2026 has arrived, and like every time the clock strikes midnight to usher in a new year, that wave of resolutions appears: "eat healthier," "go to the gym," "learn something new," "travel here or there." And look, we all start January with the best attitude in the world, but let's face it: more than one of us ends up throwing in the towel, editing our goals for less complicated ones... or simply forgetting about them completely (guilty!).
But that's where we step in, to reignite that spark with a list of fun, small-scale Yucatecan resolutions (in no particular order) that you can add to your existing list... or even use as inspiration to create your own from scratch; it’s totally fine.
1. Visit All the (7) Pueblos Mágicos of Yucatán
I know, I know: for some, this resolution is overdone, but let's be honest... many of us who live in Mérida rarely indulge in exploring the marvelous world that exists beyond the Periférico ring road.
Each of the seven Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns) has its particular charm: a rich cultural background and historical legacy, breathtaking nature, and experiences you can only have there. From the veteran Izamal to the newly designated ones (like Tekax, Espita, and Motul). We aren't competing here: they all have something special. And if you've already checked one off the list, consider it a sign that the other six are winking at you.
2. Learn to dance the jarana
I have to admit, I’m a huge fan of the Yucatecan jarana tunes, and I love watching people of all ages dance in their hipiles and guayaberas, garments that carry more history than most of us. But it only takes a quick look at their footwork (or watching them spin with a tray of beer bottles balanced on their heads) for me to tell myself: "Yeah, let’s leave this to the experts."
But this year, why not be the one who steals the spotlight? There are schools across the state, free workshops, and vaquerías where they teach you the basics without stress or embarrassment. And the best part isn't just learning the steps (which you can then show off), but the atmosphere: you build community, you laugh, you let loose, and you get carried away by that rhythm that moves the very heart of Yucatán.
3. Venture into the world of the habanero chile
If you’re not into spicy food, well, this year you're going to have to put your taste buds to the test. After all, as they say: the world belongs to the brave. The habanero, like many local chiles, has that ability to revive, awaken, or completely transform dishes that you might have considered dead and buried.
What if you end up visiting the gastroenterologist afterward? Well, you can add that to your resolutions, too. Anything for the experience.
4. Adopt one Maya word or phrase each month (without tripping up)
We are in the lands of the Maya, nené (baby), so why not try to pick up the truly local language? And no, you can't just learn the typical ones like xiik’ (armpit) or tuuch (bellybutton) to get by. You never know when it will be useful to have a few expressions in your pocket. Furthermore, learning even a little bit to speak to someone in their native language is one of the most genuine acts of love there is, whether you're traveling or just curious. And look, it’s also a foolproof icebreaker.
There are several places in the state where you can calmly learn Maya, understand its logic, and discover the beauty of its grammar. And if you want something even more immersive, ask within your own circle: you'd be surprised how many people speak it proudly and would be delighted to share it with you from a place of affection and respect.
5. Get to know a local market in every place you visit
Nothing explains Yucatecan cuisine better than the markets: a delicious, vibrant, and authentic chaos. The bustle starts early; everyone arrives for their own reason: a chef looking for that key ingredient, a mother shopping for the day’s meal, a boy tasked with buying flowers, or the night owl that just left a party and is in the mood for a snack. Everyone converges in the same space, and if you think about it, there's nothing cooler than that.
They are jewels in plain sight, where you can find everything from recados (spice pastes) to fruits you didn't even know existed... and, above all, you can have memorable conversations with the vendors. You leave with a satisfied stomach and a fuller heart.
6. Experience a sunrise on the Yucatecan coast (without oversleeping)
I’ve been dragging this resolution around since time immemorial, and my friends are front-row witnesses. I've gotten close... but sleep always wins. This year, I am definitely doing it: staying up all night with friends—because the best conversations happen in that delirious late-night haze—and heading to the Yucatecan beaches, arriving just as the sky barely begins to wake up over Progreso, Telchac Puerto, or wherever the adventure finds us. There’s no sunrise as delightful as the one seen over the Yucatecan sea, and this year, I won’t let it slip away.
7. Learn to recognize local trees and flora
I deeply admire those who can distinguish plants with just a quick glance: "Ah, that's a sapote," "Look how big that ramón is." For me, everything is just green and pretty... but the truth is that learning to identify them is useful, important, and even therapeutic. Many have medicinal and traditional uses that would surprise anyone.
This year, it's time to channel your favorite aunt: the one with the patio full of little plants (all alive, obviously). And if you don’t know where to start, you can ease into it with our selection of articles on herbalism. Every aunt starts somewhere.
And yes: this also includes the mission to plant endemic species in your own yard. Not only to dive fully into this botanical world, but because you would also be helping our beloved Yucatecan bees. Learn why here.
8. See a regional theater performance
There is no faster, more fun, and unfiltered way to get to know Yucatán than by attending a regional comedy play. Between iconic characters, local jokes, and albures (double entendres) even native Spanish speakers have trouble understanding, laughter is guaranteed. The rest comes through pure cultural osmosis. And believe me: the more you go, the more you acquire a taste for it.
The best part is that there are shows almost all year, so no matter when you read this, there will always be a stage ready for you to dive into that humor that is so uniquely ours.
9. Take an artisan class without becoming a local joke
My friends already tease me about my nonexistent fine motor skills, and rightly so, honestly. But this year, it’s time to apply the famous "fake it 'til you make it": in Yucatán, there are workshops for absolutely everything. Cooking classes, embroidery, ceramics, hammock weaving, folk art... if you can imagine it, someone here is surely teaching it.
So I'm going to jump into whatever comes up, hoping that my creations will finally stop becoming ironic stickers in my friends' chats. Who knows, maybe I'll even discover a hidden talent... or at least manage to make sure my next creation doesn't look like it was made with my eyes closed.
10. Learn to identify Yucatecan embroidery styles
Between cross-stitch (punto de cruz), xookbil chuuy, xmanikté, and a whole bunch of other techniques, the universe of Yucatecan embroidery is as vast as it is beautiful. And honestly: sometimes you have to use your own hands and learn from scratch to truly appreciate the hours, patience, and talent behind each piece.
If you're already itching to start, Yucatán Today has a solid list of articles to kick off your initiation. Up for a few classes in Maní? I can't promise miracles, but I do promise lots of laughs, and stitches that, hopefully, straighten out along the way.
11. Support local cinema
Yucatán has cinema, dear reader. And good cinema at that. Throughout the year, independent film festivals are organized that showcase beautiful stories, many told from the Yucatecan perspective (like the Libre Cinema Festival), although they are not limited only to local productions. Nothing compares to seeing filmmakers translate their environment, their roots, and their way of understanding the world onto the big screen. There is talent galore... and truthfully, there's no longer any excuse not to check it out.
12. Visit at least one new cenote every month
Our state is a land of cenotes in all their versions: open, closed, semi-open... each with its own personality and unique touch. Ask ten friends for their favorite and I assure you that you will get ten different answers; that's how wide the variety is.
If you don't know where to start, don't worry: there are complete guides to help you choose your ideal cenote, whether you're going with children, seniors, an adrenaline-addicted group, or just looking for total relaxation.
There you have them: 12 resolutions to greatly enjoy 2026 in Yucatán. Hopefully, they’ll inspire you to put together your own adventure map and discover—or rediscover—everything this corner of the world has to offer you. May it be a year for falling in love again and again... with Yucatán, of course.
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 457, in January 2026.
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