Known by many names and for various roles, Plaza Grande is ever-changing

Culture | History

Known by many names and for various roles, Plaza Grande is ever-changing

ByYucatán Magazine

After its radical renovation over the last few months and ahead of the Independence Day celebrations, all eyes are on the Plaza Grande in Mérida. 

This historic square has been a Maya shrine, a site for pledging allegiance to Spanish kings, where colonial gallows stood, and the epicenter of citizen protests and festive celebrations. 

Its long-standing significance is evident in the many names it has held over time: Plaza de Armas, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de la Constitución. Today, it is most commonly known as Plaza Grande or Plaza Principal, though its official name, Plaza de la Independencia, is displayed on a plaque in the Municipal Palace.

Once a dirt-filled area in both Prehispanic and colonial times, its paths have been tiled, paved with red French cobblestones, and even black asphalt. In 2024, red bricks further modernized the park. Modes of transportation that have passed through its streets have also evolved—from horses and carriages to trams, buses, and now cars, motorcycles, and bicycles.

The First Spanish Encounter with T’hó

In 1541, 20 Spanish men and their captain arrived on foot at the future Plaza Grande. These were the first Europeans to set eyes on the Maya city of T’hó (also known as Ychcanzihó), which they were sent to explore by Francisco de Montejo the Younger, who had camped in nearby Cibical (modern-day Dzibikak, Umán). Montejo planned to settle in T’hó after preparing for the conquest of two Maya chiefdoms that had resisted submission.

When the Spaniards reached T’hó, they were greeted by a city populated by humble farmers living in wooden and straw huts. Yet they were struck by the massive hills dotting the city, especially the one that stood where the Plaza Grande now lies. On top of these hills were ruins of ancient Mayan shrines, remnants of a once-magnificent civilization. Though the shrines had long since fallen into disuse, the Spaniards were impressed by their scale and grandeur, reminding them of the Roman ruins in Spain.

T’hó Becomes Mérida

After the initial exploration, Montejo’s scouts reported that T’hó was easy to conquer due to its lack of warriors. Soon after, the Spanish army marched to T’hó, establishing their camp on Bakluumchan Hill — now the Plaza Grande. The Maya called this hill the “serpent that surrounds the earth.” It offered a vantage point for the Spaniards, who feared a counterattack from the Maya warriors.

In January 1542, the Spaniards formally founded Mérida on the site of T’hó, naming it after the city in Spain. They chose to build the new Spanish colony here because of its pleasant climate, fertile lands, and proximity to other affluent Maya towns. Bakluumchan Hill was leveled, and its stones were used to construct the buildings surrounding the Plaza Mayor, now known as Plaza Grande. The Plaza de los Poetas, the upper part of the Municipal Palace courtyard, is all that remains of the hill.

The main square became the center of the colonial capital, home to essential buildings such as the town hall, granary, slaughterhouse, and prison.

A Place of Allegiance and Rebellion

Throughout its history, the Plaza Grande has witnessed both pledges of loyalty and acts of defiance. On Dec. 26, 1557, Mérida’s residents gathered to swear allegiance to King Philip II of Spain, with a grand ceremony that included a procession to the Cathedral and a public oath-taking in the Plaza Mayor. Similar ceremonies followed in later years, including one in 1599 to honor Philip III.

However, the Plaza Grande also saw darker moments. On December 14, 1761, it became the site of the brutal execution of Jacinto Canek, a Maya leader who led a rebellion against Spanish rule. His torturous death was meant to serve as an example to the indigenous population, and his body was burned, with his ashes scattered outside the city.

The Plaza’s Role in Popular Protests and Festivals

In more recent times, the Plaza Grande has been a stage for political and social movements. During the Mexican Revolution, workers and citizens gathered here to protest against the establishment. One notable event took place on Nov. 24, 1915, when a crowd, incited by anti-clerical sentiment, stormed the Cathedral, destroying religious artifacts and burning Catholic icons.

In the 21st century, the Plaza Grande again changed with the times. Colorful letters spelling out the city’s were erected for visitors taking selfies. Modern-style benches and new pavers were added and landscaping was aggressively altered, going along with street modernizations that encouraged pedestrian traffic. It’s a place for rock festivals, along with folkloric dance demonstrations. And, of course, it’s still a place for demonstrations both patriotic and rebellious.

Despite its turbulent past, the Plaza Grande remains the center of community life in Mérida. It continues to host celebrations such as the annual Grito de Independencia, parades, and festivals marking the anniversary of Mérida’s founding. Its role as the heart of Mérida is undeniable.

Known by many names and for various roles, Plaza Grande is ever-changing

New trails and better views of Xlapak’s amazing architecture

ByCarlos Rosado van der Gracht

Xlapak has long been considered the “lesser” of all the Maya Puuc sites open to the public. Much of this has to do with the fact that for a long time, only a single restored structure was accessible to visitors. 

But thanks to recent improvements to the site’s infrastructure, new trails have been carved through the jungle, allowing visitors to better appreciate this ancient agricultural outpost. 

When entering the site and following the path, the first structure you encounter is a three single-floor abode decorated with intrinsically carved rain god masks above the middle entrance and on the corners.

Known simply as Structure 1, this wonderful example of ancient architecture is often regarded as the epitome of classical Puuc architecture. Though Chaac rain god masks follow similar patterns from site to site, they all have subtle, unique variations—with Xlapak’s featuring particularly sharp teeth. 

Moving deeper into the archaeological site, you will notice ruins of structures that have yet to be restored. While some of these ruins may be candidates for reconstruction, others are so badly damaged (or pillaged) that bringing them back to something resembling their former glory is impossible.

When moving towards Group 2, keen observers will notice the ruins of collapsed walls and foundations and a back view of a single-standing structure that archaeologists have recently been working on.

Walking around the structure, the facade of the restored temple becomes visible. It features pronounced cornices and barrel-shaped adornments, for which Puuc architecture is well known.

Continuing through the site, visitors are graced with the birdcalls of several species and a glimpse of the region’s thick and beautiful jungle, much denser than even a dozen miles north.

Around a bend lay Group 3, which is dominated by a large artificial platform atop which several structures once rested.

Atop the platform lay a single surviving chamber, doubtless part of a larger complex lost to time and pillagers. Despite its relatively small size, the ruins of this temple inspire a sense of defiance and resilience— if you are the sort of person inspired by such a thing—something which yours truly unabashedly is. 

