The El Carmen Cultural Center, located in the heart of San Cristóbal de Las Casas’ historic center, will host the 5th Snake Festival—an event dedicated to scientific outreach and environmental education, organized by specialists and led by biologist Aldo Manuel Cancino.
The organizers have invited the public to attend the event, which will take place this coming Saturday, June 6. It aims to familiarize people with these reptiles, which are often the subject of myths and misinformation.
The festival will feature images and information about various species inhabiting the region, including the nauyaca—considered the area’s most venomous snake—as well as other species that pose no risk to humans.
In an interview, Aldo Manuel Cancino explained that at least 11 snake species have been identified in the region, only one of which is venomous.
“The goal is for people to get to know these animals better. The nauyaca is the venomous species found in the region, but it never seeks out or chases people. Incidents usually happen by accident—when someone steps on one or invades its space. Snakes only act in self-defense,” he explained.
The specialist reiterated the invitation for families, students, and the general public to participate in the activities scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.
“We invite everyone to join us this Saturday starting at 10:00 a.m. for the ‘Naturally Wild’ Mexican Snake Festival, a project focused on scientific outreach and environmental education. We aim to highlight the importance of wildlife and raise awareness about the role these animals play in ecosystems. We currently have records of 11 snake species in the region, and only one is venomous: the nauyaca. However, they never seek out humans; if a bite occurs, it is usually because someone accidentally steps on them or invades their space,” Cancino noted. Meanwhile, specialists and authorities involved in environmental conservation highlighted that Chiapas is home to a wide diversity of snakes, many of which are misunderstood and persecuted due to fear or a lack of information.
However, they emphasized that these reptiles play a fundamental role in ecosystems by contributing to natural balance and pest control; therefore, promoting their conservation and raising awareness of their ecological importance is essential.
In addition to the festival, organizers announced a second event marking Snake Day, scheduled for June 10, in collaboration with Pronatura Sur, Redtox by Silanes, and the Jovel Valley Basin Reserve Network.
This gathering will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Corazón de Jade venue, located at Doctor Navarro Street No. 5, in the El Cerrillo neighborhood of San Cristóbal de Las Casas.
The event will feature specialized talks on the prevention and treatment of snakebites, the diversity of species found in the region, measures to prevent snakebite accidents, recommendations on what to do and what to avoid in the event of a bite, and information regarding the use of antivenoms in Mexico.
The organizers reiterated their invitation to the public to participate in these activities, which aim to foster respect for wildlife and strengthen environmental education in the region.
Source: oem
