For thousands of years, maize (corn) has been an essential food for the people of Mexico; it also plays an integral part in their culture and religion. Unfortunately, in recent years the maize has been tainted by GE varieties entering the country and being planted by unaware farmers. As a result, normally GE-free maize is showing signs of genetic contamination. In a small village called Cuanajo in the state of Michoacan, a celebration was held to honour the regions GE free status. The festival was a cultural experience, each type of maize has a purpose. Maize for tortillas, tamales, atoles, pozole, animal feed and also to create handcrafts which they sell in market stalls. Protecting this precious diversity is paramount for the people, regional government, scientists and environmental groups who have all worked together to cement the region as GE free. Other surrounding regions are also interested in following this example to create their own GE free zones.