Given its location almost exactly halfway between Labná and Sayil, it is likely that Xlapak served as an agricultural outpost governed from as far away as Kabah. But this does not mean it was not important, after all, what is more important to a civilization than food?

Getting to Xlapak is easy, from the Mérida-Muna highway take a turn at the sign indicating the way to Labná and Sayil.

Former mayor of Progreso denied permits for an egalitarian wedding

Mexico’s Sheinbaum appoints athlete-turned-politician Rommel Pacheco for leadership role

ByYucatán Magazine

One of Yucatán’s more personable public figures, Rommel Pacheco, has caught the eye of Mexico’s president-elect.

Claudia Sheinbaum has picked the 38-year-old former Olympic diver and federal deputy as the next head of the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sports (Conade). On his popular social media accounts, Pacheco describes himself as an athlete, public servant, and proud Yucatecan, reflecting his sports, military service, and political achievements.

Pacheco’s diving career spanned more than 25 years, during which time he represented Mexico in various international competitions. He competed in four Pan American Games, winning three gold medals, and participated in four Olympic Games.

His political career began in 2021 when he joined the National Action Party (PAN) and was elected as a federal deputy. During his tenure, Pacheco was a vocal critic of the current Conade leadership, particularly its head, Ana Gabriela Guevara, and expressed concerns over her institution’s management. He even considered legal action against her for mismanagement. Now, he is set to replace Guevara at Conade.

As a deputy, Pacheco emphasized his commitment to improving health, supporting women’s rights, advocating for animal rights, promoting sports and tourism, and advancing gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. He reports having contributed to 1,400 legislative initiatives, including significant measures like Law 3 of 3, recognition for traditional midwives, support for the rights of people with disabilities, and proposals to increase the minimum wage.

After leaving PAN, Pacheco joined the Morena party, which offered him a chance to run for the mayor’s office in Mérida. This switch in political affiliation drew criticism from both his former PAN colleagues and some Morena members, who objected to his candidacy and labeled him a “grasshopper,” a term for politicians who change parties. In the June elections, he secured nearly 39% of the vote in Mérida but fell short of the winner, Cecilia Patrón Laviada, who garnered over 51%.

Pacheco will lead Conade, succeeding Guevara, whose administration faced several conflicts with Mexican athletes.

With this new role, Pacheco will oversee the sports sector he once worked in. Additionally, Pacheco holds a degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Human Capital from Universidad Anáhuac del Sur and has experience as a public speaker.

Construction of a 40-hectare land platform in the Port of Progreso is approved by government

written by Yucatan Times September 3, 2024 

 At the end of the administration of Governor Mauricio Vila Dosal, the Administration of the National Port System (Asipona) of the Port of Progreso legally granted a sea surface to the State government for the construction of a 40-hectare land platform in the Deepwater Port.

Vila Dosal reported today on this agreement between his administration and the Asipona during the presentation of the construction of the shipyard of the Yucatecan company Diques Peninsulares in the Deepwater Port.

Going into greater detail, the Secretary of Economic Development and Labor, Ernesto Herrera Novelo, said that this sea surface is already property of the Yucatan government, but the comprehensive expansion of the deepwater port is on hold at the request of the elected president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, who called for a meeting with the 32 administrators of the Asipona of the country in these days so that she can learn about all the projects in process and pending. And she in particular is interested in doubling the land platform of the port from 40 to 80 or 90 hectares.

Herrera Novelo also reported that during the administration of Governor Vila Dosal, 28 projects will remain in the investment portfolio for the installation of new companies, which he is following up on through meetings with the Governor-elect Joaquín Díaz Mena and with the recently appointed Secretary of the Economy, Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón, with whom he has met on 4 occasions so that he can learn about the model of investment and creation of well-paid jobs in the State.

Progreso entrepreneurs demand to protect local culture and prevent gentrification

written by Yucatan Times August 30, 2024 0 comment

Given the notable increase in the number of visitors that Progreso usually receives not only temporarily but also permanently, the head of the National Chamber of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (Canaco Servytur) of Progreso, Manuel Contreras Alcalá, made a call to citizens in general to prevent gentrification and to protect local culture and customs altogether so these are not lost.

Contreras pointed out that Progreso is receiving more and more people who like the state and its coasts, who come from other parts of the country and other countries to live in Yucatán, which results in traffic and housing problems.

“We are already seeing apartment buildings popping up everywhere, which was uncommon in Yucatan and on the coast,” stated the business leader.

“Of course, all this is very good, but there is a fine line that the authorities have to take care of, especially because we are trying to satisfy the needs of people who are not native, who bring other customs,” he said.

“We are adapting to these changes very quickly, but they are irremediably leading to an increase in the prices of Real Estate, rentals, and many other products. The question at this point is: Are the Yucatecans prepared for these significant changes?” he continued.

Contreras did not rule out that the arrival of foreigners could be productive in terms of economic spill for the region. However, he stressed that they must be aware of the phenomenon known as “gentrification”, which can cause the Yucatecan essence to be lost in the port of Progreso.

“There are people who come from central Mexico who see with amazement that we can go out to the door of our houses to cool off in the afternoons, something that they are not used to doing, and begin to modify our lifestyle. They begin to build their completely closed houses and create their private communities, where they have swimming pools, paddle tennis courts, and tennis courts, among others, which makes us think that gentrification is just around the corner in Progreso”.

TYT Newsroom

Erik Rihani González was officially sworn in as the new mayor of Progreso

written by Yucatan Times September 1, 2024 

Erik Rihani González was officially sworn in this Saturday, August 31, as mayor of Progreso, Yucatan, for the period 2024-2027 in an event that took place in the Presidents’ Room or Council Room of the Municipal Palace.

He was accompanied by all the members of the Council, of which seven belong to the PAN political party (from the majority, including Rihani himself) and four from Morena (from proportional representation).

José Efraín Escalante was appointed as the new Secretary of the new Municipal Government.

Due to the small size of the room, the event was broadcast simultaneously in the reception of the presidency, in the Juárez Room and in the basement of the palace through closed circuit screens.

Rafael Combaluzier Medina and Patricia Gamboa Wong witnessed the act, as well as the commander of the 13th Naval Zone of Yucalpetén, Vice Admiral José Ramón López Luna and the state president of the PAN, Asís Cano Cetina.

