MÉRIDA

Merida, a city of about 1 million people, is a wonderful mixture of colonial city and cosmopolitan destination. With Merida as your base, you can visit cathedrals and churches, Mayan ruins, museums, haciendas and cenotes.
HISTORY
The Spaniard Francisco de Montejo founded Merida on January 6, 1542. When the Spaniards arrived, Merida was a large Mayan city known as T'ho, situated on what is now the Main Plaza. It was conquered by the Spaniards, who dismantled all the pyramids and used the huge stones as the foundation for the Cathedral of San Idelfonso (1556-1599), the oldest cathedral on the American continent.

The Cathedral, situated on the east side of the Plaza, is only one of Merida's many interesting sites. Directly across the Plaza is the Palacio Municipal (1735), Merida's Town Hall. On the south side is the Casa de Montejo (1542), the former home of the conqueror of Yucatan.

The Palacio de Gobierno (1892), on the north side, houses 27 murals by Fernanco Castro Pacheco illustrating the somewhat violent history of Yucatan.

One of the major influences on Yucatecan history is the henequen plant, also called sisal (for the Yucatecan city of Sisal from which shipments left the continent). This plant became known as 'green gold' or verde oro for the wealth it lavished upon the haciendados or hacienda owners in this area. In the early 20th Century, as a result of the henequen or sisal trade, Merida was the home for numerous millionaires who built their lavish homes on Paseo Montejo, and their impressive haciendas throughout the jungle surrounding Merida. A walk down Paseo Montejo is a wonderful way to view some of these mansions, many of which are completely restored, and some of whose romantic decay are food for the imagination.

For centuries, geography made it difficult for the Yucatecans to communicate with the rest of Mexico. As a result, architectural and cultural influences from Europe, the Caribbean and New Orleans were as strong or stronger in the growth of the city. To this day, the people who live here consider themselves Yucatecans first, Mexicans second. If you look carefully, you will see tshirts and bumper stickers proclaiming Orgulloso Yucateco, Yucatecan Pride.

The Yucatan is one of Mexico's most tranquil and safest states, with a climate resembles that of Florida or Cuba. Yucatecans are good, tranquil and hospitable people who have strong roots and traditions. They take pride in their city, known as "The White City", not only for the predominance of white limestone as a building material, but because of its streets, plazas and parks that are cleaned daily.

Because of its tranquility and cleanliness, Merida has become a popular place for families from other Mexican states. Many people have moved here from Mexico City, where crime, pollution and overcrowding are ever growing problems. Crime is not tolerated in Merida, and it has the distinction of the city with the lowest crime rate per capita in Mexico.

Guided Tours Free tours of the Centro Historico of downtown Merida are available every day at 9:30 AM. Call 928-2020 Ext. 833 or go to the Tourist Office on the ground floor of the Municipal Palace (corner of Calle 61 and Calle 60). More tour information.

WHAT TO DO IN MERIDA - A Sample Itinerary

Sunday Visit the handcrafts Market "Lucas de Gálvez"; it has everything. Enjoy Merida en Domingo, outdoor handcraft markets and food festivals in the Main Plaza, Hidalgo Park and Santa Lucia Park. 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Also visit Museo MACAY for free.

Monday Take the tourist bus at 10:00, 1:00, 4:00, or 7:00 in Santa Lucia Park. In the evening, enjoy an outdoor concert with traditional Yucatecan dancing and dress at the Palacio Municipal on the main Plaza at 9 pm.

Tuesday Travel to the Mayan ruins at Chichen-Itza and the Caves of Balankanche. In the evening, dance to big band music of the 40´s in Santiago Park on the corner of calle 59 and 72 at 9:00 pm. Or watch the University´s Mexican show at the Peon Contreras Theatre, calle 60 between 57. Don't forget Trova Night at the Olimpo at 9:00 pm.

Wednesday Visit Hacienda Teya on the way to the City of Izamal, or take the Convent Route of Acanceh, Tecoh, Telchaquillo, Tekit, Mama, Chumayel, Mani,and Oxcutzcab. If you stay in town, enjoy shows at the Olimpo at 9:00 pm.

Thursday Visit the Mayan ruins at Dzibilchantun on your way to the beaches of Progreso, Chelem, Chicxulub, Telchac and X-Tampu ruins. Visit the co´op next to the church in Dzilbilchaltun. Perhaps you might like dinner at Hacienda Xcanatun on your way back. Or there is also an open-air concert in downtown Merida featuring Yucatecan dress, dance, music and folklore.

Friday Go shopping at the markets, Pasaje Picheta or the best in the city, Casa de las Artesanias on Calle 63, with handcrafts from Yucatan made by Yucatecans with the best prices in the city. In the evening, enjoy the University serenade in the Main University building on the corner of Calle 60 and 57 at 9:00 pm.

Saturday Explore the caves in Loltun and travel the Puuc Route: Kabah, Labna, Sayil, Xlapak and Uxmal. Stop by Hacienda Ochil or Yaxcopoil as you return for the Fiesta Mexicana on Paseo Montejo & Calle 47 at 7:00 pm.

  PLACES TO VISIT