News From Merida and the Yucatan

Fall 2009

Every year, we think that there is no possible way to pack any more excitement into the Fall cultural scene in Yucatan, and we are always surprised to see an amazing array of additional events provided for our enjoyment.

Otoño Cultural
In the past, Fall officially began with the Otoño Cultural (Fall Cultural Festival) in early October. Now, Merida begins its fall festivities with Mes Patrio (Native Month). This is an important patriotic month for Mexico because Mexican independence is celebrated on September 16. The remainder of the month is devoted to fostering solidarity among the Mexican people and states. Before the red, white and green of Mex Patrio is even put up in the streets, there are already cultural exchanges of music and dance going on between the various states in Mexico. Throughout the month, there will be exchanges of art, theater, music, and dance between the states so that every Mexican will have an opportunity to bond with all of the cultures in their nation.

Symphony Orchestra of Yucatan
On September 11 and 13, the new Symphony Orchestra of Yucatan's season begins with a performance called "Sounds of the world, featuring 2 guest directors and three guest musicians. Román Revueltas and the Venezuelan César Iván Lara will be the two invited guest directors. The three illustrias invited musicians are violochelists Inna Nassidze and Ophelie Gaillard, as well as soprano Irasema Terrazas. According to Maestro Juan Carlos Lomonaco, director of our OSY, Inna Nassidze is the greatest chellist in all of Mexico. However, this performance will not leave out Yucatan's own bevy of talented musicians. There will be many opportunities for them to solo and show the world just how talented the Symphonic Orchestra of Yucatan really is. As usual, the performance will take place in Teatro Peon Contreras, Calle 60 x 57, at 9:00 PM on Friday and 12:00 IM on Sunday.

Nuestra Belleza México 2009
On September 20, 2009, Nuestra Belleza México 2009 (Our Beauty Mexico), a national beauty contest, will take place in Merida. Contestants will arrive for instruction and final training on Sept 3. The first phase of the contest will be on the 12th of September. Then, on the 17th of September, there will be the bathing suit and cocktail dress competition. Finally, on September 20th, the 15 finalists will compete for the title of Nuestra Belleza Mexico 2009. Competition will include intellectual preparation, as well as physical beauty. This final competition will be broadcast lived throughout the nation. During the course of the competition, these young ladies will tape their presentations from a number of places throughout our state. These include Celestun, Progreso, Sisal, Valladolid, Uxmal, Chichen Itza, and Merida. These tapes will then become part of their competition and will be shown throughout the nation on the final night of the contest. This will present Yucatan to all of Mexico and will serve to show the Mexican people that Yucatan is a wonderful place to both vacation and to live, and is expected to significantly boost tourism from other states in Mexico.

Otoño Cultural [Fall Cultural Festival]
The Otoño Cultural (Fall Cultural Festival) begins in Merida in early October. This is an amazing production that manages to put on over 1,100 events in the scant space of about six weeks. The Symphony Orchestra of Yucatan shines during this time, as do the various instrumental and vocal groups from UADY and the Municipality of Merida. The array of local, national, and international talent is simply amazing. Look also for Jazz and trova festivals, as well as classic cinema series to be part of this festival, as well as a number of national and international competitions in dance and sports.

Day of the Dead
At the end of October, of course, are the festivities surrounding the Day of the Dead. During the past two to three years, wonderful Day of the Dead alter building contests have sprung up and the offerings become more elaborate and sophisticated with each passing year (as do the monetary prizes for the winners). These alters are not only a way of preserving the past, but also a means of encouraging younger generations of Yucatecos to carry their living and relevant heritage forward into the future.

To see photos from previous celebrations,

Otoño Cultural [ending]
The Otoño Cultural ends with the beginning of Yucatan's 2009 State Fair at X'Matkuil, on the outskirts of Merida. This year, the dates are November 6 through November 29. This is not just any ordinary state fair. As part of this celebration, there are contests to find the best new voices in the state, as well as more - always more - trova and jazz. To get just a taste of what this fair is like, visit the website of which includes information about both the 2008 and 2009 events.

Toh Bird Festival
November 19 - 22, 2009 are the dates for the in Yucatan. This festival is a bird-watcher's dream, with plenty of opportunities to not only watch birds, but to get hands on experience with volunteering to help with some of them as well. The array of birds found in Yucatan is astonishing and this is a trip well worth taking for any avid bird-watcher.

Yucatan Living publishes a weekly Events column where you can learn not only what's to do in any given week, but more about what to expect from each performance. We have an Art in Merida page and a page for Ongoing Events and Classes. No matter who you are, there is always something wonderful, created just for you, to do in Yucatan! We invite you to join us at Yucatan Living and enjoy the rich and varied cultural offerings to be found in the magical State of Yucatan.

Each year, Merida comes more alive in the fall and winter seasons, as tourists continue to come from far and wide to experience the unique Mayan culture that is thriving in the Yucatan. Those of us who are residents here are looking forward to a very active and interesting winter season… We invite you to join us!

MERIDA HOTELS

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