Patricia Rosado González was also sworn in as Municipal Official (reelected), Marytere Bates Hevia, Manuel Antonio Blanco Ordaz, Carmen Gutiérrez Rebolledo and Jorge Romario García Ramírez.

The councilors of the Morena Party also took the oath. They are Román García Martínez, Addy Catalina Estrella Pinto, José Elías Cruz Cámara and Pamela Pech Pisté, who committed themselves, as requested by the new mayor, to work for the port of Progreso and its people, regardless of their political affiliation.

The collapse of a sacred ceiba tree into a cenote is seen as a sign

ByCarlos Rosado van der Gracht August 21, 2024

Last week, the tiny town of Xocén made headlines after a 100-foot-tall ceiba tree collapsed under its massive weight into a sinkhole.

However, being located in Yucatán, it soon became apparent that this was not simply a sinkhole but a previously undiscovered cenote. 

Speleologists are just now beginning to explore the secrets of Xocén’s cenote and publishing photographs. 

The collapse of a sacred ceiba tree into a cenote is seen as a sign

ByCarlos Rosado van der Gracht August 21, 2024

Last week, the tiny town of Xocén made headlines after a 100-foot-tall ceiba tree collapsed under its massive weight into a sinkhole.

However, being located in Yucatán, it soon became apparent that this was not simply a sinkhole but a previously undiscovered cenote. 

Speleologists are just now beginning to explore the secrets of Xocén’s cenote and publishing photographs. 

“The collapse of the ceiba into this cenote in Xocén appears to have been an entirely natural phenomenon, but this sort of event is important to understand as the region continues to grow and develop,” a speleologist, Erick Sosa, told Diario de Yucatán. 

Locals have interpreted the Ceiba’s collapse and the cenote’s appearance as an omen.

“Xocén is a place full of mysticism. It is hard to know right now what this event could mean… but many folks are taking it as signs of major changes to come,” Mayor Alfredo Fernández said in a press statement.

Earlier: Cenote Suytun beckons lovers of nature and social media alike

The ceiba tree, or ya’axche in Maya, is considered sacred to the Maya people because of its symbolic representation of the universe.

Cenotes have also long been considered sacred in Yucatán, as they are considered both literal and metaphorical portals to the Maya underworld, Xibalbá.

“The collapse of the Ceiba into the cenote feels oddly symbolic of what is happening in our communities. We have to do a better job of protecting our resources if we are to have any future at all,” said Juan Pech, a local of Xocén, on Facebook.

The importance of cancer prevention and what is holding Yucatán back

August 19, 2024

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with cervical cancer being one of the most preventable yet still one of the most deadly, said Dr. John P. Díaz, a leading gynecologic oncologist at Baptist Health in Miami.

While taking a break from a medical conference in Mérida, our conversation illuminated a global disparity in cancer prevention. Yucatán is among the regions that lack effective cancer screening and HPV vaccination efforts.

While the United States sees relatively low numbers of cervical cancer cases—approximately 14,000 annually—other countries experience a much higher incidence. 

“In the United States, we’ve managed to reduce cervical cancer cases significantly through widespread Pap smear screenings, HPV testing, and vaccination,” Dr. Díaz explained. “However, in places like Mexico and many other countries, these preventative measures are not as readily available or accessible, leading to a much higher rate of cervical cancer.”

The statistics are alarming. Globally, over 500,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year, with the disease being one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in these regions. The challenge, according to Dr. Díaz, lies not only in the availability of resources but also in education and overcoming cultural stigmas associated with HPV and its vaccination.

The power of prevention: screening and vaccination

Dr. Díaz’s message is clear: prevention is key. Pap smears are a simple, cost-effective screening tool that can save lives by detecting cervical abnormalities before they develop into cancer. However, the uptake of such screenings is limited in many developing countries, including Mexico.

Moreover, the HPV vaccination, which can prevent the majority of cervical cancer cases, is not widely administered outside of more developed nations. The reasons are multifaceted—cost, lack of access, and cultural resistance all play a role. “There’s often a stigma associated with vaccinating young girls against a sexually transmitted infection,” Dr. Díaz noted. “This is a barrier we must overcome to protect future generations.”

Miami isn’t just for shopping trips

Baptist Health South Florida in Miami attracts patients from Yucatán and around the globe seeking advanced cancer treatment. Dr. Díaz highlighted the advanced robotic surgical techniques used at Baptist Health, which allow for minimally invasive procedures with quicker recovery times. This is particularly important for cancer patients, as it allows them to begin therapy sooner, potentially improving outcomes.

The hospital also offers cutting-edge treatments, such as proton therapy, which is not available in many parts of the world. This technology, along with a robust clinical trials program, positions Baptist Health as a leader in cancer care.

Bridging the Gap

While facilities like Baptist Health provide world-class care, the broader challenge remains—how do we extend these benefits to regions where such resources are more limited? Dr. Díaz stressed the importance of mobile screening units, education campaigns, and international collaborations to bring life-saving technology and practices to underserved areas.

“In places like Yucatan, we see a rising incidence of endometrial cancer, linked to aging populations and increasing obesity rates,” Dr. Díaz shared. “While we can treat these conditions effectively at our facility, the goal should be to prevent them through education and early detection.”

About Dr. Díaz

Díaz is medical director of Robotic Surgery and chair of the Robotics and Innovations in Surgery Subcommittee at Baptist Health South Florida.

Díaz oversees the organization’s expanding robotic surgery program as new technologies and field advances continue to develop exponentially.

Dr. Díaz has extensive training and experience in robotic and minimally invasive surgery. In December, he was named chief of Gynecologic Oncology at Miami Cancer Institute, where he performs surgery and leading-edge research in gynecologic cancer, including endometrial, ovarian, cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer. He was one of five founding gynecologic oncologists at Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health, when it opened in 2017.

“As our robotic surgery program continues to grow, we are fortunate to have a skilled leader and surgeon at the helm,” said Jack Ziffer, PhD, MD, executive vice president, chief clinical officer and physician executive at Baptist Health. “We are entering a new era in robotic medicine, performing more and more complex cases with the assistance of robotic technology.”

