American Thanksgiving Dinner
David’s Restaurante will open for the season on Thursday 23 November
A Turkey Dinner with delicious turkey gently cooked in the wood fired oven.,Conchita’s delicious mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, gravy and cranberry sauce, Five Salads buffet and carrot cake.
Drinks at 5 pm, dinner at 6 pm.
Tickets for sale 490 pesos at the Restaurante.
Conchita is at the restaurante from 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday.
Enter by small side door on the right. Phone 969 103 8775
email restaurantedavids@gmail.com
After the 24th of November we will be open 9 am to 9 pm Thursday to Saturday.
Nearly forgotten, charming Yalsihón awaits adventurous travelers
ByCarlos Rosado van der Gracht
September 18, 2023
The tiny community of Yalsihón feels as far away from the hustle and bustle of modern life as possible in Yucatán.
With a population of roughly 500, locals of this comisaria mostly make their living by working in one of the region’s many cattle farms.
But despite its tiny size, if you take the time to look around, Yalsihón has a good deal of charm.
Part of this charm comes from the choice of its locals to build what appear like traditional Maya homes with painted boards of wood instead of the more conventional adobe-like or mortar houses seen in rural Yucatán.
But if ancient sources are to be believed, Yalsihón was not always some remote village almost unknown to the outside world.
As it turns out, the small town and its surrounding area are full of evidence of Maya habitation stretching back thousands of years.
But more impressive still is the town’s enormous pyramid, which was once at the center of a thriving commercial hub.
Telltale signs of Maya occupation, such as stone tools and ceramics, are found everywhere in Yalsihón, to a degree that suggests that the town was much larger and more important than it is these days.
Yalsihón was likely similar in size, if not maybe a bit smaller, than other ancient settlements in the area like Dzilám, now known as Dzilám Gonzaléz.
The Maya text known as the Chilam Balam de Chumayel mentions the arrival of the Itzás of Chichén Itzá in Yalsihión on their way to Xppitah, likely today’s Espita.
Archaeological evidence in and around Yalsihón suggests that the community reached its zenith during the Postclassic period and likely served as an agricultural and logistical hub, connecting the eastern Yucatán with large centers like Chichén Itzá and Izamal.
Given its less-than-stellar infrastructure, the northeast of Yucatán is much less dense with archaeological sites open to the public than its west and south, though that by no means suggests grand cities did not emerge in the region.
But aside from the remains of grand temples, Yalsihón is also important because it offers us a glimpse into the way the ancient Maya actually lived.
Walking through the surrounding fields, it is also possible to spot several structures, some of which are remarkably preserved.
Little archaeological work has ever been conducted in Yalsihón, with the vast majority of it being limited to surveying.
If you go
Yalsihón is quite far away from any major highways, so the best way to get there is by car, driving northwest from Panabá.
As mentioned earlier, the infrastructure in the area is not the best, though some stretches of road are much better than others.
Also, because the area is so remote and receives very little traffic, moderate your speed to avoid hitting animals trying to cross the road.
The story of dogs in Mesoamerica as pets, guardians, and even gods
ByCarlos Rosado van der Gracht
October 16, 2023
Archaeological and iconographical sources make it clear that just like today, even in the distant Mesoamerican past, dogs were mankind’s best friend.
But unlike other regions of the world, only three dog breeds are known to have existed in ancient Mesoamerica. These are the Xoloitzcuintli, the similar but harrier Itzcuintli, and the Tlalchichi, a now-extinct short-legged breed also known as the Colima dogs.
Coyotes, which are also canines, were also commonly depicted in Mesoamerican art and folklore, though because they were not domesticated were feared and revered in almost equal measure.
The role of dogs in Mesoamerican cultures varied between regions and periods, but aside from offering companionship and protection, they were occasionally sacrificed and even eaten, especially in the Aztec culture.
Like in other parts of the world, it was also not uncommon for dogs to be buried with their owners as the animals were associated with both endings and new beginnings.
In the Popol Vuh, the K’iche’ Maya creation myth, dogs play several important roles in the narrative. For example, in the story of the hero, twins sacrificed a dog that belonged to the lords of Xibalba (the underworld) and then brought it back to life.
There is also the case of the dog deity Xólotl, who was venerated as the god of fire and thunder by people, including the Toltec.
Another interesting aspect about Xólotl is that he is the brother of Quetzalcóatl, the feathered serpent deity, as they were both birthed by the virgin goddess Chimalma.
The tlalchichi or Colima Dog was hunted to extinction in the XVII century by Spanish conquistadors who considered them to be unclean.
Given their relatively small size it is likely that these dogs served mostly as companions. Depictions of the Colima dog are plentiful and are often depicted dancing or in cute poses.
Reproductions of famous Colima dog figures continue to be produced today and are often seen displayed in people’s homes.
Unlike the Colima dog, the larger and more resourceful Xoloitzcuintli has managed to survive.
