The Embassy of Mexico opens the exhibition “Xico in Jordan: Legends of Mexico and the Arab World”showcasing Mexican and Arab oral traditions
shahennews
The Embassy of Mexico, in collaboration with Instituto Cervantes – Amman and Darat Al Tasweer, opened the exhibition “Xico in Jordan: Legends of Mexico and the Arab World” yesterday at the Ras Al-Ain Gallery in Amman.
This exhibition presents a curated collection of 22 striking illustrations and legends, both commissioned and compiled by Mexican designer and cultural promoter Cristina Pineda, who was present at the event. The works included in Xico in Jordan bring together stories from the books Las Leyendas de Xico, which contain stories from each state of Mexico, and Arab Legends, based on the rich oral traditions of the Arab world. Together with the illustrations, they create a visual dialogue between two regions united by their shared love of storytelling and creativity. Visitors can read each legend by scanning the QR code provided.
Cristina Pineda is a visionary designer, entrepreneur, and cultural advocate who has dedicated her career to promoting Mexican identity, Indigenous traditions, and the power of art and design to build bridges between cultures. She is the co-founder of Pineda Covalín, the iconic design house that has shared the beauty of Mexico and Latin America with the world through fashion, jewelry, textiles, and design. In recognition of her outstanding career, she received the National Design Award “Diseña México” by UNESCO in 2024.
Among many other culural projects, Cristina Pineda created XICO, a platform and character that symbolizes transformation and connection through art. Through XICO, she produced the animated film El Camino de XICO and developed the Leyendas Project, a series of books and exhibitions that highlight the myths and legends of Mexico and other cultures. XICO — a small Mexican dog inspired by the Xoloitzcuintle, a pre-Hispanic breed — serves as a symbol of journey, dialogue, and cultural exchange.
The exhibition “Xico in Jordan” invites audiences to explore the shared power of myth and storytelling, celebrating the diverse yet connected heritage of Mexico and Jordan. Its presentation in Amman is especially meaningful as both countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, marking an ideal occasion to reaffirm the importance of friendship and cultural exchange through art and creativity.
The opening of the exhibition brought together guests from the diplomatic corps, as well as from cultural and academic circles, along with members of the public interested in art and culture, the Mexican community, and friends of Mexico.
During the event, Cristina Pineda presented the award to Mr. Mohammad Nabeel Himmo, winner of the “Xico in Jordan” Design Contest, jointly organized by the Embassy of Mexico and the Instituto Cervantes.
“Xico in Jordan: Legends of Mexico and the Arab World” runs from November 3 to 10, 2025, and is open to the public Sunday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Ras Al-Ain Gallery, Amman.
