Mérida is the capital city of the state of Yucatán, Mexico. In the center and north part of the state, less than 100 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, at . In 2003 the population was about 793,000, placing 11th among the most populous Mexican cities.

History

Mérida was built in the 16th century by orders of the Montejo family of Spanish Conquistadores over the Maya city of Ti'ho, also known as Ichcaanzihó or land of the great “sihoes” which had been in existence for centuries earlier. Some carved Maya stones from ancient Ti'ho are still visible reused in some Spanish Colonial buildings. Some Maya still use the ancient name Ti'ho when referring to Merida. Much of Merida's architecture from the Colonial period, through the 18th century and 19th century is evident in the central portion of the town. From colonial times through the mid 19th century Merida was a walled city to protect the Spanish and Ladino residents from periodic revolts by the indigenous Maya. Several of the old Spanish city gates survive, but modern Mérida has expanded well beyond the old city walls.

Weather

Warm-hot humid weather. May and June are simply awful. The locals hide at the beaches of Progreso during the summer, and for the week following the christian holiday, Easter.

Culture

Mérida is nicknamed "The White City" both for a common color of its buildings and the fact that the residents keep the city particularly clean. Mérida was named after the Spanish town of the same name, originally (in Latin) Augusta Emerita (see Mérida, Spain). It is located in the approximate epicenter of the Chicxulub Crater. Mérida served as the American Capital of Culture in the year 2000. The city is full of exquisite art galleries as well as the inevitable tourist shops. The main drag, Paseo de Montejo, is lined with original sculputre by up-and-coming American and Yucatecan artists, as part of an exibit. Mérida and the state of Yucatán are somewhat isolated form the rest of the country, and it shows in many things. The Conquistadores found the Mayan culture to be incredibly resiliant,and their attempts to erradicate Mayan tradition, religion and culture had only moderate success. The surviving remnants of the Mayan culture can be seen everyday, in speech, dress, and in both written and oral histories. It is specially apparent in holidays like Hanal Pixan, a Mayan/Catholic Day of the Dead celebration. It falls on Nov. 1 and 2, (one day for adults, and one for children) and is commemorated by elaborate alters dedicated to dead relatives. It is a compromise between the two religions, crucifixes mingled with skull decorations and food sacrifices/offerings.

Race

Many inhabitants are Mayan descendants. Slow paced, witty, romantic and happy. Food: Yucatecan food is its own unique style, different from the rest of Mexico in many ways. It includes influences from the local Mayan culture, and Caribbean, Mexican and European, and Middle Eastern cultures.

Language and accent

The Spanish spoken in the Yucatan is readily identifiable as different, even to non-native ears. It is heavily influenced by the Mayan language, which is still spoken by older residents in most smaller towns and villages, as well as in southern Merida. The Mayan language is harshly melodic, filled with X sounds, and very full throated vowels. Younger Yucatecans are rarely fluent in Mayan today, the language of choice is now English, which is taught in all schools starting in the first grade. Most attendees of private schools speak at least halting English, but the education levels of the public schools vary widely. French is taught to some students during their second of the three years of high school. The basics of Greek and Latin are taught to all students their first year of high school.

Music

La Trova Yucateca is a very nice, romantic music style. Dance: the traditional jarana is a popular tourist attraction, where the dancers dance in lovely white costumes.

Mérida is well known for its excellent hammocks, which do not stretch when you use them.