### Celebrating 30 Years of Indigenous Rock Music in Mexico
For the first time, the states of Sonora and Chiapas unite through two pioneering bands in the movement of rock music in indigenous languages: Hamac Caziim, representing the Comca’ac people, and Sak Tzevul from the Tsotsil community. These bands are collaborating to champion a national program titled “Sounds of Resistance,” part of the larger celebration “Mexico: 30 Years of Indigenous Rock.”
Throughout 2025, four significant forums and events will be held to commemorate three decades of indigenous rock. This series includes the national program Sounds of Resistance, along with festivals such as Xepe an Cöicos, Bats’i Fest, and Xica cosiatoj quih ihipozaa in the regions of Sonora and Chiapas. Participation will span across 16 cities in 12 Mexican states and extend to three Central American countries.
The program will feature a range of artistic and cultural activities aimed at celebrating the rich musical and linguistic heritage of Mexico’s indigenous communities. This initiative aligns with the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, aiming to promote and preserve cultural expressions through music.
The hybrid press conference from Hermosillo, Sonora announced that the event is organized by Cultura Sonora MX, alongside the bands Hamac Caziim and Sak Tzevul, and involves local government entities and academic councils.
Hamac Caziim, established in 1995 with the approval of the Comca’ac community’s Elders Council, blends traditional chants with rock music in a dynamic that revitalizes communal energy. Their album, “Fuego Divino,” serves as a profound vehicle for transmitting their worldview and traditions.
Conversely, Sak Tzevul, originating from Zinacantán, Chiapas, creates Batzi-Rock, incorporating indigenous (and Spanish) lyrics with a mix of traditional and modern rock elements. Their repertoire offers a reflective fusion between ancient customs and contemporary sounds.
The celebrations are structured around key events: online and in-person initiatives under Sounds of Resistance, the FestVital Xepe an Cöicoos from May 2-4 in Punta Chueca, Sonora; Bats’i Fest on August 15-16 in Chiapas; and Festival Xica cosiatoj quih ihipozaa from October 10-12 in Hermosillo, Sonora.
Participants include educational and cultural institutions from regions such as Aguascalientes, Baja California, and Mexico City, and the countries Guatemala, El Salvador, and Costa Rica. Proposals for engagement in “Sounds of Resistance” will be accepted year-round, requiring pre-registration at least a month in advance.
Additionally, a diverse array of activities is encouraged, covering lectures, workshops, concerts, crafts markets, exhibitions, and more, broadcasting across social networks to amplify the reach.
For further details, the public is encouraged to follow collective activities on social media platforms.
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#### Expanding the Reach of Indigenous Rock Music
Recent discussions in outlets covering similar themes have highlighted the growing influence of indigenous rock beyond music. These initiatives aim to address broader societal and cultural dialogues around identity and sustainability. With communities in Latin America increasingly recognizing the power of music in cultural revival and activism, festivals such as the ones mentioned provide essential platforms for indigenous voices seeking to balance tradition with contemporary expression. By showcasing this dynamic, the series not only celebrates but also educates attendees about the diverse cultural tapestries that weave through modern Mexican and Latin American societies.