Cultural Week in Mérida

Mérida’s City Council (Ayuntamiento de Mérida) offers a free cultural activity for visitors and citizens every day of the week. The colorful folklore, the music, the dances, the delicate handcrafts of “huipiles” and shawls, the intense sound of Mexican Mariachi, the memory of the past, the ancient customs no longer practiced but never forgotten, the respect for religious traditions, the syncretism between Pre-hispanic and European influences, the vibrant presence of the Caribbean, the joy of dancing, and the new language of racial mixture. Everything converges week after week in the cultural program of traditional events in our Mérida, designed to enjoy and coexist.

Monday

Yucatecan Vaquería: “vaquería” is a reminiscent of the “town festivities” from the 17th century held in primitive cattle ranches, where the cattle shoeing festivity happened amidst dances and parties organized by the owner of the ranch. One of the most popular dances was the “Vaquería.” This custom is re-enacted each Monday in Mérida with an exciting program ranging from dances like the “angaripola” to the mastery of the “huachapeo” (dancing over boxes, known as “almudes”) that requires a special dexterity, and the dance where dancers balance trays with glasses on their heads. Live music, provided by Orquesta Jaranera del Ayuntamiento de Mérida, creates a festive and joyful atmosphere.

Location: Calle 62 between 63 and 61, Centro. Ground floor of Palacio Municipal.
Hours: 9 pm – 10 pm

Tuesday

Musical Memories: (Remembranzas Musicales) it’s a rare occasion when music, tradition and ambience weave together seamlessly; such are the nights in Santiago Park when couples sway to the music of the “Jarana” orchestra as they play the notes of immortal songs to enchant the crowd. This park is the legacy of ancient pre-Hispanic people who gave rise to the city of today and who, for generations, have congregated here as Meridanos to enjoy the cool night air and meet up with friends. These cheerful gatherings reach a high point when the band strikes up a cha-cha-cha, mambo or danzón and the dancers set sail through the night to the rhythm of the music.

Location: Calle 57 between 70 and 72, Centro. Santiago Park.
Hours: 8:30 pm – 10 pm

Wednesday

“Diálogos del Conquistador” Video mapping: the facade of Montejo’s House is a jewel of the plateresque art and it’s an allegory of the history of Francisco de Montejo’s family. The video mapping explains the elements sculpt on the facade, and the building is used as a stage for a dramatic dialogue between Francisco de Montejo a native leader, both protagonists of our foundation. The show ends with a folkloric ballet that clearly represents the fusion between the two cultures. The show is presented in Spanish with English subtitles.

Location: Calle 63 between 60 and 62, Centro. Casa de Montejo
Hours: 8:30 pm summer schedule / 8 pm winter schedule

Night Visit to the Cemetery: with his broad knowledge of the history of this place, our guide will take you through the graves and mausoleums of the distinguished people who are buried in the cemetery, while he tells you stories of those men and women who forged the history of Yucatán. Come and learn about the different funerary rituals that have existed in Mérida since the pre-Hispanic period until today, and the diversity of architecture styles of the tombs and mausoleums.

Location: Calle 66 diagonal at 90, Centro. Inside the General Cemetery.
Hours: 8 pm

Thursday

Yucatecan Serenade: since January 14, 1965, Santa Lucía plaza plays host to the most emblematic of all traditional events: the “Serenade of Santa Lucía.” This program was created to offer a permanent space to listen to the music of Yucatecan composers in an incomparable setting: the 17th Century arches of the park, where as well as the contemplation of the beautiful architecture, they make the most of the acoustic quality of the thick walls of the construction. Located in the historical downtown of Mérida, this park was a romantic corner that Guty Cárdenas, Yucatán’s pride, frequently visited to sing in his early years and where nowadays, each Thursday, music and poetry have turned.

Location: Calle 60 between 55, Centro. Parque de Santa Lucía.
Hours: 9 pm

Friday

“Piedras Sagradas” Video mapping: is a video mapping projected over the Cathedral of San Ildefonso. It mixes several techniques of 3D and 2D animation to deliver an historic recounting of its construction, performed with the stones of Thó, the Maya ancient city, and its special meaning to Mérida’s citizens. The visual journey is driven by a narrative of 12 verses written exclusively for the show, and the music is enriched by the members of the official chorus of Mérida and its sacred chants.

Location: Calle 60 between 61 and 63, Centro. San Ildefonso Cathedral.
Hours: 9 pm

Saturday

“Pok ta Pok” Maya ball game: both game and ritual, Pok ta Pok is a Maya representation of the cosmic, cycles performed to please the gods and ask for fertility. In the game, two teams compete to pass a solid rubber ball through narrow rings situated nearly three meters off the ground. The players hit the ball using only their forearms, knees and hips. Pok ta Pok was played in the Maya cities on dates with astronomical significance, such as the equinox and solstice or at the beginning of the planting season and the harvest. The revival of this ritual, made possible by the Ayuntamiento de Mérida, is an opportunity to once again experience the profound spirituality of this game.

Location: Calle 60 between 61 and 63, Centro. San Ildefonso Cathedral.
Hours: 8 pm

Mexican Night: Mérida is also México. And here, national music and folklore bring together top notch performers who, every week, enrich the “Noche Mexicana,” a celebration that evokes the sound of mariachis, the dances of other entities and regions of the country, the voices of singers, composers, dancers, actors and performers, as well as many special guests who offer their creativity to the audiences of Mérida. The stage is the so called “Remate” of Paseo de Montejo, the start of the city’s main avenue, where one can also find stands selling typical handicrafts, food, and beverages. This party offers an excellent tour of sounds and colors across folkloric and modern México.

Location: Calle 47 at 56-A, Centro. Beginning of Paseo de Montejo.
Hours: 8 pm

Sunday

Mérida en Domingo: every Sunday, since 1980s, the historical downtown of Mérida closes its streets to vehicles and transforms itself into a big urban carnaval with a large offering of activities, food and drinks: restaurants, taquerías, outdoor eateries and ice cream shops open their doors for this special day, in which the streets are also covered with sellers of handicrafts, old books and other curiosities. Other activities are also offered, as well as folkloric shows like the traditional “Vaquería” and the beautiful “Boda Mestiza” (traditional wedding).

Location: Historical downtown.
Hours: 9 am – 9 pm

Bici-ruta: the bike route of Paseo de Montejo is an event created to promote the physical activity and family life. It goes along the most representative historic places from Paseo de Montejo to the Ermita de Santa Isabel, and it’s the perfect opportunity to do some exercise and ride across the most beautiful streets of the city. The same route can be enjoyed at night the first Saturday of every month, with an evening breeze and the light streets.

Location: Historical downtown.
Hours: 8 am – 12:30 pm (Sunday) / 6 pm – 10 pm (night bike route)

Information: Ayuntamiento de Mérida

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