Mérida Fest: A celebration of the Yucatán capital’s anniversary

Mérida Fest: A celebration of the Yucatán capital’s anniversary, Mérida Fest: When the City Becomes Synonymous with Celebration

Would you believe me if I told you that, on the same day, three major events take place simultaneously in Yucatán? And that all three are iconic representations of its history, culture, and traditions? Well, even if it sounds like a work of chance and fantasy, this becomes canon every January 6 in the state.

On this unique day, Three Kings’ Day (when the traditional rosca is shared), the corresponding Kings’ Fair in Tizimín, and the founding of the city of Mérida intertwine. While each celebration is special in its own way, today I’d like to tell you about the latter.

Anniversary of the founding of Mérida

First, a bit of context: Mérida, also known as "The White City," was founded on January 6, 1542, by Francisco de Montejo "El Mozo," on what was once Maya territory. Over time, the city was designated as the capital of Yucatán and has since undergone continuous growth and, most notably, expansion.

To commemorate this event, a grand celebration known as Mérida Fest has been held for several years. This festival can be described as a vibrant series of cultural and artistic activities that take place throughout almost the entire month of January, all in honor of our capital’s anniversary.

¿What is Mérida Fest?

This festival stands out for its seemingly endless lineup of activities, featuring a wide range of disciplines such as dance, theater, literature, visual arts, and music. There’s something for practically everyone, regardless of age or taste. For instance, you’ll find concerts with national and international artists, contemporary art exhibitions, folk dances, film screenings, staged readings, and more. Each day offers delightful surprises, and the best part is that all events are completely free..

But beyond all the art, you can also experience cherished traditions, such as the Alborada. This begins the night before (on January 5) and aims to "wake up" Mérida with beautiful trova music, followed by singing Las Mañanitas (the traditional Mexican birthday song) at midnight. On January 6 itself, masses are typically held in honor of the city at the Cathedral of San Ildefonso.

How to make the most of Mérida Fest 2025?

To fully enjoy Mérida Fest and make the most of these days, it’s important to: 1) plan ahead and locate the venues for the events, 2) stay updated by checking the social media pages of Ayuntamiento de Mérida (Mérida’s City Hall) and Yucatán Today for the latest news, 3) arrive early to secure a good spot at the events, and 4) prepare to dance, smile, and fall in love with the city for nearly 20 days.

As you can see, January is not just the start of a new year. For Yucatecos, it’s a pivotal moment when we fill the streets with joy and celebration, while also remembering the traditions and history that shaped who we are today. Come and join the party!

Mérida Fest 2025
January 5 - 26

Photography by Carlos Guzmán, Alicia Navarrete and Yucatán Today, for its use in Yucatán Today

First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 445, in January 2025.