MISSION
Our mission is to honor, preserve, and share the rich cultural heritage of the Mayan people by fostering an authentic Mayan community. Based in San Francisco, we are dedicated to supporting the people of Yucatán, Mexico, and ensuring their voices and traditions are celebrated throughout the Bay Area. Through educational initiatives, cultural events, and community outreach, we aim to strengthen connections, promote unity, and create a vibrant network where the Mayan culture thrives and is passed on to future generations.
Our Story
Asociación Mayab was founded in 2004 by a dedicated group of Maya immigrants who were deeply concerned about the gradual erosion of their language, traditions, and values among younger generations. Many of these individuals had experienced firsthand the challenges of adapting to a new environment while trying to hold on to the rich heritage of their Maya roots. They noticed the lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate services for the estimated 30,000 Maya immigrants living in the Bay Area, which led them to take action.
Motivated by the desire to ensure that the Maya culture and language would continue to thrive in their new home, they came together to create an organization focused on preserving these vital aspects of their identity. Asociación Mayab’s mission is to support and empower the Maya community by providing educational resources, language preservation programs, and culturally relevant services to the people who call the Bay Area home.
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SERVICES
At Asociación Mayab, we are dedicated to connecting the Maya community in the Bay Area to essential resources that promote well-being and opportunity. We offer support in housing, healthcare, food security, job placement, and digital literacy, ensuring our community has the tools to thrive.
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CLASSES
At Asociación Mayab, we offer activities that promote physical, mental, and cultural well-being. Our programs include Zumba and Jarana dance classes, as well as cultural events like the Vaquería Regional, Día de los Muertos, Posada, and seasonal celebrations.
We also train interpreters in Maya, Man, and other Maya languages to provide translation services for legal offices, schools, and institutions. Additionally, we offer Maya language classes taught by linguistic professionals to preserve and teach our heritage.
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HISTORY
The Maya civilization made groundbreaking contributions to science, art, and culture that continue to influence the world today. One of their greatest achievements is the Pyramid of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza, a remarkable calendar that aligns with the 365 days of the year. The pyramid’s design, with its four stairways totaling 365 steps, reflects the Maya’s advanced knowledge of astronomy and time.
The Maya also introduced the concept of zero around 36 BC, a mathematical innovation that paved the way for modern calculations and science.
Today, the Maya’s influence is still felt in the culinary world, with 70% of international chefs in San Francisco of Maya descent, showcasing their rich culinary traditions.
At Asociación Mayab, we celebrate these achievements by preserving and promoting Maya culture, ensuring its legacy thrives in the Bay Area and beyond.
