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Yucatan Haciendas
Haciendas in Mexico were the basis of an economic system begun by
the Spaniards in the 16th century, similar to the feudal system
of Europe. They were efficient farming and manufacturing centers
that produced meat, produce, and other products for export. Over
time, haciendas became symbols of wealth and culture, adorned with
architecture, furnishings and art from around the world.
Like the southern plantations of the United States, haciendas enforced
a social system of castes, based on race, with the haciendados,
or landowners, as masters and the indigenios, or Mayans,
as slaves.
Most Yucatecan haciendas in the 19th century produced rope from Henequen, a variety of the agave cactus, which was exported
for the booming shipping industry. Haciendas maintained huge fields
of henequen, tended by hundreds of men. The main house, or Casa
Principal was usually the largest building, where the haciendado
kept his living quarters and where most of the administration occurred.
Henequen processing took place in the machine
house, or Casa de Maquinas. There was usually a Capilla,
or chapel, a Casa del Majordomo, where the Jefe or
foreman lived, and many other smaller buildings for storage and
living quarters.
Above: The casa principal of Hacienda Tabi.
After the Yucatan Caste War and the subsequent invention of synthetic fibers, most haciendas were abandoned to decay in the jungles. A trip to the Yucatan is incomplete without visiting some of the many haciendas within a few minutes drive of Merida.
Some haciendas in the Yucatan have been renovated into beautiful five star hotels, complete with elegant rooms, sumptuous dining facilities, swimming pools and magnificent grounds. These have inspired modern Casa Yucatan architecture and interior design.
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Other
Haciendas are museums, providing a glimpse into former colonial
times. Others are lived in by locals whose ancestors reclaimed them
during the Mexican Revolution. And still others remain unrestored
and open to the ravages of time.
Below: The unrestored Casa de Maquinas of Hacienda Uayamon.
Feel like exploring? Many haciendas are shown on our map of Yucatan
State. If you are interested in visiting Haciendas while staying
in Merida, don't miss all our other articles about Haciendas:
 Hacienda
Route
Hacienda Hotels
Hacienda Tour
Visit our map:
Map of Yucatan Peninsula
To read in Spanish click here  
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