Yucatán is a majestic and magical state with a wealth of culture, architecture, history and cooking that is simply impressive. The amount of activities and entertainment are enormous and the towns of Yucatán are always ready to provide a warm welcome.
The state is approximately 38,400 km2 and is made up of 106 municipalities. Yucatán
is bordered by the states of Campeche, Quintana Roo and the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Its capital city, Mérida, is a colonial city par excellence. This archeological site is unbeatable in its diversity and quality of Mayan ruins. Also known as the “Ciudad Blanca” (White City), this ancient city is rich in folklore and offers a high level of tourist services and an enormous list of activities.
500 year ago, here in the Yucatán Peninsula, the Mayan city of T’ho o Ichcaansihó still existed. In its place, Mérida began a colonial life with the arrival of the Spanish in 1542. The Spanish immediately developed Mérida in the style of the old Castilian and Andalusian cities. In the Plaza Grande, at the center of the city, you will find the San Ildefonso Cathedral surrounded by leafy laurels. This is the oldest cathedral on the American Continent. Inside, you can admire the largest representation of Christ in the world. Other remarkable places in the city include House of Montejo, Montejo Avenue, the Anthropology and History Museum, the imposing Monument to the Nation, Centennial Park, Park of the Americas, the Bullring and numerous other museums dedicated to anthropology, archeology, antiques, and popular art. Mérida is the cultural heart of Yucatán.
The nights in Yucatán are magnificent spectacles of light and sound. In the Mayan cities of Uxmal and Chichén Itzá, the mysticism of the ancient inhabitants is revived under the moonlight. For music and dance lovers, Mérida offers rhythms for all ages from the most classic to the most modern. Enjoy bohemian nights, Yucatán ballads, bolero, wonderful live salsa bands, merengue, cumbia, mambo, reggae, danzón, rock or pop until the morning light! This city offers grand spectacles to enjoy every day like the traditional Regional Rodeo, the Yucatán Serenata (Serenade) in Santa Lucía Park, or a Yucatán night filled with music, crafts, antojitos, and a warm atmosphere. The ability to walk clean, safe streets at any hour of the day or night is a luxury that few cities enjoy.
Another reason to vacation here is the unmatched happiness and warmth of its people that can be seen as they amiably receive visitors and offer them a smile.
Commercial and industrial developments have made Yucatán a state of great opportunity. With its impressive and modern Twenty-First Century Convention Center located in the state capital, it is the ideal location for meetings, conventions, and exhibitions. The Convention Center is a grand building that evokes the greatness of the Mayan architecture in Mérida’s historical center. It has a total surface area of 903,840 square feet, 224,884 square of which is roofed. The center is made up of a convention hall that can seat up to 6,500 people, an exhibition area that can hold up to 339 exhibits (3x3x10 meters), a press room, 6 cinema rooms and service and concession areas. As an added incentive, the Yucatán government also offers support to event organizers by supplying help with publicity, personnel, logistics, information and equipment.
The incredible quality and number of buildings, monuments and Mayan relics in the state are impressive. The most prominent sites in Yucatán are Umán, Muna, Oxkutzcab, Maní, Teabo, Chumayel, Mama, Tekit, Tecoh, Acanceh, Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, Puuc, Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, Labná, Dzibilchaltun, Aké, Xcambó, Mazapán, Oxkintok, Yaxunah, Izamal, Valladolid, Loltún, Calcehtok, Balankanché, Cuzamá, Chelentún, Chacsinic-che, Bolonchojol, Dzitnup o X’kekén, Ik’kil, Celestún, El Palmar, El Reino Sagrado de Talol and El Cenote Sagrado.
The handmade crafts in Yucatán like gold or silver filigree jewelry, sea turtle carvings, coral, cocoyel shell, and henequen (sisal) products make great souvenirs. Two typical products from this state are hammocks and “guayaveras” (traditional shirts of the region).
The culinary delights of a traditional kitchen in Yucatán are made up of ingredients once used by the Mayans, flavors brought by the Spanish during colonial times, and contributions from the Caribbean and the Middle East. Some of the most popular dishes are salbutes and panuchos (tortillas with shredded chicken, lettuce and onion – and beans in the panuchos), papadzules (chopped egg in a tortilla and covered with pumpkin seed sauce), lime soup, turkey with dark sauce or cheese sauce, the traditional poc chuc (pork marinated in sour orange juice and served with tangy sauce and pickled onions), el Recado (dish made with Mayan spices), and Tikinxic fish with a rich sauce made from habanero chile and tomatoes.
Like all cheerful and pleasant places, Yucatán has many different festivals throughout the year including the most popular, Carnival. Other celebrations in the area are Abalá Festival, Festival of the Virgin Mary, Festival of the Immaculate Conception, Festival of the Expectant Virgin, Festival of the Virgin of Santa Inés, Festival of the Virgin of Izamal, Cristo de Las Ampollas (Christ of the Blisters) Festival, Day of the Virgin of Carmen, the Orange Fair, Santiago Apóstol Festival, Day of San Antonio de Papua, the Tabacco Fair, Passover Fair, Santos Reyes Fiesta, and Festival of the Virgin of Candelaria.
Yucatán has so much to offer that you will need to sharpen your senses and pay close attention during your stay so you don’t miss anything. Enjoy Yucatán!
