If you decide to spend Christmas in the beautiful city of Mérida, you can participate in many religious and traditional activities and celebrations, all impregnated with brotherhood and joy.
Decoration and lights
During these dates the main avenues and parks of the city display decorations and sets of lights alluding to bells, pine trees, canes, stars and Christmas motifs, turning a tour on foot or by car into an unforgettable moment, especially at night when you can appreciate all the lights.
Births and trees
You cannot miss the monumental birth of the Plaza Grande that amazes visitors, the Municipal Palace and the Government Palace. Also the December decoration of the parks of Las Américas, La Mejorada, the Alemán neighborhood and La Ermita. But if what excites you are the Christmas trees, visit the Patio Mérida parking lot, Chedraui Selecto Norte and the “Remate” on Paseo de Montejo. In the main shopping plazas you will also find decorations, trees and motifs alluding to this holiday season.
The “Ramadas”
Since the first of December, mainly in the popular neighborhoods and in the Center, groups of children and young people carrying a box decorated with branches, lights and images of the Virgin of Guadalupe or nativity scenes, go from house to house singing the traditional song of welcome and greeting in which they request that they give them some coins; This activity is known as “The Branch”. The best are the songs of gratitude when they receive them... but if they do not receive the favor of the host of the house they also dedicate some couplets of grief to them. They take place until December 15.
The Posadas
Meanwhile, the posadas begin on December 16, that is, nine days before Christmas Eve. They recreate the journey of Joseph and the Virgin Mary to find an inn and are usually held at gatherings of family and friends, culminating in a pleasant coexistence in which a good dinner cannot be missing. Ask and attend if you are invited to one, you can choose to be one of the pilgrims or the hosts.
![]()
In the Yucatecan Houses
In the Yucatecan HousesThe homes of Yucatecan families also shine with beautifully decorated nativity scenes with representations of the main figures: Joseph, the Virgin, angels, animals and the Three Wise Men. There is a lot of creativity applied to making nativity scenes in mangers, on steps and occupying an important place in the living rooms of Yucatan homes. It is tradition to lull and put the Baby Jesus to bed on December 24 and “raise him” on February 2.
Christmas Eve
Finally, the Christmas Eve party begins with the “Misa de Gallo” at 12 midnight on December 24. Later, you can break the traditional piñatas, light sparklers, as well as enjoy a dinner with turkey, spiked leg and many delicacies of Yucatecan cuisine.
Many options to experience a Yucatecan-style Christmas!
Related articles
