Don't miss the magic of Mérida's Dance Tuesdays! Santiago Park comes alive with live music, dancing and a unique atmosphere. Santiago Park, Parque de Santiago. Where to Dance in Mérida?
Have you ever heard of danzón? That Cuban rhythm whose notes lift the feet of its listeners, making them dance as if swaying in a dream. This genre is one of the most beloved and deeply rooted in Mexican culture since its arrival in the mid-19th century. Today, it remains a fundamental part of our identity, and a clear example of this is the Tuesday Remembranzas Musicales (Musical Remembrances) at Parque de Santiago, right in front of its main market.
Every Tuesday, from 8 to 10 pm, completely free of charge and with no tickets needed, Parque de Santiago fills with hundreds of attendees eager to listen and dance to the sounds of the official band of the Mérida City Council. They set aside their seats half an hour in advance with their fans, brushes, or lighters.
Danzón, mambo, and chachachá are some of the most common rhythms to hear in this space, but there’s never a shortage of days when songs from other beloved musical genres are included as well.
What you'll hear at Remembranzas Musicales
On any given session, such as the last one I attended, the classic “In The Mood” by Glenn Miller, might play. Just before that, it was the turn for “Satanás (Satan),” a melody whose title elicited astonished comments from some of the older attendees; still, they couldn’t help but move their feet, as if possessed by an uncontrollable urge to dance. Another classic was “Pensando en ti” by La Sonora Santanera, perfect for those looking to create a romantic moment with their potential dance partner for the night.
However, on that particular night, it was when “La cosecha de mujeres (The Harvest of Women)” played that the true essence of Remembranzas Musicales shone through. Not only did women rise from their seats to dance, but people of all ages, regardless of gender or background, claimed their right to shake their bodies as soon as the first musical notes were heard. Furthermore, the number of dancers was no limitation; although danzón is traditionally danced in pairs, it was common to see dozens of people dancing in groups of three or four, in circles, or even solo—in the best sense of the word.
In addition to the locals who religiously attend each week to dance, many tourists from other parts of México and around the world choose to experience this warm event. For instance, that night, there were attendees from Tabasco, Campeche, México City, North Carolina, and California, all radiating the joy of those who find the perfect travel adventure.
How to make the most of your night at Remembranzas Musicales in Mérida
If you, like many others, want to experience Remembranzas Musicales, here are some tips that will be very helpful.
First Tip: Arrive about 40 to 60 minutes before 8 pm if you want to grab something to eat before your feet get tired. At the market, you’ll find many options for regional food, such as salbutes and panuchos, sopa de lima (lime soup), or a champola if you need a refreshing dessert (a budget of around $100 to $200 pesos per person is more than enough for a complete dinner).
Second Tip: Bring a fan or get one from the artisans in the park in case the night is warm; don’t forget to apply insect repellent, especially during the rainy season.
Many of the people who attend Remembranzas Musicales have been dancing to the rhythm of danzón and other Caribbean rhythms for decades. Their spins, elegant as they are, showcase the mastery and experience that only years can impart to the body. But it’s the connection in the gaze with their partner, the laughter with each turn, or the satisfaction at the end of each piece that illustrates how important danzón is to their story.
“Start a danzón with your right foot…” said the presenter that night, just before numerous people stood up and slid their chairs in unison, the chairs that waited for them upon finishing another dance piece, with a fan, brush, or lighter on top.
Remembranzas Musicales
Every Tuesday at 8 pm
Free entrance
Parque Santiago
Calle 59 x 70 y 72, Centro, Mérida
Photography by Yucatán Today y Cassie Pearse, for its use in Yucatán Today.
First published in Yucatán Today website in November 2024.
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