By Eugenio Amézquita Velasco
Translation: Metro News Mx
-Archaeologist Julio Celis will lead a journey through the caves of Mount Culiacan on February 15, a site pivotal to the origins of Mesoamerican civilizations. For inquiries, contact via WhatsApp at +52 411 134 3479.
-Through a vehicle caravan and guided trekking, participants will explore the Xolotl and King’s caves, both linked to the mythical geography of Chicomoztoc.
-This scientific and fellowship expedition aims to connect citizens with their pre-Hispanic past on a route promising to unravel the secrets of the "Seven Caves."
In Search of Ancestral Roots: Julio Celis Invites Public to Explore Culiacan Caves
In celebration of friendship and healthy recreation, renowned archaeologist Julio Celis Polanco has called upon the public for a day of trekking and deep exploration at one of the Bajio’s most enigmatic heights: Mount Culiacan. This expedition, set for Sunday, February 15, primarily aims to provide access to natural sites of incalculable historical and mythical value, including the legendary Xolotl Cave.
Information for participating in these excursions to the "Sacred Mountain of Origin" can be requested via WhatsApp at 411 134 3479.
For regional archaeology, Mount Culiacan is more than a geological formation; it is a crossroads where history and mythology intertwine. According to research championed by Celis, this site holds a direct link to Chicomoztoc—the "Place of the Seven Caves"—the point of origin for various Nahuatlaca tribes. During the tour, attendees will visit Xolotl Cave and the King’s Cave, spaces that in antiquity served as ritual centers and refuges for the lineages that shaped pre-Hispanic Mexico.
Logistics for the event are designed to promote camaraderie and explorer safety. The primary meeting point will be in the city of Celaya shortly before 8:00 AM, followed by a second stop in the municipality of Cortazar at 8:30 AM. As the organization does not provide institutional transport, travel to the foothills will be conducted via private vehicle caravan, strengthening the sense of community and collaboration.
The ascent on foot will begin promptly at 9:00 AM. Interested parties are advised to wear suitable footwear for rocky terrain and bring sun protection and sufficient hydration, as this is a day of direct contact with nature and heritage. Archaeologist Julio Celis, an expert in site cataloging in the Cortazar and Bajio regions, will offer technical and symbolic insights at each station, transforming the hike into an open-air masterclass.
Return from the mountain is estimated for approximately 4:00 PM, concluding an experience that blends sport with academia. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for residents of the Laja-Bajio region to recognize the value of their natural monuments and become allies in archaeological preservation, understanding that Mount Culiacan is an open book with many pages yet to be revealed under the guidance of specialists committed to historical truth.
Julio Celis Polanco: A Deep Researcher of Mount Culiacan
The career of archaeologist Julio Celis Polanco is fundamental to understanding the patrimonial wealth of the Guanajuato Bajio, particularly in Cortazar and its surroundings. His work is characterized by a deep commitment to local identity and the scientific preservation of pre-Hispanic remains.
A graduate of the National School of Anthropology and History (ENAH), Celis Polanco’s career has been marked by a holistic vision that combines the rigor of technical excavation with a sensitivity for cultural management and historical outreach. He is recognized as a primary guardian of Cortazar’s archaeological memory and a benchmark in the study of the cultures that inhabited the banks of the Lerma River.
Key Contributions and Projects
His work has focused on rescuing and documenting sites that might otherwise have succumbed to urban growth or looting. Notable professional milestones include:
-Mount La Gavia Research: He has conducted exhaustive studies on this emblematic site, identifying structures and petroglyphs that link Cortazar to Mesoamerican trade routes.
-Cortazar Museum Management: Celis has been a key figure in organizing and cataloging local archaeological pieces, ensuring that finds remain in their place of origin to strengthen the sense of belonging among Cortazar residents.
-Salvage Archaeology: He has collaborated on various salvage projects coordinated by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in Guanajuato, ensuring modern infrastructure development does not destroy heritage hidden beneath the soil.
Vision and Philosophy
Celis Polanco is distinguished by his focus on Social Archaeology. For him, archaeology is not merely the study of ancient objects, but a tool to explain the present. He is an active lecturer and guide dedicated to explaining to younger generations that Cortazar’s history did not begin with the Spanish foundation, but thousands of years ago with Chichimeca and Toltec groups.
Furthermore, he actively works to protect petroglyphs in mountainous areas, raising awareness about the fragility of these historical documents against vandalism. Beyond Cortazar, Julio Celis has contributed to the understanding of the Bajio basin as a dynamic border area, demystifying the idea that central Mexico was a "civilization vacuum" before the arrival of Nahua groups.
Julio Celis Polanco represents the archaeologist who does not remain locked in an office or a trench; he is a manager of memory. His name is synonymous with heritage protection in Cortazar, serving as the essential bridge between federal institutions (INAH) and the local citizenry. #MetroNewsMx #GuanajuatoDesconocido
