Yucatan’s 38th Orange Fair: A Citrus Spectacle in Mayab

Yucatan is hosting the 38th annual Orange Fair, further cementing the region's status as the "Orchard" of Mayab. Yucatan continues to be a leading orange producer, following Veracruz, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Puebla, Nuevo León, and Sonora. The region boasts over 13,700 hectares dedicated to orange cultivation, according to data from the Mexican government.

In the past, the fair featured displays of castles, arches, replicas of churches, and archaeological sites from Mayan culture. This year, the main attraction is a 50-meter long train constructed from more than ten thousand oranges. This exhibit pays homage to the region's history as a key distribution and sales hub for the railroad.

The fair is a celebration of the fact that the majority of Yucatan's citrus fruits are sourced from over 100 agricultural units in Oxkutzcab. This municipality not only supplies markets and self-service chains on the peninsula but also contributes to exports.

Oxkutzcab also produces a significant amount of lemons, placing Mexico as the second-largest exporter of this product worldwide. This accounts for 12.2 percent of the value of international sales, with the main customers being the United States, Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

The fair, which has been organized annually since 1985, was inaugurated with about 400 proud producers and exhibitors showcasing the quality of their produce. The fair features a range of activities, including performances at the Pueblo Theater, a livestock exhibition, circus presentations, mechanical games, craft exhibits, and food stalls. There are also open-entry dances at no cost. The fair runs until December 15th.