MERIDA

Merida is the capital city of the state of Yucatan. The most languidly tropical of Mexico’s colonial cities, Merida is a town of white washed facades, Moorish style Spanish houses with wonderfully shaded palm-filled patios, 17th century churches and a relaxed atmosphere. It is also the center of the Yucatan’s distinctive culture, making it the best place to see and shop for traditional crafts.

Fully urban and bustling with foot and car traffic, Merida was once the main stronghold of Spanish colonialism in the peninsula.

The conquistador Francisco de Montejo founded present day Merida in 1542 on the ruins of a large Maya settlement. Merida, and the surrounding state of Yucatan, represent the juxtaposition of two powerful civilizations - that of the Maya and that of transplanted Europeans.

Merida is the cultural and intllectual center of the peninsula and its museums, shops and attractions can provide great insight into the history and character of the Yucatan.

Tucked among the restaurants, museums and markets are grand old, beautifully ornamented mansions and buildings that recall the city’s heyday as the wealthiest capital in Mexico.

As with most Spanish colonial cities, Merida is built on a grid system based around the main square or zocalo known as Plaza Mayor or Plaza Principal. The square is surrounded by the city’s main public buildings, while its colonnades and benches, under a canopy of giant laurel trees, provide favorite meeting places. From here you can begin a tour of the city or watch music or dance performances, or just chill in the shade of a laurel tree when the day gets too hot. Every Sunday, Merida closes off the area around the zocalo for an elaborate all-day festival with food vendors, shopping and entertainment.

The Paseo de Montejo boulevard is an historical boulevard fashioned after those found in Paris, France. Here you will find stately homes, shops and quaint restaurants. The University of Yucatan offers folkloric regional dancing on Friday nights at calle 60, which is Merida’s main drag. The Sunday festival is at the Main Plaza, as well as at Hidalgo Park and Santa Lucia Park. Every Thursday, the Santa Lucia Park hosts the Yucatan Serenade, an open air concert featuring Yucatan dress, dance, music and folklore. The park is located at calle 60 and 57.

The climate in Merida
Rainfall and humidity are greatest between June and October. The coolest months are December - February, when it can get chilly in the evenings. April and May are usually the hottest, as both heat and humidity begin to build prior to rainy season. Hurricane season is late September through early November

Merida is a safe place to visit and the people are warm and friendly. Many travelers to Merida return again and again to savor favorite restaurants, neighborhoods and museums.

Ruin sites located within a reasonable distance form Merida are Chichen Itza, Dzibilchaltun, Ek Balam, Mayapan, and Uxmal