“I’m glad it’s finally hot enough to complain about how hot it is” —Anonymous.
In Yucatán, the debate on cold vs. hot weather is a serious thing. That may be because the heat can be brutal, and the cold, while infrequent, completely shakes up our normal, and makes us carry around more clothes (and I do mean that literally, since “cold” days where you don’t need to take off your sweater at noon are rare).
I find it super easy to enjoy the cold. In fact, in March, when the thermometer starts swelling, I start to think these temperatures are not my thing, and I declare myself firmly in Team Cold. However, as life here begins to change, I start to remember why I like the Yucatán heat. Mangos, Mameyes, and Huayas, and then, briefly, Ciruelas, or Yucatecan “plums” (if you have the opportunity, do not miss out on trying Ciruelas; the season is super short, so when you see them, don’t hesitate). Ice cream and sorbets feature more natural fruit flavors, and, no matter how hot it gets, it’s never a bad day to explore the wonders of our state, as long as you combine it with a cenote, or one of our beautiful beaches.
If you’re not a Yucateco, you might feel tempted to spend your leisure time indoors, in air conditioning. Don’t give in; you’ll never get used to our weather if you do. Instead, embrace the heat as part of your life here, and fight it like Yucatecos have done for decades and centuries: with a hammock, lots of time spent outdoors, and regular meeting with the body of water of your choice. There’s no time like the present; start exploring and enjoy the warmest days of the year!
By Alicia Navarrete
Communicologist born circumstantially in Mexico City, but who says “uay” since 1985. Life has allowed me to see the world, which in turn has allowed me to discover how much I love the place where I live.
Photography on the cover by Gerardo Aram Correa Baeza and Ayuntamiento de Mérida for its use in Yucatán Today.
Esta entrada también está disponible en: ES
