despite facing challenges related to discrimination and racism, Bautista Sánchez remains committed to sharing her culture and strengthening the connection between elders and the youth.