As part of the Global Wind Day celebrations, the Bií Hioxo wind farm hosted an event with deep cultural and social significance: a community workshop on crafting traditional papalotes (kites). More than just a celebration, it was a tribute to the collective memory of the Isthmus, to the games of the past, and to the transformation of ancestral knowledge into tools for building a more equitable and sustainable future.
The word papalote, derived from the Nahuatl papalotl, meaning “butterfly,” has long been a symbol of play and creativity in Mexico. Made from paper, carrizo (reed), and other light materials, this traditional toy has soared through the skies of the Isthmus, accompanying generations of childhoods. The workshop not only helped revive this ancestral technique, but also encouraged the use of recycled materials—reinforcing the link between cultural heritage and environmental sustainability.
The event brought together 141 participants of all ages across five locations, ranging from schools to sports and community centers. Parents, youth, children, and older adults joined enthusiastically, learning and remembering together. The training was led by Vladimir Regalado Guerra, a volunteer who shared childhood memories of flying kites as a common pastime in his neighborhood.
A particularly transformative aspect of the workshop was its focus on gender inclusion. Historically, in the Isthmus region, kite-making was considered an activity exclusive to boys. This workshop broke with that outdated tradition by including girls, young women, and adult women equally. Hearing comments like “My mom says girls can’t make kites” served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to create spaces where everyone can participate without barriers.
The Xquendas volunteers, trained by the team at Casa Comunitaria Nacanu’ Bií, played a key role as facilitators, sharing the workshop’s knowledge with commitment and passion. Thanks to their efforts, each venue became a space for learning, collaboration, and intergenerational exchange.
During the workshop, representatives from GPG LATAM attended some of the sessions, demonstrating their interest and closeness to community initiatives. Their presence helped strengthen the connection between the project and the people who bring it to life every day.
This workshop not only brought back to the skies the kites that had long stopped flying—it also elevated the values that inspire GPG México: inclusion, equity, recycling, and sustainability. Through the Social Engagement model, we reaffirm that cultural roots are essential to driving positive change.
Soaring high, with strings of respect and paper of memory, the Isthmus kites today symbolize a community that preserves its traditions while building a fairer future.