The Center for Robotic Surgery at Baptist Health is designated as a Center of Excellence for Robotic Surgery (COERS) by the Clinical Robotic Surgery Association (CRSA) and a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (COEMIG) by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL). The center specializes in general, bariatric, oncologic, colorectal, gynecologic, thoracic and urologic surgery, as well as ear, nose and throat surgery.

Dr. Díaz helped pioneer fertility-sparing surgery for cervical cancer and sentinel lymph node mapping for gynecologic malignancies ? both of which are now standards of care.

“Surgical innovation is fundamental to improving patient care,” Dr. Díaz said. “I’m enthusiastic about my new roles because as we explore new technology, devices and techniques, the people of South Florida and beyond benefit from our latest breakthroughs.”

Born and raised in Miami and fully bilingual, Dr. Díaz earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Miami. He completed his obstetrics/gynecology residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital and his gynecologic oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York, receiving the Department of Surgery Chairman’s Award. He then returned to Miami and served as an attending physician at the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

He is an associate professor for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Florida International University. His research interests include novel surgical techniques for ovarian cancer and innovative cancer therapies, including hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In 2019, Dr. Díaz was awarded a $1.8 million grant to investigate immunotherapy and PARP inhibitors for cervical cancer treatment.

Dr. Díaz’s research has been published in numerous peer-reviewed medical journals, such as Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology, the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Gynecologic Oncology Reports. He also reviews for Gynecologic Oncology, BioMed Cancer, the International Journal of Gynecologic Oncology and the Annals of Surgical Oncology.

Maya Balloon festival lights skies over Tahmek

ByLee Steele August 25, 2024

The sky over Tahmek was alight with color as the Globo Maya Festival began, marking the start of a magical celebration in the heart of Yucatan. Dozens of vibrant balloons, each one a testament to the creativity and skill of artisans from Yucatán, EdoMex, Hidalgo, Veracruz, Morelos, Michoacán, and CDMX, soared above the excited crowds.

This year, the festival also welcomed talented balloon makers from Brazil and Colombia, adding an extra splash of international flair to the event.

These artists and visitors not only filled the sky with breathtaking displays but also laid the foundation for boosting the local economy and tourism. The festival continues Sunday, Aug. 25.

The fourth annual Maya Balloon Festival, its name in English, is expected to attract more than 8,000 visitors per day.

Before the weekend is over, up to 40 handcrafted balloons of different sizes and shapes will rise into the sky, said Minelia Sabido Luit, an organizer of the festival.

“We invite everyone to come and visit us with their families. It’s a completely family-friendly event, and we will have balloons ranging from five to 15 meters in height and in different designs,” she said.

She also mentioned that during the festival, visitors can see designs inspired by Yucatecan and Mexican culture, as well as balloons featuring cartoon and movie characters, which children especially love. Additionally, on both nights, small balloons will be mass-released at 9:30 p.m. “We want everyone to come and buy a balloon so that, at night, we can release them all at once, lighting up the sky with many colors and creating that beautiful scene we hope to capture this weekend in our beloved town,” she expressed.

Finally, she stressed that this festival is important for the economy not only of Tahmek but of Homún, Mérida, and Izamal, since many visitors stay there to attend the festival.

“The benefit permeates many sectors, to the moto taxis, to small shops, to the one who sells dinner, to those who have something to sell, or those who rent their houses, plus the municipalities that surround us, since in Tahmek there are no hotels,” Sabido said.

The Libertad neighborhood sports field is the event’s venue. Tahmek is 25 miles from Mérida, about a 30-minute drive. The event is free while parking is 50 pesos.

Lee Steele

Lee Steele is the founding director of Roof Cat Media and has published Yucatán Magazine and other titles since

Tahcabó: An ancient land where time stands still, parrots roam and honey flows

In the same region, past Tizimín, you will also have the opportunity to take the detour to Kulubá, considered by many the most important archaeological site in the east of Yucatán state. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

Progreso City Council recognized for good management of public funds

 Aug 19, 2024

THE SUPERIOR AUDIT OFFICE OF THE STATE OF YUCATAN RECOGNIZED THE MUNICIPALITY FOR COMPLYING 100% IN THE SEVAC EVALUATION / THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE SMAPAP HAVE RECEIVED THE DISTINCTION IN DIFFERENT EVALUATIONS CARRIED OUT /

PROGRESO.– Less than two weeks before the end of the current municipal administration, the City Council of Progreso reported that it received recognition from the Superior Audit Office of the State of Yucatan (ASEY), for the good management of public resources.

In a statement, the City Council explained that the recognition was specifically for having obtained a 100% rating in compliance with the evaluation of the “Accounting Harmonization Evaluation System” (Sevac) corresponding to period 1 (first quarter) of 2024.

In this regard, Mayor Roger Gómez Ortegón reported that Sevac is a technological tool that aims to collect and know the information of those public entities, parastatal institutions and agencies subject to public resources to determine the degree of compliance and the financial statements they keep.

In this context, the City Council received recognition from the Superior Audit Office of the State of Yucatan (ASEY), not only in period 1 of the first quarter, but also in period 4 of the fourth quarter of 2023. In both periods, the Municipal Drinking Water and Sewerage System of Progreso (SMAPAP) also received it.

Gómez Ortegón would therefore like to thank citizens for their trust and contribution in paying various taxes, which allowed the Progreso City Council to invest in improving various services and public spaces.

He also extended his thanks to the Smapap, Transparency, and Treasury and Finance teams, which complied in a timely manner with the instruments requested for said evaluation.

Finally, the mayor stressed that the 2021-2024 municipal administration once again proved to be an administration that manages, correctly uses public resources and is transparent in its finances.

Progreso will close the holidays with the Poseidon Fest

written by Yucatan Times August 18, 2024 

Next Saturday, August 17, the Poseidón Fest will be held on the pink basketball court of the Malecón Internacional de Progreso as part of the closing of the 2024 vacations and promote family-friendly activities.

This party will feature the participation of prominent DJs who will offer an attractive musical atmosphere, starting at 4 p.m.

To guarantee the safety of all attendees, the Municipal Police and the Red Cross will be present during the event.

Through a press release, they indicated that this event is family-friendly and the entry of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited.

They call on all citizens and visitors to join this activity and enjoy a closing holiday full of joy and fun on the beach.

