Nights of Light and Sound in Yucatán

Beauty and history wait for us in the streets, buildings, and museums of our Yucatecan cities and towns. It’s quite an experience to visit these places and follow the narratives found in museums, or maybe you prefer to browse online and devour all the information and view photographs of this or that place. But what about spending an evening enjoying the projections and audiovisual displays that tell the exciting story of a piece of Yucatán?

For some years now, video mappings have taken over distinctive spaces, and today, they are equipped with the recommended measures for social distancing without compromising on your enjoyment of the show.

Noches de Kukulkán

Safe distance protocols have arrived at Chichén Itzá’s light and sound show, which after 10 months is back in action. Thinking about visiting the archaeological site? Consider staying in the area for a couple of extra hours and enjoying the spectacular show that highlights Maya architecture, culture, and the Pyramid of Kukulkán. The projection lasts approximately 25 minutes.

Chichén Itzá
Tue. – Sun. 7 pm (winter season) and 8 pm (spring and summer season)
Admission: $600 pesos (Tue. to Sat.) / $270 pesos (Sun.)
Reservations: Mon. – Sat. 9 am – 1 pm. Tel. (999) 126 9925

Valladolid

The San Bernardino de Siena former convent gets a full dose of color with the video mapping “Noches de La Heroica Valladolid,” This Pueblo Mágico is the site of significant historical moments, such as the Caste War. The light and sound projection lasts 15 minutes, which is just right to learn a little about the history of the Yucatecan people. The story takes you from the days of the ancient Maya and their connection with nature to our present day.

Barrio de Sisal, Valladolid
Thu. – Tue. 9 pm (Spanish) and 9:25 pm (English)
Free admission

Izamal

There are four Pueblos Magicos in Yucatán, but Izamal is unique with its characteristic yellow façades. “Senderos de Luz” – the only itinerant video mapping in the state – is 90 minutes long and takes you to four different stops (mini projections) starting at Parque de Los Cañones. On the walk, you will learn about the history of Izamal, important historical figures, and the Era of Green Gold, when the henequén industry was at its peak. You’ll also learn fun facts about the houses in the Centro Histórico.

Parque de los Cañones, Izamal
Thu. – Sat. 8 pm (only one showing)
Admission: $85 pesos for national visitors, $117 pesos for foreign visitors.

Mérida’s Cathedral

Venture to the San Ildefonso Cathedral, in Mérida, to see “Piedras Sagradas” projected on the façade. This very visual history lesson teaches us about the construction of the current building that stands on the remains of the ancient Maya city, T’Hó. Remember to arrive early so you can admire the façade covered with multicolored flowers in the minutes prior to the show. If you can’t make it, don’t worry! The show runs several times starting at 8:30 pm, so you can wait a few minutes at the end and enjoy the next projection.

Calle 60 x 61, Plaza Grande, Centro
Saturdays starting at 8:30 pm
Free admission

Casa Montejo

How about a night of light and sound, theater, dance, and a touch of Yucatecan music? Are you up for it? Since its inauguration – a few years ago – the façade of Casa Montejo has hosted a show that tells the story, not only of the house, but of its plateresque architecture and the origins of our beautiful city of Mérida.

Besides the video mapping “Diálogos del Conquistador”, these evenings are accompanied by Yucatecan Trova, a theatrical show that stars Francisco de Montejo and a Maya cacique who engage in a conversation about the founding of Mérida, and before the end of the evening, you will enjoy traditional Yucatecan dance (Jarana) performed by the city’s folkloric ballet.

Calle 63 x 60 and 62, Plaza Grande, Centro
Sat. 8:00 pm