We are nearing the end of our month here in Mérida and I thought I should share some thoughts on this city on the Yucatan peninsula. In an effort to explore more of México we chose to spend our second month here in Mérida. The only reasons for this was we had heard and read some positive reports about the city, and it is convenient to Cancún where our flight back to Canada was departing from.
As a centre for culture Mérida has quite a bit to offer. Karen and I are not huge museum goers, however we do love community celebrations. By sheer luck we happen to be here during MéridaFest, the celebration of its 483 year anniversary. There were plenty of opportunities to take in music, dancing, and general merriment.
Sorry the music did not come through, technical difficulties. The dancing was good though.The performances in Plaza de La Independencia were very impressive. Lots of colour, talent, and music.
As we walked around the city it was obvious an effort is being made to up their game as a tourist and cultural centre. Unfortunately they still have a ways to go in general cleanliness, though for me the positive efforts far outweigh their challenges.
While wandering around the new and very impressive Parque La Plancha waiting to meet up with some fellow travellers we stumbled upon part of the University of Art. The designers have made brilliant use of an old train station as part of the campus for the university.Walking through the Mercado San Benito provides a glimpse of normal life here. Our noses were drawn to this kiosk as the smell of freshly baked corn tortillas filled the air.The market is a lively place where you can get pretty well anything you need.Though most North Americans are used to wheat flour tortillas, nothing compares to the smell and taste of fresh corn tortillas. This lady did a wonderful job demonstrating the handmade method of making the tortillas.Near one end of Paseo de Montejo we found this impressive monument in the traffic circle. It depicts the history of the area from the Mayan Empire to present day.The facade of the Museo Casa Montejo is the only original part of the home of the Spanish Montejo family who conquered this portion of the Yucatan peninsula. The gruesome image of the conquerers standing on the heads of the people they subjugated is a bit disturbing. Interestingly the legacy of the Montejo’s can be seen all over town. There does not seem to be a need to erase that distasteful part of their history as you sadly see in other countries.One of the wonderful aspects of Mérida is how safe it feels. In the Centro area there are a few buskers, however they are a very welcome addition to the area. We have seen no signs of homelessness and very few panhandlers. Probably the reason Mérida is rated as the safest city in Mexico and either 3rd or 5th safest city in all North America in 2024, depending on the study you read.If you walk around the Centro area for any period of time you are likely to encounter some type of interesting attraction. While we were waiting for our tacos at lunch time this procession strolled by.When you are in the Central Plaza do not miss the State Government Building. The uniformed fellows at the front entrance may look intimidating however you are free to walk in and check out the building. The second floor has an impressive collection of murals depicting some of the history of the Yucatan state. It is well worth the visit.Of course we had to check out the only rooftop bar at the Central Plaza. Restaurante Picheta offers beautiful views with a lovely cocktail as the sun sets. The Mérida Cathedral, built in 1598 reflects the setting sun beautifully.Even more impressive is the Mérida City Hall as the sun slips away.
Our time in Mérida has been interesting and we are looking forward to our last week here. Is it a place we will return to or consider for a longer stay, probably not. The weather is a bit too hot for us and being inland there is very little relief from that heat. I would however recommend it for a week or two of visiting and a base for exploring the wider area.
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