News From Merida and the Yucatan

Spring 2008

Easter Week is known in Mexico as Semana Santa. It is really more like two weeks. Two weeks of vacation for a lot of Mexicans, who use this time to become tourists in their own country, mingling with the usual group of tourists from around the world. In the Yucatan, this season is marked by gremios (religious processions through the streets, usually carrying statues of saints and banners, accompanied by singing and music), church events, Passion Plays (like the famous one in and a lot of fiestas with family and friends. The beaches of the Yucatan are well-attended during Semana Santa and most hotels are as busy as they get all year. When Semana Santa is over, Merida settles down to get ready for the heat.

Spring in Merida
The hottest month in Merida is typically May, and April is one of the driest months. During April, the Mayans burn their fields, hoping to return some nutrients from last season's crops to the soil. The smoke from their milpas (fields) can sometimes be smelled in the middle of town. Agriculturists and the government have been trying to educate the Mayans to leave behind the slash-and-burn technique of farming, and the burning is less than it used to be.

Don't Worry About the Smoke!
If you are visiting this time of year, you might smell smoke but don't panic. There is very little that can burn in the city of Merida. During these months, you might also be treated to the sight of a swarm of locusts. Every once in awhile, on a schedule we aren't privy to, the locusts descend on the Yucatan, eating up the crops where they land. Occasionally, they can be seen in town. If you see a strange, shifting dark cloud in the air, don't panic! Watch and be amazed as the swarm flies, shifting directions and swirling in the air like a school of fish. They won't hurt you unless you have green leaves and grow from roots. If you get a chance to see one of the locusts up close, you'll notice they look like sturdy, multi-colored and quite interesting grasshoppers.

Art in Merida
What's also hot in Merida these days is ART! More and more art galleries are opening their doors, and the streets are full of art. The new MACAY sculpture exhibit on Paseo de Montejo will feature sculptures from Mexico and Germany. They will be installed at the end of March and will stay there until a few weeks before Carnaval 2009.

Exhibits featuring photography, original painting, installations, videos, poetry readings and much more are opening in March as well. And the Sunday morning Art on Paseo Montejo is continuing to grow. For all the latest art news, as well as addresses, times, phone numbers and more, go to the definitive listing for art venues in Merida, Yucatan Living's . The page has a downloadable map, which can also be picked up at any museum, gallery or information booth in Merida.

Music in Merida
Music has always been a big part of Yucatecan culture. Merida even boasts a Music Museum (you can find its location on Calle 59 in the Mejorada District in the Art in Merida article mentioned above). Now, Merida is experiencing a revival of jazz, with not one but two jazz clubs featuring live music every week. The Mayan Pub on Calle 60 and Jazzin' Merida on Calle 56 bring live performers from around the world to play for audiences in Merida, and by the looks of it, there is a lot of interest here. If you are visiting and love jazz, be sure to check out the jazz with latin influences that is played so beautifully here.

Mother's Day
One of the biggest holidays in Merida in the Spring is Mother's Day. Mother's Day is a day that all of Mexico takes very seriously, and if you are here on that day, you will see a lot of people selling or buying flowers to give to a special mother. If you are planning to go out to dinner that evening, consider making a reservation, because everyone in town AND their mother will be going to dinner too. Usually, reservations are not necessary in all but one or two restaurants here, but Mothers Day is an exception.

MERIDA HOTELS

For current Merida hotel and resort information including rates, availability and secure on-line reservations please see: Merida Hotels and Resorts

  Transfer from Merida airport is not available.