What to do in July in Yucatán? Events of the month in the state.
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Throughout July and well into August, Yucatán’s coastal villages transform from sleepy beach towns into lively, bustling hotspots. Town squares come alive with small fairs featuring children's attractions and an abundance of street snacks. Many Mérida-based businesses, from bakeries to nightclubs, set up temporary locations along the coast. Expect busy beaches near each village's pier, especially on weekends, and don't forget to support local businesses while you're in town.
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A new month and a new edition of Yucatán Today! This time, we'll help you find the best destinations to celebrate and enjoy the summer, cenotes, and many reasons to go to the beach. Do you know where you're staying in June?
In Yucatán, ambient temperatures don't vary much between May and September: thermometers typically show highs averaging 34ºC (93ºF) and lows averaging 24°C (74°F). However, the true story is the heat index—what the temperature feels like due to humidity. This can hit an unsafe 50ºC (122ºF) in July! Always carry water for hydration, use ample sunscreen, and wear protective clothing (including hats).
July is part of Yucatán's rainy season. Though not as wet as June or September, you can expect intense, albeit usually brief, afternoon downpours. Even without rain, the constant cloud cover and high humidity will keep you sweating.
Keep in mind that hurricane season in Yucatán runs from June to November. While named storms are unusual in July, they aren't unheard of. Should a tropical system—whether a depression or a full-blown hurricane—head our way, expect changes to normal life in Yucatán, including port closures and shifts in business hours. Stay updated on official announcements throughout your visit—you’ll always find the latest updates on our social media.
NEW EXHIBITION AT THE PALACIO CANTÓN MUSEUM
The Palacio Cantón Museum has just opened Fissures of Sound, an exhibition that explores the importance of sound in memory and territory through the intersection of art and anthropology. The show was created by artist Itzel Martínez Arellano as part of her project Auralopithecus, which focuses on aural experience, social space, and technology. You can visit this exhibit along with the museum’s three other current exhibitions. General admission is $95 pesos.
SACRED STITCHES AT MÉRIDA’S GRAN MUSEO DEL MUNDO MAYA
Through August 30, catch a unique exhibit at the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya: “Kili’ich Chuuyo’ob: Ritual Maya Embroidery.” The exhibit honors ritual Maya embroidery as a community practice that binds together the sacred, the ceremonial, and the everyday aspects of life. With more than 50 textile items from all over the Península, this temporary exhibit is a reminder that Maya heritage is not only about the past, but also about the present and the future.
IG: granmuseomaya
THROUGHOUT JULY: FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY AT THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT
The Museum of Light is currently offering two temporary exhibitions that will have people of all ages enjoying themselves like children. The first one is the “Impossible Workshop,” a space to discover, experiment, and create with science in a fun, interactive way. But there’s also the exhibit “iik'eel: Extinct and Endangered Insects.” Whether or not you're a fan of bugs, this is one exhibition that’s really worth your time. Don’t miss out!
THROUGHOUT JULY: OLIMPO SEASON
Mérida always has something to offer when it comes to culture, and the Olimpo Season is a great example. This program, organized by the Mérida City Council, has been running for over 10 years, bringing artistic and cultural activities to different venues, mainly the Olimpo Cultural Center. Many events are free, and when there’s an admission fee, the proceeds go directly to the artists. This July, you can enjoy activities like the vocal workshop Vocal Exploration (July 17 at 6 pm, at the Municipal Dance Center) and the songwriting workshop Find Your Voice (July 23 at 6 pm, at the Olimpo Cultural Center); both are free of charge. If theater is more your thing, don’t miss Ayax: A Drag King Gets Ready, showing on July 4, 5, 18, and 25 at 8 pm at the Olimpo Cultural Center. General admission is $120 pesos. And that’s just a taste of what’s happening this month. You can check out the full schedule at www.merida.gob.mx/cultura
THROUGHOUT JULY: TOH BIRD FESTIVAL
If you’re into birds, Yucatán is a great place to see incredible species in their natural habitat. From April to November, the Toh Bird Festival takes place, offering a variety of activities to explore and enjoy the region’s rich birdlife. This month brings several lovely opportunities: on July 13, there will be a birdwatching outing at Acuaparque; from July 21 to August 30, the call for entries will be open for the Unidos por las Aves drawing and photography contest; and on the 26 and 27, there will be a special birdwatching trip along the northern coast, in San Felipe. To check out all the upcoming events, visit their Facebook page: Festival de las Aves TOH.
