The Noche Blanca: For Arts and Culture
The next Noche Blanca 2024:
Saturday November 30
La Noche Blanca begins at dusk, with the last rays of sunlight. The lampposts come alive, artists claim the streets, museums, and galleries open their doors, and the magic begins to run through the steps of young people, families, and couples. This is a night we Meridanos look forward to and this year we have two nights to enjoy, Friday, November 29, and Saturday, November 30.
Traditionally, Noche Blanca (White Night) activities are focused on Mérida’s Centro and surrounding neighborhoods. As you embark on your adventure, consider that finding parking space is no easy task: parking lots north of the Plaza Grande are the first to fill up. This goes to show you our passion for the Noche Blanca.
I usually try one of these options:
- Find a spot on Paseo de Montejo
- Take an Uber or Didi to Centro
- Try a parking lot called La Lonja. You’ll find it a block south of Plaza Grande, on Calle 62, or by typing the name on Google Maps.
Depending on where you park, the start of your journey will be different, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes! It’s no secret that you’ll walk a lot. Believe me, you won’t want to miss the Museo Palacio Cantón (or any museum) at night (a dream), the concerts and recitals at Teatro José Peón Contreras, or at Museo Casa Montejo, if there are any. Of course, each Barrio will have its own enchanting activities. In the last edition, I enjoyed a delicious ice cream cone while admiring a tango show.
The Noche Blanca serves as a stage for a whole range of artists, from musicians and dancers to visual artists and writers. National and international! Some years ago, we even had Chilean superstar Mon Laferte closing the night. Me? Delighted, listening to her concert (fun fact, it was free) from a less crowded corner of the Plaza Grande. I can’t remember if it was a Marquesita or ice cream (yes, I love those), but I was definitely eating.
Of course, the gastronomic offer is a marvelous extra for this family fest. And you’ll find more than just street food; the Centro is home to French, German, Chinese, and many other options from other latitudes.
Besides, a bunch of interactive activities are scheduled. Check out SoHo Galleries, they have activities for visitors and artists alike to express their art together.
Tip! The Noche Blanca will surely be bursting with wonderful activities. Check the schedule ahead of time and make a list to map out the best itinerary (and reduce the walking!).
Visit www.merida.gob.mx for the 2024 repertoire of venues and schedules.
Author: Olivia Camarena Cervera
Yucatecan communicologist. Writer, blogger, and bookstagrammer in her spare time. She also experiments with TikTok.