The Statue of Chaac is finally unveiled in Telchac Puerto

written by Yucatan Times August 19, 2024 

After weeks of controversy over the inauguration of a statue of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, on Progreso beach, another statue was inaugurated this Friday night in Telchac Puerto, that of Chaac, the Mayan deity of water and rain.

The new figure of Chaac is six meters high and weighs 800 kilos.

It is located on the Telchac dock, a few meters from the main park, and is intended to contribute to a greater impact on the arrival of tourists.

The cost of its elaboration was 400 thousand pesos, but it was not money from the public treasury, but rather it was a donation from an artist, who for the moment has not wanted to reveal his identity.

Many people and entire families have taken advantage of this night to take a souvenir photo with Chaac.

TYT Newsroom

Get your Greek on with this yogurt churro recipe

Stephen Randall August 13, 2024

Mixing Mexican and Greek cuisines might sound out there, but if you think about it, there are some strong throughlines. A few weeks ago, I had some friends over for carnitas served on homemade pita bread with tzatziki sauce. They were tacos with a Greek twist — you’ve got a fiesta in your mouth where feta cheese crashes into the dance floor with spicy jalapeños. Picture a mariachi band drinking ouzo or a Greek philosopher pounding some churros. 

Let’s not forget the Greek salad with a touch of Mexican flair. Throw in some avocado and tortilla strips, and suddenly you’re not sure if you’re dining in a quaint taverna or a bustling taqueria. The vibrant flavors of Greek food complement the spicy notes of Mexican dishes, creating a bold blend that keeps you on your toes.

Today I’d like to share a recipe that uses the creamy, rich textures of Greek yogurt to make churros with honey and crushed pistachios. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to give your dinner guests something to talk about, go ahead and mix up this Mexican-Greek fusion dessert, don’t be scared. It’s the equivalent of proudly wearing a sombrero on a Greek island beach. Did I mention it’s only four ingredients?

Greek Yogurt Churros with Honey and Crushed Pistachios

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 2 tablespoons honey (plus more for drizzling)
• 1/2 cup crushed pistachios (finely chopped)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, self-rising flour, and honey. Mix until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable.
2. Shape the Churros:
   • Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can shape the dough by hand into logs or small balls.
3. Fry the Churros:
   • Heat oil in a deep pan to about 375°F (190°C). Pipe the dough directly into the hot oil, cutting off pieces with scissors, or drop the shaped dough in by hand. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Prepare the Coating:
   • While the churros are frying, place the crushed pistachios in a shallow dish.
5. Coat the Churros:
   • Remove the fried churros from the oil and drain them on paper towels. While they’re still warm, drizzle with additional honey and then roll them in the crushed pistachios until evenly coated.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the churros warm, with more honey on the side for dipping if desired.

This recipe combines the tangy richness of Greek yogurt with the natural sweetness of honey, creating a dough that’s both flavorful and easy to work with. The use of self-rising flour simplifies the process, while the crushed pistachios add a much needed crunch. The honey not only sweetens the churros but also helps the pistachios adhere, creating a beautiful and tasty coating ready for the center stage of your next dinner party (or at least your Instagram). This combination results in a unique twist on traditional churros, offering a lighter, more nuanced flavor profile that’s both satisfying and sophisticated. Try it out and let me know what you think!

Stephen Randall has lived in Mexico since 2018 by way of Kentucky, and before that, Germany. He’s an enthusiastic amateur chef who takes inspiration from many different cuisines, with favorites including Mexican and Mediterranean.

Yucatán is the state with the least corruption in the country according to INEGI

written by Yucatan Times August 13, 2024 

Photo: Cortesía Gobierno de Yucatán

The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), says Yucatán is the state with the lowest index of corruption in all of Mexico.

The Government of Yucatán is ranked as the state with the least corruption in the entire country, since according to INEGI, it registered the lowest perception of corruption of all the state governments in the country.

According to data from the National Survey of Government Quality and Impact prepared by said institute, the state occupied the first place in the country with the lowest perception of corruption in the State Government.

Based on the INEGI report, also in the category of experiences of corruption and trust in institutions, Yucatán was ranked among the first two places, with a percentage much higher than the national average.

Also, the entity was ranked second in trust in the State Government.

7 Best Beaches Near Merida, Mexico, for Soft Sand, Blue-green Waters, and Thousands of Flamingos

By Meagan Drillinger August 13, 2024

Mérida, the Spanish-influenced capital of Mexico’s Yucatán state, is a city rich in history, culture, and architectural jewels. Known as the “White City,” Mérida is a maze of leafy plazas, colorful streets, stately 19th-century mansions, and an iconic main avenue (Paseo de Montejo) that was modeled after the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

But beyond its ancient Mayan history, Spanish cathedrals, modern boutiques, and gourmet scene lies a different paradise just a short drive away: some of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches in Mexico.

Yucatán’s northern shoreline borders the blue-green Gulf of Mexico, where coastal communities offer serene escapes from the city’s notorious humidity, and soft sand, gentle waves, and fiery sunsets are the norm.

Brace yourself for bone-white coastline, toes-in-the-sand restaurants, milky blue-green waters, and pops of neon from the thousands of flamingos that live within the biosphere reserves to help keep this part of Mexico protected.

Puerto Progreso

There’s a reason Puerto Progreso has become the most famous beach town near Mérida. The sugary shores and blue-green water from where the Gulf of Mexico kisses the Caribbean Sea are absolutely idyllic.

Just about 40 minutes north of the city, Puerto Progreso is on the northern coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s a destination where travelers can be as active (or inactive) as they please. Two boardwalks run along the shoreline, including the 1.5-mile International Boardwalk, complete with a carousel and Ferris wheel. Sandy spaces have been sectioned off for beach soccer and volleyball, while kitesurfers and windsurfers cruise the waves out on the water.

Puerto Progreso is a popular port town, but it’s much more low-key than destinations like Playa del Carmen and Cancun. It’s also the gateway to some other great destinations in the Yucatán Peninsula, like the Mayan archaeological sites of Dzibilchaltún and Xcambó.

Celestún

Celestún has all the visuals of Puerto Progreso and just a fraction of the people. This sleepy fishing village, with its sandy streets and picture-perfect view of the Gulf of Mexico, lures beach lovers with sun-bleached sand and calm, turquoise water. Barefoot, sun-kissed swimmers camp out at plastic tables underneath massive palapas, snacking on colorful ceviche, salty grilled fish, and ice-cold beers.

