On January 6, 2024, the city of Mérida, Yucatán, México will commemorate the 482 anniversary of its foundation by the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo “El Mozo”. The city, which was built over the ancient Maya settlement of Ichcaanzhó, has a rich and diverse heritage that reflects the fusion of Maya, Spanish, African, French, Lebanese, and other cultures.
Mérida is known as the “white city” for its colonial architecture, which includes the oldest cathedral in continental America, the San Ildefonso Cathedral, and the majestic Paseo de Montejo, a boulevard inspired by the Champs-Élysées in Paris. The city also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with museums, theaters, art galleries, and festivals that showcase the local and regional traditions, such as the jarana dance, the trova music, and the hanal pixán ritual.
Mérida has been recognized as the first American Capital of Culture in 2000 and 2017, and as a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO in 2019. Its cuisine is a delicious blend of Maya, European, and Middle Eastern influences, featuring dishes such as cochinita pibil, sopa de lima, queso relleno, and panuchos.
The city is also a gateway to explore the natural and archaeological wonders of Yucatán, such as the cenotes, the underground water sources that the Maya considered sacred, and the ancient cities of Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, and Mayapán, among others.
Mérida is a city that honors its past, celebrates its present, and looks forward to its future. It is a city that welcomes visitors with open arms and invites them to discover its secrets and charms. It is a city that has a lot to offer and a lot to celebrate.
TYT Newsroom