LICENSE PLATES RENEWAL
If you own a vehicle – be it a motorcycle, car, or even a trailer – get ready, because from June through December, it's time to renew your license plates. To do so, begin by finding your designated renewal month, which is tied to your current plate number, on the state government’s website; you’ll be able to pre-register your vehicle and make an appointment right there. After that, you’ll have to head to your chosen location to pick up your new plates. Fees for the new plates vary, from roughly 800 to 3000 pesos, depending on your vehicle type. To get an early look at the calendar, check out the link https://pontealdia.yucatan.gob.mx/
JULY 5: NIGHTTIME BIKE TOUR
The nighttime bike ride has become a classic Mérida tradition! If you're in town on the first Saturday of the month (July 5 this time), don’t miss it! Ride along Paseo de Montejo, and enjoy a memorable evening with friends or family. After your adventure, why not wrap up the night with dinner at one of the avenue’s charming restaurants?
JULY 5–12: PRIDE IN YUCATÁN
Pride Month may be over, but in Yucatán, the celebrations are still going strong. During the first days of July, several communities across the state are joining the movement with LGBTQ+ Pride marches in different towns. On July 5, there will be events in Umán and Tekit, and on July 12 in Conkal. Follow us on social media for more details and schedules.
JULY 20–27: RACES IN YUCATÁN
Sports tourism is on the rise in Yucatán, and this month, there are two races you won’t want to miss if you love running and exploring new places. On July 20, head to Tekit and join the Great Guayabera Race. You can choose between a 3K walk or a 10K race. And as a well-earned reward, enjoy some delicious cochinita tacos—Yucatán’s traditional Sunday treat. The registration fee is $350 pesos, and you can sign up at www.khronometraje.com.
A week later, on July 27, take on the Reto Ek Balam 2025, a 14K trail race around one of the state’s most impressive archaeological sites. After crossing the finish line, cool off with a refreshing swim in the nearby X’Canché cenote. Registration is open at www.laliga.bike.
JULY 22–26: YUCATÁN-GUANAJUATO CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2025
This July, music brings Yucatán and Guanajuato together in the third edition of the Cultural Festival, taking place in the heart of Mérida. The Chamber Orchestra of San José de Iturbide and the Artifex Sui choir, both from Guanajuato, will fill two iconic venues with their talent and passion. The first three concerts will be held at the Daniel Ayala Theater: on July 22 with a symphonic tribute to Queen, on July 23 with the magical melodies of Disney Pixar, and on July 24 with an unforgettable tribute to José José. To close the series, on July 26, pianist Argentina Durán will perform her Mexican Rhapsody at Palacio de la Música. If you love live music, don’t miss this unique experience. Tickets for all concerts are available at www.arema.mx
JULY 25 – AUGUST 3: THE 2025 TUNICH HANDCRAFT FAIR
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If you're in Yucatán at the end of July and early August, you won't want to miss the region's largest craft fair: Tunich Handcraft Fair. From July 25 to August 3, hundreds of local artisans will showcase their work in Dzityá, just north of Mérida. It's a fantastic opportunity to shop for souvenirs or home goods directly from the artisans' workshops. Easily learn more about Dzityá’s talented craftsmen.
Here you’ll find dozens of stalls featuring crafts made from wood, stone, jewelry, embroidery, and much more. Plus, you can enjoy Yucatecan snacks, live music, and an atmosphere full of culture and tradition. Don’t miss it!
