The Art of Finding Community in Mérida: How Locals and Expats Can Connect

Mérida is a city full of rich history, warmth, and diversity. Whether you're a local or an expat, one of the biggest challenges can be finding your place in the community. When I first arrived, I was both excited and overwhelmed by the thought of connecting with others in a new city. But with time and a little courage, I found that there are so many ways to build relationships, and the city’s welcoming spirit makes it easier than you might think.

Starting small: Facebook and WhatsApp groups

The internet is a fantastic place to start when looking for connections, and Mérida is no exception. I began by joining Facebook groups for newcomers—groups where people shared tips on how to get settled in the city, from the best places to eat to where to find the freshest produce. These groups weren’t just about information; they were also spaces where people reached out to meet others. 

Editor’s Note:

We’re including links to various social media groups as a courtesy and resource only. Yucatán Today does not endorse or recommend any content or views expressed in these groups and is not affiliated with them in any capacity.

 

There are plenty of Spanish-speaking groups, but you can also find English-speaking groups for expats in general, for Brits and colonials, for francophones, and many other, more specific groups. Especially if you’re just arriving, these are a good way to find your way around, especially if you don’t speak Spanish yet. 

 

Another good idea, especially if you’re farther away from centro, is looking up neighborhood groups. These are easily found on Facebook—just type vecinos + your neighborhood’s name + Mérida into the search bar and you’re very likely to find several options. This will surely make it easier to connect with locals in your area. Please keep in mind that these groups will be in Spanish: while you might find English speakers within the group, it’s always a good idea (and a nice icebreaker) to practice your Spanish, even with a little help from a translator app.

WhatsApp groups for Mérida newcomers

Gradually, I moved from Facebook to WhatsApp groups: a more direct and personal way to connect. These groups are great for sharing local recommendations, and they often include regular meetups, events, and opportunities for new arrivals to join social activities. The more I engaged, the more I felt a sense of belonging—even in a city where I did not know anyone. The first message I sent on a WhatsApp group felt like a huge leap, but it led to meeting people who became friends and companions in my Mérida journey.

If you’re not familiar with WhatsApp, you’ll soon find it is an integral part of life in México, so you might as well get started with it. Again, you’ll find dedicated communities in several languages, many of them with sub-chats devoted to different interests, like social events, meetups, pets, cuisine, etc.

Overcoming Anxiety and Embracing Social Meetups

At first, I struggled with anxiety—there was always that fear of not fitting in or saying the wrong thing. But once I got over that initial hesitation, I found that meetups were one of the easiest ways to meet a mixture of both locals and expats. I went to mixers at the Mérida English Library, which is a great spot for people to come together in an informal setting.

There’s something so freeing about these events, where you get to mingle with people who come from various backgrounds. At first, I was nervous, but over time, I realized that everyone was in the same boat, looking for friendship and shared experiences.

It wasn’t just about meeting people from my own country or background; it was about connecting with anyone open to engaging, regardless of where they were from.

Expat-organized social meetups in Mérida 

There are a few expat-organized meetups that take place weekly at a bar or restaurant. While these are pretty regular, it is not a bad idea to double-check on Facebook or WhatsApp groups to make sure these are happening when you’re planning to drop by. 

 

List updated as of December 2025

 

• Tuesdays at 6 pm at Attilio restaurant, hosted by Lauren. 
• Tuesdays at 6 pm at Bardo Taproom, hosted by Robert.
• Wednesdays at the Altabrisa Mall Food Court at 2 pm for ladies, mothers, and children, hosted by Serena Ann
• Wednesdays at 8 pm at Anónima restaurant, hosted by Miguel. 
• Thursdays at 8 pm at Trópico 56, hosted by Denise.
• Fridays at 7:30 pm at Pizza Neo, hosted by Becky and Miguel.

Seeking out local spaces: cantinas and salsa classes

Although I was attending mixers and meeting people in expat-friendly spaces, I also wanted to experience Mérida as the locals do. I began visiting cantinas and other different markets to immerse myself in Mérida’s culture.

Cantinas, for example, are filled with locals who share a good meal or drink with wonderful music. These spaces were a bit intimidating at first, as they felt more unfamiliar, but I pushed myself to start a conversation. Over time, I became more comfortable in these spaces, learning about the customs and rhythms of local life.

Similarly, I enrolled in salsa classes. The combination of dance, music, and a community of friendly people made it the perfect way to break the ice. Salsa is not just a dance—it’s a way of embracing the energy and spirit of the Yucatán. Whether I was awkwardly trying to keep up with the moves or laughing with new friends, I felt more connected to the culture with every lesson.

The rhythm of salsa mirrored my experience in Mérida—at first confusing, but soon, everything started to flow together.

Tour of the Best Bars and Cantinas in Mérida 

The Bar & Cantina Tour Mérida Part II 

Building bridges through shared interests

What I quickly learned was that no matter where you come from, there are common threads that tie us all together. I met locals who shared my love for fitness, for example, at pilates classes. This is where I saw the power of shared interests in bridging the gap between cultures.

Engaging in these activities allowed me to form connections based on mutual passions, whether it was fitness, dance, or just a love for good food. Over time, these interactions turned into real friendships, and I learned more about Mérida’s rich traditions, language, and customs.

Fitness and dance became my way of connecting with locals, and I never expected them to be such powerful tools for building bridges.

Enjoying the spectacle of street events in centro

One of the most magical things about Mérida is that the city’s culture is always on display. Whether you’re sitting in a café, strolling through Centro, or just taking a break, there’s often a street event happening right before your eyes. These events bring the community together in a spontaneous and lively way, offering a glimpse into the heart of the city.

Cultural Events

Ayuntamiento de Mérida (City Hall) has a full week of free cultural events you can attend. Check out the full program here: A Week in Mérida: The Magic Never Ends

From fashion shows that showcase the talent of local designers to live performances of Pok-ta-Pok, the ancient Maya ball game that predates modern soccer, there’s always something exciting to see. On any given evening, you might be treated to a light show that illuminates the buildings in an array of colors, or watch a cultural performance that brings the history of the Yucatán to life.

These events are an invitation to gather and experience the beauty of Mérida’s traditions, with both locals and newcomers coming together to enjoy the spectacle. What I love most is that these performances happen right in the heart of the city, creating a sense of shared experience that transcends language or background. There’s something unifying about watching an ancient Maya game being played or catching a light show as a group of strangers turns into a collective audience, all mesmerized by the art unfolding before them.

Mérida’s streets offer a front-row seat to history and culture, a chance to feel the pulse of the city in real time.

A community built on inclusivity

Building community in Mérida is about more than just finding people from the same background. It’s about creating spaces where both locals and expats can come together, share stories, and learn from each other. Whether you’re attending a mixer, taking a salsa class, or just sitting down in a cantina, the connections you make here are meaningful and full of potential.

Mérida has welcomed me with open arms, and now I find myself welcoming others into the city’s diverse community. The more we come together, the more we realize that no matter where we come from, we all share a love for the beauty of this incredible city.

First published on the Yucatán Today website in December 2025.