Between Centuries and Traditions: The History of Mérida

pmyucatan23
Jan 22
3 min read

Mérida is the capital of the state. Walking through its streets, one can feel its romantic, provincial atmosphere—testimony to a past rich in history and legends. Despite its modern touches, Mérida has managed to preserve its colonial charm, filled with light and color in every corner.

At night, Mérida transforms itself to delight its visitors: taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic center, sitting at the terrace of an open-air café to admire the starry skies, or enjoying performances where mestizas and troubadours offer folklore and romance during evenings filled with music and poetry.

The Mayan Origins of Mérida

Long before the arrival of the Spanish, the land where Mérida now stands held great importance for the Mayan civilization. This settlement was known as T’ho, a name meaning “Five Hills,” and previously as Ichcaanzihó, which can be translated as “Face of the Infinite.” These names reflect the spiritual and cultural significance the area has held since ancient times.

The Mayans left a profound legacy in the region, not only through buildings and roads, but also through traditions, language, and customs that continue to shape Yucatecan identity today.

The Spanish Foundation and the Birth of Mérida

On the remains of the ancient Mayan city, on January 6, 1542, Don Francisco de Montejo “El Mozo” officially founded the city. He chose the name Mérida because the pre-Hispanic structures reminded him of the Roman ruins of the city of the same name in Extremadura, Spain.

As was customary at the time, the urban center was organized around the Plaza Mayor, now known as the Plaza Grande. Stones from ancient Mayan temples were reused to build homes, government buildings, and Christian churches. Among these structures stands the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, considered one of the oldest cathedrals in mainland America.

Colonial Architecture and the Origin of the “White City”

One of Mérida’s greatest charms is its colonial architecture, characterized by a sober style, high ceilings, and large windows—especially evident in today’s Historic Center. Many of these buildings were constructed using cantera, a regional stone that reflects sunlight in a distinctive way.

This combination of light-colored stone, intense sunlight, and the tradition of painting houses in vibrant colors gave rise to the nickname that distinguishes the city today: La Ciudad Blanca (the white city).

Urban Layout and Traditional Neighborhoods

During the colonial period, Mérida grew following a grid layout, with straight streets forming a checkerboard pattern—an urban structure that remarkably remains intact to this day.

From the Plaza Mayor, the city expanded toward the four cardinal points, giving rise to neighborhoods named after their patron saints:

San Sebastián, to the south
Santiago and Santa Catarina (now Parque Centenario), to the west
San Cristóbal, to the east
Santa Lucía and Santa Ana, to the north

This organization also reflected a clear social division: Spaniards lived in the city center, while the peripheral neighborhoods were mainly inhabited by the indigenous population.

The Arches and the Former City Limits

To define the boundaries of the colonial city, seven arches were built to serve as access points and control gates. Over time, urban growth expanded beyond them. Today, only three remain: San Juan, Dragones, and Arco del Puente, true witnesses to Mérida’s colonial past.

The Henequen Boom and Elegant Mérida

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mérida experienced a period of great prosperity thanks to the henequen boom, known as the “green gold.” This era brought the construction of majestic haciendas, elegant mansions, and grand avenues that completely transformed the city’s image.

The finest example of this period is Paseo de Montejo, an avenue inspired by Europe’s great boulevards, which remains one of Mérida’s most iconic and visited spaces.

A City Where Past and Present Coexist

Today, Mérida is a city where the old and the modern naturally coexist. Its colonial streets, historic monuments, and neoclassical buildings blend seamlessly with contemporary infrastructure, a vibrant cultural scene, and an excellent quality of life.

Mérida continues to write its story every day, welcoming both visitors and those who choose to make it their home. More than just a place on the map, Mérida is an experience—an encounter between time, culture, and everyday life that invites you to stay, explore, and become part of it.

Written by Sophia :)>3

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