20 Free Things to do in Merida

1. MACAY Museum

Permanent exhibitions of the work of Yucatecan artists, and it also hosts visiting exhibits from other parts of Mexico. Take note of the sculpture exhibit just outside the entrance in the walkway between the entrance and the Cathedral. This is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art. On the Calle 60 side of the Main Plaza, next to the Cathedral.

2. Walking Tour of the Historical Center 

If you are in Mérida at 9:30 AM on a weekday, don't forget to do the free walking tour of the Historical Center. Tours are in English and Spanish and leave from the Tourism Office of the Municipal Building on Calle 62 between 61 and 63. Tours start at 9:30 am.

3. Governor's Palace

The interior arched courtyard, upstairs gallery and the balcony are the sites for a display of paintings by Mérida's local artist, Fernando Castro Pacheco. The huge murals display the history of Yucatán. On the northeast corner of the Main Plaza, open daily.

4. Mérida City Museum

A small but interesting exhibit all about the city of Mérida. Includes some maps and pictures of early Mérida, information about the Maya city of T'ho. In the old Post Office, the building is a work of art in itself. Calle Calle 65 at 56.

5. Las Américas Park

This wonderful four block large park is a happening place on Sundays. Located in García Ginerés on Colón Ave. you will find live music on the acoustic stage, dances, clowns shows, food and craft vendors. Family atmosphere.

6. Art Galleries

Mérida has an ever-growing number of art galleries. Stroll the Santa Ana neighborhood on Calle 60 where you will find several. In Santiago, there are more.  

7. Botanas

Local tradition has it that when an ice-cold beer is served, it is accompanied by several dishes of snacks. Typically, four or five plates are served for every beer. These extra goodies are known as botanas and include such things as refried beans with tortilla chips, sikil pac, empanadas, ceviche, mini chaya burgers, mini kibis, hummus, and labne. Each cantina or restaurant has its own specialties and most have live bands. The music is usually pretty loud and the ambiance fun. Check out Eladio's, Lucero del Alba and Colonos to name a few.  

8. The Gallery at Peón Contreras Theater

Continually changing art exhibitions from around Mexico. Exhibits are usually of contemporary artists and can include sculpture, photography, painting, fabric, and just about anything else. Calle 60 between 59 and 57 inside the Peón Contreras Theater.  

9. Merida English Library

Stop by the library, grab a book or magazine and enjoy the backyard patio. While this is a membership library, drop-ins are welcome to browse and enjoy the books. Calle 53 #524 between 66 and 68. Open Mon to Sat 9 am - 1 pm, Wed 4 pm - 7 pm. Closed Sundays and National Holidays. Tel. 999 924 8401. www.meridaenglishlibrary.com  

10. Monday Evening - La Vaquería

Free outdoor concert with traditional Yucatecan dancing and dress. This is a colorful, popular, happy event with great photo opportunities! The street is closed at the Palacio Municipal on the Calle 62 side of the Main Plaza. 9pm.    

11. Tuesday Evening - Musical Memories 

Dance to and enjoy big band music of the 40's. This is a popular event for the locals who love to come out and dance. Santiago Park on the corner of Calle 59 and 72, 8:30 pm.  

12. Tuesday Evening - Trova Music 

Each week there are different presentations at the Olimpo Cultural Center on Calle 62 at the corner of 61 of the Main Plaza at 8 pm.  

13. Wednesday Evening - Video mapping 

Diálogos del Conquistador is a video mapping presentation that takes place at Casa Montejo, a bank and museum by day, and an art installation on Wednesday nights. A (subtitled) interaction between Francisco de Montejo and a Maya leader, it’s a moving piece of theatre that highlights that  Mérida was first a Maya city, and that it owes so much to the Maya culture.  

14. Thursday  Evening - Yucatecan Serenade

This traditional and popular serenade at Sta. Lucía Park has been running for the past 40 years. This open-air concert in the lovely park features Yucatecan dress, dance, music and folklore. Calle 60 at 55 at 9 pm.

15. Friday Evening - Video mapping

Video mapping is something that México truly excels at. If you’re out and about in Centro on a Friday evening enjoying the pedestrianization of town, be sure to stop by for the beaming of a potted history of  Mérida onto one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas. 8 pm.    

16. Saturday Evening - Noche Mexicana

Noche Mexicana in the park at the base of the Paseo de Montejo and Calle 47 is where you will find free live music, food booths, crafts, and dance. 8 pm.    

17. Saturday Evening - Maya Ball Game

Every Saturday at 8 pm on the esplanade of the  Catedral de San Ildefonso, a free representation of Pok Ta Pok is presented.    

18. Corazón de Mérida

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, from 8 pm to 12 pm,  the streets become a festival. On Calle 60 between Calle 61 and 57, the street is closed to traffic to become pedestrian. There are musical groups to dance to, and the restaurants set their tables on the street cafe-style. There are people on stilts, Mariachis, and people selling food and crafts. You can't miss it!    

19. Mérida on a Bike with three Bicirutas

20. Mérida en Domingo

Mérida on Sunday is an outdoor handcraft market and food festival on the Main Plaza, and up Calle 60 to Hidalgo Park and Santa Lucía Park - streets are closed, live music 9 am - 9 pm. It could be said that this is a continuation of the Saturday night event as it is in the same area.  

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