Traditional Fairs in Yucatán in July
In Yucatán, traditional fiestas are a showcase of religious syncretism, blending elements from Catholicism with pre-Hispanic beliefs. These festivities usually begin with the "bajada" of the saint—that is, moving its image from its usual place in the church to make it accessible for the faithful to view. Days later, the fiesta officially kicks off with the Vaquería, a traditional celebration where people dance Jarana to the live music of an orchestra.
Dancers from all over the Peninsula attend the Vaquerías to show off their best steps, elegantly dressed in their traditional attire. On the days that follow the Vaquería, there are often popular dances. Throughout the celebration, you'll also find carnival rides for children, food stalls, and various attractions, along with processions, bullfighting activities, fireworks, and lots of noise.
- July 13: Saint Bonaventure
Homún. The festivities begin with the "bajada" of the saint each year on July 5.
FB: Fiesta Tradicional Homún - Huhí
July 4–6 (Saints Peter and Paul) - July 4 - 20: Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Motul. The celebrations start with the "bajada" of the Virgin on July 1. As a major fiesta, it features activities throughout much of the month.
FB: Ayuntamiento de Motul - Sinanché
July 5–20 (Saint Bonaventure)
FB: Sinanche Municipio - Oxkutzcab
July 31 – August 5 (Our Lady of the Assumption)
FB: Mi Lindo Oxkutzcab
Check out what some local businesses (advertisers in Yucatán Today) are offering this month
ENJOY A DELICIOUS LUNCH AT GRAN LUMIÈRE
From Monday to Saturday, between 3 and 6 pm, come enjoy a delicious and well-balanced meal in a cozy setting. Our lunch menu includes a drink, main course, and dessert for just $350 pesos. Perfect for a laid-back weekday afternoon or a relaxed, special meal.
IG @granlumiere
FB facebook.com/granlumieremerida
A MAGICAL SUMMER AT MEL
This summer, the Mérida English Library fills with magic with a very special edition of its traditional entrepreneur bazaar. On Saturday, August 2, from 5 to 9 pm, join us for the Magical Bazaar at MEL, a bilingual event inspired by the world of Harry Potter and organized in collaboration with the Club Harry Potter Mérida. It will be a magical afternoon for the whole family, with snacks, drinks, activities, workshops, and plenty of items for sale for die-hard fans and casual visitors alike. Check out our social events here: https://meridaenglishlibrary.com/social-events
Throughout July and August, some of our regular programs will be taking a break. For instance, Conversaciones con Amigos, our language exchange program, will hold its last session on Monday, June 30, and will return on September 1. During this time, the library will not open on Monday mornings. We're also taking a break from Storytime, with the last session happening on Saturday, June 28. Storytime returns with new tales on September 13.
Some programs will remain active, including the Mérida Writers' Group, which meets on July 2, 16, and 30 at 11 am, and our Fiction & Friends book club, which meets on July 31 at 10 am. Prose & Poetry – Open Mic Night will be held on July 15 at 6:15 pm, and the Climate Solutions Study Group will meet on July 18 at 11 am. Alcoholics Anonymous continues to meet every Thursday at 7 pm.
For those looking to stay active, Tai Chi classes continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 am, and Pilates classes on Saturdays at 11 am—although the summer schedule may vary. As for Spanish classes, the current term ends in late June, but our partner team at Asesorías de Idiomas Mérida is offering a summer course focused on Spanish for travelers, hosted at their location near the zoo. More info: https://www.facebook.com/asesoriasdeidiomasmerida
And of course, MEL Bingo Night is back! After our special Pride edition, the next round of bingo will take place on July 26 at 7 pm.
Lastly, we’re thrilled to invite children aged 8 to 10 to the third edition of the MEL Summer Camp, running from July 21 to August 1. This fun and engaging camp is a great opportunity for local and expat kids to learn and practice English through reading, art, and adventure-filled activities.
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