But perhaps Celestún’s biggest draw is the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve, a web of mangrove wetlands rich with birdlife, especially flamingos. Travelers can hire sputtering lancha boats that leave right from the shoreline and head into the biosphere in search of the swaths of magnetically pink birds. You can find them by the hundreds clustered together in the lagoons, their vibrant blush-colored feathers dramatically popping against the blue-green sea.

For adventures on dry land, Celestún is home to a petrified forest, teeming with more than 200 species of mammals, like ocelots, jaguars, and spider monkeys.

Sisal

Sandwiched between Progreso and Celestún, Sisal is another dreamy color palette come to life with white, turquoise, and pale green. While Sisal’s history started as a port town for Spain, its coastal lifestyle is much more laid-back today. Visitors can explore remnants of the past, from the old lighthouse to the fort, but what brings most visitors to this fishing village is the peaceful, natural beauty of the beaches.

Sisal, like Celestún, is part of the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve, and it’s humming with wildlife. The mangroves and lagoons are a flurry of flamingos, sea turtles, and migratory birds. Sisal as a community has cemented its commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism to ensure wildlife remains part of the experience here.

Eager nature lovers can set out on guided kayak tours through the nearby reserves. There are also opportunities for bird-watching and mangrove tours. Forget raucous beach bars and after-hours anything in Sisal. Evening entertainment begins and ends with fiery sunsets that paint the water in smoldering orange, pink, and purple hues.

El Cuyo

El Cuyo is flecked on a skinny ribbon of powdery sand separated from the mainland by a marshy lagoon. The small fishing village, slightly more isolated than other communities, is a three-hour drive from Merida and provides a much-needed escape with its wide stretches of soft sand, turquoise water, and swaying palms. There are no large-scale chain hotels in El Cuyo, and that’s exactly how the locals like it.

El Cuyo is part of the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, a protected area known for its rosy flamingos that add bursts of color amid the greens and blues of the mangroves and lagoon.

The village itself is splashed with color, with bright shops and houses. Tuck into fresh seafood underneath a palapa and prepare for the breathtaking sunsets that cast a warm glow over the Gulf.

Isla Columpios

The area between Sisal and Progreso is a patchy collage of swirling green lagoons dotted with clusters of mangrove forests. Until very recently, this marshy area, webbed with spits of white sand, was mostly ignored by locals and tourists. But slowly, its reputation for crystal-clear water and sugary soft sandbanks leaked and travelers are starting to catch on to this coastal secret just north of Merida.

Part of the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, the beaches here are relatively untouched. The swings (columpios) that rise out of the shallow waters are the standout of Isla Columpios. Visitors come for their iconic photo op swinging over the crystalline water.

You’ll find lots of cold drinks and snacks on Isla Columpios, but for something more substantial, head to the nearby town of Chuburná. Both Isla Columpios and Chuburná are accessible via a long, thin stretch of highway that cuts through the verdant Sierra Papacal.Chelem

Chelem is close to Puerto Progreso, but feels like an entire world away. The laid-back vibe and undeveloped beaches create an idyllic, castaway experience that’s perfect for disconnecting with a good book and a slowly rocking hammock.

Chelem’s shallow waters make it ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, while the small fishing village has a handful of restaurants that serve up fresh ceviche, fish tacos, and plump, grilled shrimp. The pristine coastline allows for uninterrupted views of the horizon, and the sunsets in Chelem are truly spectacular.

A burgeoning community of expats brings a different vibe to Chelem compared to other fishing villages, but they’re integrated with locals, giving Chelem a funky and international energy.Telchac Puerto

A long strip of white sand frames the milky blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico in this tiny fishing village. Telchac Puerto, east of Puerto Progreso, is a quiet community of just a few thousand people. Locals and expats cycle or walk down sandy streets, sunbathe on the empty shoreline, or stroll down the quiet malecón (boardwalk).

The town has a few small attractions, like the Museo del Mar, showcasing exhibits on regional marine life. The archaeological site of Xcambó is just 15 minutes away. Visitors to Telchac Puerto also like to visit nearby Xtampú, known for its bubble-gum-pink Laguna Rosada, or Pink Lagoon.

Diaz Mena announces the Progreso deep-sea port will double the land platform from 40 to 80 hectares

written by Yucatan Times August 13, 2024 

The Yucatecan export sector described as excellent news the announcement made by governor-elect Joaquín Díaz Mena, of the Morena-PT-PVEM coalition, about the change in the expansion project of the deep-sea port of Progreso, which would double the land platform from 40 to 80 (or even 90) hectares.

The news was given by the Morena member and the virtual president-elect, Claudia Sheinbaum, and immediately Alejandro Guerrero Lozano, president of the Association of Export Maquiladoras of Yucatán (Index), said that this modification for the improvement and expansion of the port infrastructure is possible due to the new political panorama of Yucatán, since both the State government and the Presidency of the Republic will be in the hands of the same party.

“For the export sector, it was very good news. In meetings, we had with Díaz Mena during the campaign and after he was elected, he had told us that the 40 hectares planned by the current state government was only the first stage of the expansion,” Guerrero Lozano said in an interview.

“Now that the political panorama has changed, the plan is more ambitious and more beneficial for foreign trade. With so many international companies that want to come to Yucatán and the project of the two industrial parks for well-being, there could be a collapse in the port of Progreso.”

“The news that they will double the land platform and that they will build the rail network of the Mayan Train for cargo to Progreso was music to our ears,” said the business leader.

“Expanding the land platform to more than double, deepening the draft and the navigation channel will allow more cargo and tourist ships of a larger size to arrive and for more companies dedicated to foreign trade to set up,” he added.

Guerrero Lozano said that, as far as he knows, he will first begin dredging to have a wider navigation channel and a deeper draft in the deepwater port.

“It is something that the private sector has been asking for for years. It was important to hear from the president-elect that they were going to build the Mayan Cargo Train to Progreso in two years. The development of the two industrial parks goes hand in hand in that period,” he added.

“Yucatán will continue with its good moment of economic development, I believe that better times are coming and if we maintain favorable security conditions, a greater number of international companies will look to the state to set up shop,” he predicted.

