The morning sun casts a golden glow over Mérida’s White City as Moisés Tun, 45, heads to work. His steps are steady and determined as he walks through the quiet streets of Colonia Alemán. Today, like most days, his hands will shape the future of a house, molding cement, brick, and steel into something lasting.
An hour earlier, he had stopped at Tlapalería El Mulix, a well-known hardware store in the Chuminópolis neighborhood. After greeting the store owner by name, he carefully selected the materials he needed: a roll of thick electrical cables, a set of sturdy conduits, and a few bags of cement that would help him complete the electrical system of the house he was remodeling. Upon arriving at the house, he took a moment to appreciate the progress he had made. The walls, once crumbling and worn, now stood firm under his craftsmanship. It had been hard work, but Moisés has never shied away from a challenge.
He remembers his youth, thirty years ago, when his father, an employee of the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), introduced him to the world of construction. He started with small tasks: holding a flashlight while his father worked, fetching tools, carefully watching his father’s techniques. Over time, Moisés learned to install electrical outlets, set up meters, and follow safety precautions, such as wearing special rubber work boots to avoid electrical shocks. These lessons, passed down like family heirlooms, became the foundation of his career.
Masonry work in Yucatán is a craft that blends ancient techniques with modern innovation. The region’s traditional materials (limestone, sascab—a type of soft, chalky stone, and chukum resin) have been used for centuries in Maya and colonial architecture. Moisés has spent years mastering his masonry skills, learning how to mix mortar that can withstand the intense heat and humidity of the Yucatán Península. He knows how to precisely shape and place stone, ensuring that the walls are strong and visually appealing. His work is a testament to the deep-rooted traditions of Yucatán's builders, who have constructed everything from ancient pyramids to contemporary homes.
Moisés’s work and experience have provided stability for his family. His wife, María Elena, manages their household with a loving but firm hand, ensuring their three children have everything they need. His youngest son, Josué, now in his late teens, has shown an interest in the trade, and Moisés is proud to see his son following in his footsteps while forging his own path.
Josué often accompanies him to work, eager to learn from his father’s experience. Today, as the sun rises higher in the sky, Josué arrives at the worksite, wiping sweat from his forehead before setting down his own tool kit. Smiling, he offers to help, and Moisés nods in agreement. Together, they move in sync—a testament to the years Josué has spent watching and learning. Moisés explains each step as they go, pointing out the small details that make the difference between a job that’s done and a job that’s well done.
As the afternoon sun begins to set, the day’s work is nearly complete. Moisés wipes his hands on his worn jeans and steps back to admire the progress. The house, once dark and lifeless, now hums with the promise of warmth and light. The homeowner, an elderly woman, pauses to inspect the work and nods with satisfaction. In her eyes, Moisés has done an incredible job—as always.
As is their tradition, father and son head to a nearby cantina to celebrate the end of a good workweek. The first sip of a cold beer feels like a well-earned reward. Josué raises his bottle in a small toast. "To good work and good teachers." Moisés chuckles, clinking his bottle against his son’s. "And to good students."
They sit in comfortable silence for a while, the sounds of the bustling city outside. Moisés knows that in this line of work, there are no shortcuts or easy paths. But when he looks at his son—eager and determined—he knows that the legacy of hard work, craftsmanship, and integrity will carry on for another generation. And for Moisés, that’s more than enough.
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 449, in May 2025.
