Lotería Nacional to honor Maya bee heritage in Yucatán

Mexico’s Lotería Nacional will unveil a commemorative ticket for Sorteo Superior No. 2895 on Monday, August 17, in Maní, Yucatán. The design honors National Bee Day and the ancient relationship between Maya culture and bees.

The ceremony, held at the municipal palace plaza, is a joint effort between the National Lottery, the Yucatán state government, and the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development. The selection of Maní highlights the town's role in preserving meliponiculture, the traditional practice of raising native stingless bees, such as the Melipona beecheii.

Yucatán remains Mexico’s leading honey producer, contributing 9,983 tons to the national total of 60,297 tons in 2025. Approximately 80 percent of the state's production is exported to the United States and Europe. Beyond economic value, the native Melipona bees hold deep biocultural significance, as their honey has been used for medicinal and religious purposes by Maya communities for thousands of years.