TYT Newsroom

Despite the rains, the beaches of Progreso are crowded

Yucatan Times August 12, 2024 

Although many tourists were scared away during the morning by the rain that hit Progreso, tourists crowded the beach during the afternoon.

The intermittent rains and the lack of sun did not prevent the influx of visitors this Saturday in the port of Progreso.

In the last days of the summer vacation, the port of Progreso continues to be the favorite of both national and international tourists.

Likewise, locals usually visit this port on weekends, mainly Sundays, when lines form at the bus terminals.

It is expected that during the last weekends of summer, the large influx of visitors will continue in this and other ports of Yucatan. TYT Newsroom

Living outside the US is no excuse not to vote: Here are resources

By  Yucatán Magazine  August 10, 2024

For U.S. citizens living in Mexico, there can be a sense of helplessness when observing the political process from afar. However, it’s crucial for those residing abroad to know that they are still eligible to vote in U.S. Federal Elections, regardless of where they live. With approximately 1.5 million U.S. citizens residing in Mexico, their collective vote has the potential to significantly impact the election outcome.

As the U.S. election draws near, global attention is focused on the fierce competition between the political parties. The results of this election will profoundly shape the future of the United States, underscoring the significant differences between the parties.

To take part in the election, it’s important to register and request your ballot as soon as possible. Registration can be completed at VoteFromAbroad.org, and your voting location will be based on your last U.S. residence, no matter how long ago you lived there. Remember, you must request your ballot for each election year, and the website will guide you through the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) process, which is the form used by overseas voters to request ballots. To ensure timely receipt of your ballot, opt for email delivery.

The voting process varies by state, so it’s essential to carefully follow your state’s specific guidelines to ensure your vote is counted. While most states allow online submission of completed registrations, if your state requires postal return, you can either ask someone traveling to the U.S. to deliver it or use the U.S. Consulate in Mérida, which provides a mail pouch for registration forms and ballots. For additional assistance, visit democratsabroad.org/VoteFromMexico.

Dual citizens who have never voted in the U.S. are also eligible to vote. In 38 states, citizens who have never lived in the U.S. can vote based on the last U.S. residence of their American parent.

Once registered, you should receive your ballot by email on September 21, which is 45 days before the November 5 election. It’s advisable to vote as soon as you receive your ballot to ensure it reaches your state in time. Most states require postal return, so print your ballot and postage-paid envelopes, and be sure to follow your state’s specific instructions for completing and signing your ballot. If you plan to mail your ballot through the U.S. Consulate, do so by October 1 to ensure it arrives at your local election office before November 5.

For detailed information on ballot return options for each state, visit votefromabroad.org. For step-by-step guidance on the voting process, visit democratsabroad.org/VoteFromMexico.

Federal law allows voting for federal offices such as the President, Vice President, Senate, and House of Representatives. Some states also permit voting in state and local elections. It’s crucial to carefully read and follow all instructions, ensuring all necessary signatures are in place, as varying state requirements and human error can lead to rejected ballots.

Your vote holds significant power.

Post sponsored by Democrats Abroad

Yaxhá, the Abandoned Maya Capital on the Green Lake

ByCarlos Rosado van der Gracht August 10, 2024

Atop a ridge overlooking a bountiful lake, Yaxhá grew rapidly to become one of the greatest ancient cities of the Petén during the early Classic period. 

Belonging to the Maya civilization, Yaxhá is in the municipality of Flores near the Belize border.

Yaxhá translates to “green water,” likely making reference to Lake Yaxhá, which the site overlooks.

With over 500 monuments, including nine large pyramids, two ball courts, and several sprawling acropoleis, Yaxhá ranks as the third-largest Maya site in the Petén, only behind the legendary cities of Mirador and Tikal. 

Yaxhá came to the world’s attention when it was rediscovered by famed archaeologist Teobert Maler in 1904, although the site was not mapped until the 1930s.

Archaeological evidence suggests the city was first occupied sometime in the 7th century BCE. 

During this early phase of Yaxhá’s history, homes and ceremonial buildings were limited to structures made from perishable materials built atop stone foundations or hills.

Construction on a truly monumental scale likely kicked off 300 years later and reached its peak sometime around the 3rd century CE. 

Most of the structures dating before the 4th century BCE in Yaxhá are severely damaged, and few have received any archaeological reconstruction.

Structures dating from after the 3rd century exhibit evidence of a strong influence of Teotihuacan culture, from what today is central Mexico.

The influence of Teotihuacan is felt throughout Mesoamerica and evidenced through cultural practices, art, and architecture. 

Yaxhá’s history is closely intertwined with those of its largest neighbors, Nakum, and El Naranjo, which like Yaxhá were likely subordinate to Tikal. 

Yaxhá is also believed to have had strong ties with other major Mayan city-states, including Caracol and Calakmul, the latter of which was involved in proxy wars for several centuries as an ally of Tikal. 

By the late Classic period, Yaxhá had been eclipsed in importance by Nakum. Construction continued, though at a slower and less grandiose pace.

Unlike other grand city-states of the region, which appear to have been abandoned virtually overnight during the Classic Maya collapse, Yaxhá appears to have hung on for centuries to come. 

In fact, there is good evidence that the city was continuously occupied until sometime in the 16th century, when it was abandoned for good and would be swallowed up by the surrounding jungle. 

The core of Yaxhá is made up of a large number of plazas and architectural groups connected through a series of causeways. 

Designated the Northern Acropolis, this large architectural complex is one of Yaxhá’s most imposing attractions. 

The architecture of the Northern Acropolis exhibits a mixture of classical Petén style architecture combined with elements imported from central Mexico, such as Tablero-Talud construction techniques.

Several massive and extremely well-preserved stelae have provided epigraphers with much of the information we now know about Yaxhá. These are also in the Northern Acropolis.

Nearby sits one of Yaxhá’s two reconstructed prehispanic ballcourts, also known as Pok ta Pok.

Plaza A in the East Acropolis is dominated by a number of pyramids built in the 8th century, making it one of the last major construction projects in Yaxhá’s history. 

Yaxhá is also well known for its large amount of surviving stucco, especially in Plaza B’s Temple of Columns.

If you go

The most logical jumping-off point for visiting Yaxhá is the tiny island town of Flores on the beautiful Lake Petén Itzá.

