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 Latitude 20.97°N Longitude 89.62°W. 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.

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. Mérida and the state of Yucatán are somewhat isolated form the rest of the country, and it shows in many things:

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 cultures.

Language and accent

Very marked Yucatecan accent in the local Spanish. The Maya language is still spoken, sometimes exclusively by older Mayans, and as a first language by most Mayans over the age of 30. Younger Mayans generally speak both Mayan and Spanish, and of course, some are learning English, French and other European languages because of the tourist trade. Several Spanish expressions are used with their Mayan meaning.

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.