Are you planning a visit to Merida, the historic state capital of the Yucatan? If you are, don’t miss the colorful video mapping projections in the main square in the evenings. First up is Casa de Montejo, the 16th-century residence of the Montejo family, Merida’s founding fathers, where A Meeting of Two Worlds: Dialogue of a Conquistador is screened on Wednesday evening at 8:30 p.m. This tells the story of the Conquest of the Yucatan by Francisco de Montejo “El Adelantado” and the fate of the Maya. The projection is narrated by a guide and is followed by a jarana folk dance performance.
The imposing San Ildefonso Cathedral is the backdrop for the next video mapping on Friday at 8:30 p.m. Sacred Stones tells the story of the founding of Merida in 1542 amidst the ruins of a much earlier Maya city called T’ho and the construction of even more churches, convents and mansions during the Colonial period.
There is another video mapping projection at the Monumento a la Patria on the tree-lined Paseo Montejo boulevard. All three video mapping events are free of charge.
At 6 p.m. during August, the City Tourism Information Office offers a free guided walking tour through the historic heart of Merida. The tour takes in major landmarks such as City Hall, Casa de Montejo, the Cathedral and Government House to see the famous murals depicting the history of the Yucatan by local painter Fernando Castro Pacheco. The tour is also offered Monday to Saturday at 9:30 a.m. year-round and takes about an hour and a half. Visitors should arrive at the Tourism Information Office 15 minutes before the tour departs in order to register and the guide speaks English and Spanish.
On Friday and Saturday evenings there’s another walking tour but with a difference, street theater. During a stroll through the main square and surrounding streets, visitors see scenes of the city’s history played out. Noche de Leyendas is a street theater performance that makes the past come alive. The tour starts outside Peon Contreras Theater at 9 p.m. Tickets must be purchased two hours before the show begins.
Visiting Merida
Thomas More Travel offers trips to Merida and can help you with transport, accommodation and a sightseeing itinerary if you would like to plan a longer stay in this beautiful city.
