Itzá

The Itzá, or Itzá’ (Itza’), are an indigenous Maya people historically associated with the Petén region of present-day Guatemala. They formed a distinct political and cultural group within the wider Maya world and are best known for establishing a city-state on Lake Petén Itzá.

Historically, the Itzá built and inhabited the island city of Nojpetén (also called Tayasal) on Lake Petén Itzá. From there, they held influence over surrounding communities during the Postclassic period. The Itzá maintained a distinct variant of the Yucatecan branch of Maya languages and practiced traditional Maya religious and ceremonial practices, adapting them over time with Catholic influence after Spanish contact.

In the late 17th century, the Spanish expeditionary campaign against the Itzá culminated in the capture of Nojpetén, effectively ending Itzá political independence. Following conquest, the Itzá population integrated with other Maya groups and the broader Ladino population of Guatemala. The Itzá language and many traditional practices declined, though some communities continue to preserve elements of Itzá heritage and language, often in bilingual contexts with Spanish.

Today, the Itzá are recognized as one of Guatemala’s indigenous Maya peoples, with communities in the Petén region. The Itzá language is considered endangered, with only a limited number of fluent speakers remaining, primarily older adults. Cultural revival efforts, education programs, and regional interest in Maya heritage support ongoing transmission and preservation of Itzá identity and history.

See also: Maya civilization, Petén, Nojpetén, Yucatecan languages.