Feria Yucatan Xmatkuil

The Feria Yucatán Xmatkuil 2011 will take place from Nov. 11 - Dec. 4.

The state of Yucatán is ready to begin its traditional annual fair. From Nov. 11 to Dec. 4, the 37th edition of this annual fair takes place, expecting 2,100,000 people who will be able to enjoy more than 2000 artistic and recreational events, and more than 1000 exhibitors who offer a great variety of products at your disposal.

Visitors can enjoy various attractions at the fair all day long: artistic, sport, cultural, and recreational activities are programmed at various times starting at 8 am.

The whole family will be able to enjoy great shows including the grand presentation of the Circo Atayde Hermanos circus, and the spectacular robotic zoo which made such an impact last year with “Dinosaur”. This year they will present new robotic attractions, including the spectacular “Reino Salvaje” (Wild Kingdom) and an incredible journey to the heart of nature showing the life of insects and other animals in the attraction “Bichos” (bugs or beasts).

For the first time, you will be able to enjoy cinema in third and fourth dimension with the showing of short films with various special effects in the theater. Among the options are: a pirate adventure, Shrek rescuing Fiona, a trip to the world of the dinosaurs, or the Christmas adventure of Snow Man.

Don’t miss a visit to the Dolphin pool, to enjoy the show with dolphins, seals, and divers, which year after year delights old and young alike.

Magician Erico Trevensoli will present, as his opening act, the appearance of a Bengal tiger.

Taking care of the environment is of vital importance, and to showcase its beauty there is an interactive park with an aviary and a butterfly house where visitors meet endemic species first-hand. As well, an orchid house displays a variety of the 460 species of wild orchids which exist in the Yucatán peninsula.

In the music department, great artists of various musical genres will perform in the Teatro del Pueblo, Palenque stage, and the Pista de Calificación, offering a diverse collection for the most demanding tastes.

The horse and dog tournaments, the Rodeo, the state final lasso tournament, the horsemanship, the cattle tournament, and the presentation of young bullfighters and horseback bullfighters are all included, along with the rancher exhibits of cattle and sheep.

Don’t miss the “Noche de la Vaquería” on Friday, Nov. 25, where “jarana” dancers from all over the state will join together at the Teatro del Pueblo to perform the tradional jarana dance, while at the Plaza Izamal will be the official ceremony “Bodas Colectivas”, where couples from various towns formalize their relationaships, in a group wedding.

All this and more! At Feria Yucatán, a fun place for the whole family, a great party, the fair for everyone: Feria Yucatán 2011 in Xmatkuil, just south of Mérida.

www.feriayucatan.gob.mx

INFO FOR 2011:

On the “Palenque” stage, look for Edith Marquez on Nov. 12, Ninel Conde on Nov. 17, Cristian Castro on Nov. 18, Yuridia on Nov. 19, Polo Polo on Nov. 20, Aleks Syntek on Nov. 25, Mijares on Nov. 26, Nany Namu-Mami Blue on Dec. 1, and Reyli on Dec. 3. All shows are at 11.45 pm, tickets available at Hotel Conquistador. Info: 920-6400. Details here.

By tradition, the "Teatro del Pueblo" is the meeting point of the big stars. And Gloria Trevi performs at the Pista de Calificaciones at 7 pm on Dec. 4.

Attractions: Atayde Brothers Circus (featuring 7 Bengal tigers), Robotic Zoo (interactive exhibit featuring Dinosaurs, Wild Kingdom, and Insects), 4th Dimension Cinema (3D cinema plus special effects), Dolphins (plus seals and other marine animals), and Extreme Magic Show (featuring Brazilian Eriko Trevensoli).

Aimed at all performers between 18 and 45 years, soloists, duets or trios, the Third Festival of Song "Festicantar" will be held at the "Cultural Forum" with 4 rounds and a grand finale with prizes up to $ 40,000 pesos in cash.

Among the exhibitions that will take place during the fair include: cattle, swine, sheep, Unión de Asociaciones de Charros del Estado de Yucatán, Club Canófilo del Mayab, Asociación de Fisicoconstructivismo y Fitnes, Club Hípico del Sureste and Hípica Silveira. 

Yucatan Fair fulfills a social function and promotes the mass participation of children and youth from preschool through high school. There is also an exhibition of handicrafts, cuisine and tourist attractions. Among the products offered are: hipiles, paintings, ornamental plants, various arts and crafts, chile habanero products, necklaces, bracelets, guayaberas, wood furniture, shoes, handbags, and more.

Entry to the fair: 15 pesos. Parking: 25 pesos.

www.feriayucatan.gob.mx