Despite the common belief that all Xoloitzcuintli are hairless, this is in fact not the case. It just so happens that the hairless variety has become so popular that their furry counterparts get much less attention.
As purebreds, hairless Xoloitzcuintli are fairly sought after they don’t often go for under 500 USD.
In recent decades the popularity of the Xoloitzcuintli has exploded, with thousands of specimens now in Europe, especially Sweden and Russia.
Will Yucatán’s new power stations make CFE outages a thing of the past?
ByCarlos Rosado van der Gracht
October 17, 2023
Construction of new CFE power plants is underway in both Mérida and Valladolid.
The new facilities are designed to help Yucatán deal with increasing energy demands and the numerous power failures that go with them.
Existing power plants, including the facility on the highway to Umán, are also being retrofitted to generate more power by installing next-generation turbines.
“We are looking to go online with our first tests in November 2024. When fully up and running, these improvements will add considerably to Yucatán’s energy production capacity network,” said Subsecretary of Energy Juan Carlos Vega Milké.
However, the problems with Yucatán’s energy grid are not limited to production, as aging infrastructure and what can only be described as a mess of ancient wiring continues to cause outages.
In older neighborhoods, including García Ginerés, power outages constantly affect residents and businesses.
Earlier: Renewable energy is under siege in Mexico, say experts
Several newer residential developments and suburbs tend to have fewer power outages as much of their electrical infrastructure is now underground.
But aside from blackouts, there is growing concern about how energy is produced in the state.
Like in the rest of the country, roughly 80% of Yucatán’s electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels.
While this is understandable given how long ago the electrical grid was first implemented, critics of Mexico’s energy policy say that the country really should be focusing more on renewable sources.
Mexico’s carbon dioxide emissions were estimated at roughly 400 million metric tons in 2021, ranking as the world’s 15th largest polluter of greenhouse gases.
Emissions aside, according to the CFE itself, the electricity generated by private firms in Mexico is up to 26% cheaper than their own.
This has led several private firms to buy energy from alternative suppliers. However, recent modifications to Mexico’s energy sector rulebook now heavily favor state-owned power companies, making it harder for private firms to sell energy to industry and consumers.
Despite the government’s stifling of the private energy sector in Mexico, most energy industry analysts believe that the trend toward privately generated green energy is here to stay.
“There is no turning back the clock. We are close to reaching our goal of running on 80% green energy and plan to reach 95% by the end of 2023,” said Grupo Bimbo President Daniel Servitje.
Vergel’s Aquaparque, Mérida’s very own urban oasis
ByCarlos Rosado van der Gracht
October 18, 2023
Mérida is a great city to call home, but even those of us who love it the most sometimes get bogged down by things like traffic and the city’s constant hustle and bustle.
Fortunately, Mérida has several wonderful getaways to escape the craziness of urban life and relax. One such place is the Aquapaque in Vergel, a neighborhood in the city’s east.
Though the body of water at this lovely park appears at first glance to be natural, it is actually the result of limestone quarrying from roughly 30 years ago.
After the large quarry was abandoned it began to flood and attract several species of birds not commonly seen in the city, especially water birds. At the time, residents feared that without maintenance, the stagnant water of the flooded quarry would become a hotspot for mosquito reproduction.
Residents of the area petitioned the state government to address the issue, and ultimately in 1997, it was decided that the quarry would become a city park. City Hall got to work and planted hundreds of large trees for shade. They also constructed a series of paths that would become popular with joggers.
The park has also become a popular spot for dog walking. Just remember to pick up after your pups and keep them on a leash at all times.
Today the park is popular with residents of Mérida’s southeast, as well as birders, but remains unknown to many residents.
The best time to visit Mérida’s Aquaparque is early in the morning when the heat is at its lowest and the birds begin to come out for breakfast.
The city has also built a series of small pools on the property for children, but these have been closed to the public since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Entrance to Mérida’s Aquaparque is free and open 24 hours every day of the week. The park has groundskeepers but it’s perhaps wise to not visit too late at night.
So put on some comfortable shoes, dust off your binoculars and camera, and start exploring.
For more on birding in Yucatán check out our “Amazing Birds series” Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5
Ask a Yucateca: Should I be concerned about appropriating your culture?
October 9, 2023
Ask a Yucateca: Should I be concerned about appropriating your culture?
This is a question I get a lot. Cultural appropriation has become a sensitive topic for folks in the last decade. So you may be wondering how people in Mexico/Yucatán feel about foreigners using elements of traditional culture.
In all honestly, people here in Yucatán tend to be pretty relaxed about this sort of thing. For example, when Looney Tunes said they would phase out the Speedy González character for being stereotypically offensive to Mexicans, people all over the country cried out, “¡Amamos a Speedy!” and the company decided to backtrack. A similar thing also happened with a relatively recent Mario Bros game, where Mario was given a poncho and set in a desert-like world full of structures resembling Aztec temples. Folks here loved it, while in the US and Canada, many saw it as being in poor taste.
