4th Arts Festival 2008

January 5th - 20th, 2008

Arts Festival, Merida, Cultural Capital
466th Anniversary of the founding of Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

More than 1,000 artists in more than 170 events during 17 days of intense cultural activity are going to adorn the festivities of Merida’s 466th anniversary. Merida’s Municipal Government in conjunction with its Cultural Department and the help of other public and private institutions are organizing this event that is going to be the perfect platform to see and promote within the local and visiting crowds the talent of our local artists.

The Festival of the City rescues and strengthens our traditional folklore of Yucatan with the flavor of the invited guest country – Cuba. Their dance, music, theater, visual arts and literature will provide a magnificent show.

On January 5th, just before mid-night, the traditional dawn party (alborada) will awake the city when the voices of hundreds of trovadores/guitarists/ strolling musicians sing our popular celebration songs to the birthday girl – the city of Merida. Meeting at the Santa Lucia Park and strolling to the Municipal Palace, the beautiful romantic music of Yucatan – la trova – will be heard by all. The church bells will toll at mid-night to mark the occasion as Las Mañanitas is sung to the City.

On January 6th, the faithful Yucatecan people will congregate before the majestic altar of the San Idelfonso Catedral in a ceremony officiated for the anniversary of the founding of Merida, founded on January 6th, 1542 on the Mayan city of T-Ho by Francisco Montejo y Leon, Jr., son of Francisco Montejo, Sr. The Mayor of Merida will also hold session and precide over a ceremony where the proud authorities and citizens will reflect on their identity and commitment with the Merida of today and tomorrow, while paying homage to the men who forged the way towards prosperity and development.

From this day on the hundreds of spectators who visit the theaters, cultural centers, parks, neighborhoods and commissaries of Merida will tingle and vibrate with the intense, rich cultural fusion of cultural activity put on by Cuba and Merida.

Renowned artists such as Omara Portuondo, Yucatecan Armando Manzanero, the Charange Habanera, the Cuban Spanish Ballet, Manuel Mendive, the Jazz Festival Combo, the ex-academics Yahir, Raul, Victor, Nadia and Cinthia, the youth group RBD along with other artistic groups and soloists, will offer shows that we are sure will open many diverse emotions among the spectators and public.

Visual arts and literary creators will also be a part of this event, where they will have the opportunity to present their different artistic propositions, the very ones that will enrich our cultural heritage. There will be a variety of artists – some new to the cultural scene and others with years of history and background.

The Festival of the City will once again be a wonderful attraction showing our beautiful city, history, customs and traditions – things we want to share with you – our visitors. Merida invites you to enjoy our fiesta - our pride and joy! We await you.

To read in Spanish click here

Read more about:
Art Galleries
 Museums
 La Luz Gallery
Sidewalk Sculpture Exhibit
 Anthropological Museum
The Calle 60 Stroll
Casa de los Artistas
Katrin Schikora

Visit our map:
 Map of Merida Historical Downtown
 Map of Merida Downtown
 Map of Merida City