As Mexicans, we celebrate the fact that elements of our culture get representation abroad, even by non-Mexicans. This, of course, is only the case as long as it is done in a tasteful and respectful way. One sensitive topic is when foreigners embrace elements of narco culture, which most Mexicans agree is despicable. It also often rubs people the wrong way when gringos are adamant about giving their opinions on sensitive topics they don’t really understand or with which they have no lived experience.
One of the things that Mexicans and Yucatecos are most proud of when it comes to traditional culture is cuisine. So when someone talks about the “authentic panuchos” they had in Toronto, we can’t help but roll our eyes. But on the other hand, we are guilty of loving cream cheese and jalapeños on our sushi, so maybe we should not be so quick to judge. There is nothing wrong with foreign takes on our favorite dishes; just don’t call them authentic unless they really are. For example, I once had an amazing frijol con puerco in Montreal, and believe me, I chowed it down like there was no tomorrow. Just for heaven’s sake, don’t put mayonnaise on cochinita pibil.
Also, if you walk through the streets of Mérida with a poncho or a giant sombrero because you think this will make you blend in, we will relentlessly make fun of you rather than take real offense.
So feel free to try your hand at making tamales, get that tattoo of a Maya balam or hire a Mariachi. We love it. Just make sure that when representing our culture, you do so in a respectful way that embraces and honors our traditions. The more you do this, the more likely it is that you will be embraced by locals and given the opportunity to participate with us in the celebration of our culture.
Kanasín native Yesica Benitez explains the realities of local culture to bewildered expats. Email her at yesicabenitez@roofcatmedia.com
Born in Yucatán, Yesica Benitez Chan is a marketer, avid gardener, softball player, baker, and a great lover of Yucatecan culture and cuisine.
Climate change and dangers to Yucatán’s cultural heritage By Carlos Rosado van der Gracht October 10, 2023
Much has been documented on climate change and rising sea levels affecting low-lying regions like the Yucatán Peninsula.
But one aspect seldom discussed is its impact on cultural heritage.
The principle is not particularly difficult to understand. As sea levels rise, structures — even those that have existed for over a millennia — will be submerged.
The closer the archaeological remains are to the coastline, the more endangered they are. However, proximity to the ocean is not the only factor to consider.
For instance, the archaeological site of Xcambó lay less than a mile from the coastline but is also built in an extremely swampy area, making it liable to flood or, at the very least, get extremely muddy.
According to a recent NASA report, even conservative estimates project the globe should expect a sea level rise with averages of 25 to 30 centimeters, or nine to 11 inches, by 2050.
While that may not seem like a lot, when you combine this fact with the erosion along Yucatán’s coast and the destruction of the Peninsula’s mangroves, things could get very ugly.
When it comes to archaeological remains, severe damage is already being detected in the region surrounding Ciudad del Carmen.
Also at considerable risk is the archaeological site of El Rey, which sits next to a golf course on the lagoon opposite Cancún’s Caribbean beach.
With the increasing size of developments along Yucatán’s coastline, concerns have begun to arise regarding the viability of continued growth in the region.
Though only time will tell just how much of Yucatán’s history will be lost for the coming generation, one thing is for certain: nature yields for no one.
Born in Mérida, Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican/Canadian blogger, photographer and adventure expedition leader. He holds degrees in multimedia, philosophy, and translation from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
Construction of Tren Maya HQ in Mérida advances at a rapid pace
ByCarlos Rosado van der Gracht
October 5, 2023
An enormous office building that intends to serve as the Tren Maya headquarters is advancing at a rapid pace.
According to Por Esto, somewhere between 300 and 400 workers are working around the clock to finish the project by this time next year.
The sprawling complex is located in the north of Mérida, directly across from Plaza Galerias shopping mall.
The multi-story building is designed to serve as the main headquarters for the Tren Maya, though why exactly it needs to be so large is a bit of a mystery.
Also unknown is the construction budget, which, like the rest of the Tren Maya project, is being built by Mexico’s armed forces.
The site of the new complex sits in the same spot that was supposed to be home to Mérida’s Estadio Sustentable.
Considerable advancements in the construction of the rail network, as well as stations, have also been achieved.
For example, the entirety of the rail network appears to have been set for sections 2 and 3, which extends from Calkíni in Campeche to Izamal, Yucatán.
But despite the faster-than-expected progress, it’s hard to imagine that the entirety of the project could be completed by the end of President López Obrador’s six-year term.
On the other hand, as the president’s party (MORENA) is widely expected to win in 2024, the project will be finished nonetheless.
Born in Mérida, Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican/Canadian blogger, photographer and adventure expedition leader. He holds degrees in multimedia, philosophy, and translation from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
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