Getting to Yaxhá from Flores is fairly easy as several tour operators offer day trips. Though Yaxhá and Tikal are relatively close to each other, it’s best to dedicate a day to visit each, as “combo” tours tend to be rushed. 

Because of Tikal’s fame, Yaxhá is often overlooked by tourists who find that “one archaeological site is enough.” Blasphemous, I know.  

The Petén region is extremely lush and full of beautiful vistas and wildlife, so make sure to bring along binoculars and a good camera. 

Tensions flare between legit fishermen and poachers

ByYucatán Magazine August 10, 2024

In response to illegal octopus fishing, local fishermen are organizing to address the issue, even resorting to burning their foes’ boats.

Two nights ago, over 200 seamen met with Telchac Puerto Mayor Alfredo Marrufo Díaz to discuss the ongoing problem of illegal octopus fishing using unauthorized equipment. The mayor acknowledged his previous efforts with state and federal agencies to combat the issue, particularly targeting foreign fishermen who exploit the sea’s resources during off-seasons. Unfortunately, these efforts have yet to yield results.

Marrufo Díaz praised the local fishermen for taking action and emphasized the importance of unity in protecting their livelihood. As a gesture of support, he offered them two boats for surveillance, along with funding for salaries and fuel for the patrols.

The fishermen described the challenges they face due to unfair competition from outside divers who use boat hooks and chlorine to extract octopus from caves. While local fishermen typically catch 80 kilos, these outsiders often harvest more than half a ton.

Jorge Carlos Povedano Merino, president of the local Nautical Committee, reported that around 400 fishermen are affected, with daily catches ranging from 70 to 80 kilos. He mentioned that approximately 20 medium-sized boats are fishing in the area.

“There are 30 to 40 boats operating at three fathoms depth, with about eight divers using boat hooks and chlorine to harm the octopus. Despite being warned, they ignored us. In response, we burned a boat to send a clear message that we are serious,” he said.

Fisherman Guillermo Salvador Euán shared his experience of encountering divers from Campeche on his boat, who were equipped with boat hooks and chlorine bottles. He expressed concern about the damage caused by these divers, who are not from the local area.

“The divers from Campeche operate at depths of two to three fathoms, often with 8 to 10 men on a boat, when the maximum allowed is five. Despite this, maritime authorities have not imposed sanctions, leading us to take matters into our own hands by burning a boat,” he noted.

“They are taking snails, lobsters, and fish from caves—resources we rely on to feed our families during northern winds. This is causing significant harm to our community.”

Idelfonso Cetina, Municipal Fishing Director, pointed out that the issue with foreign divers has persisted for years. Although reports have been made to the relevant authorities, the laws protecting against illegal fishing are inadequate and have been largely ineffective.

“This time, we presented evidence of the species being harmed. The use of chlorine damages the rocks and caves, which take years to recover and be usable again by marine life.”

There were no arrests during the conflict on Wednesday, and only two boats were seized. According to Conapesca, since it is considered a minor offense, the penalties are limited to fines for the boat owners.

Cetina explained that this lack of enforcement prompted local fishermen to take action by burning a boat, highlighting the seriousness of the situation in Telchac, especially since the divers are not from Yucatan.

He added that Conapesca has not yet reported any sanctions against the illegal fishermen. The local fishermen have decided to defend their territory against anyone engaged in improper fishing practices, particularly diving.

Regarding the request for the dismissal of the Harbor Master, Cetina stated that the fishermen are calling for his removal because they feel unsupported. While the Harbor Master has acted within the laws, the fishermen believe these efforts are insufficient and are therefore demanding his dismissal.

With school holidays ending soon, it takes more than gray skies to discourage beachgoers

ByYucatán Magazine August 10, 2024

Saturday was mostly rainy and miserable, but Yucatán’s port city of Progreso saw many visitors on summer vacation’s penultimate weekend.

Families, tourists, and friends enjoyed the sun and food at the port. Fruit cups were particularly popular among locals, a local newspaper reported.

The Poseidon statue, which had been closed off by federal authorities, proved a popular attraction. Visitors waded in to pose with the likeness of the Greek god of the sea.

By midday, vehicle traffic into Progreso via the Mérida-Progreso highway was heavy but manageable. However, once inside the port, long lines of cars were observed in the central streets and near the boardwalk, with parking spaces in high demand.

On the original malecón, a group of people playing on the beach caught the attention of tourists, who paused to watch.

By evening, the skies were vivid, and some even saw a rainbow, which had capped off a day of rain and power outages.

Millionaire Investment Announced for the Mayan Cargo Train

Commitment to the development of southeastern Mexico

With these ambitious investment plans, Claudia Sheinbaum reaffirms her commitment to continue and expand the flagship projects of the current administration, focusing on the development of southeastern Mexico.

Both the Mayan Train and the Interoceanic Corridor are seen as catalysts for economic growth, which will not only benefit local communities, but will also position Mexico as a key logistics hub in Latin America.

The president-elect will take office on October 1, and it is expected that these projects will be promoted from the beginning of her term, marking the beginning of a new stage in the country’s infrastructure and development.

Next Mexican President Would Bring Tren Maya to Progreso

Claudia Sheinbaum Pledges Multimillion-Dollar Investment in Mayan Train After Meeting with Morena Governors on the Peninsula

ByYucatán Magazine August 9, 2024

MEXICO CITY – President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum vowed to address unfinished aspects of the Tren Maya, or Mayan Train, and the Interoceanic Train projects following a meeting with Morena governors from the south and southeast of Mexico. She committed to an investment of 83 billion pesos to complete both initiatives within the next two years.

Sheinbaum made this announcement during a press conference alongside Mara Lezama, governor of Quintana Roo, and Salomón Jara Cruz, representative of Layda Sansores, governor of Campeche.

Also in attendance were Morena-affiliated leaders Joaquín Díaz Mena, governor-elect of Yucatán; Eduardo Ramírez, newly elected governor of Chiapas; and Rocío Nahle, governor-elect of Veracruz.

Further Investment in the Tren Maya

On Thursday, Sheinbaum reaffirmed her dedication to advancing the Mayan Train project, a signature initiative of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

The former Head of Government estimated that an additional 48 billion pesos is needed to fully complete both the Mayan Train and the Interoceanic Train. She stated that the goal is for the Mayan Train to be operational as a freight train within two years, utilizing the same tracks, with additional infrastructure work being overseen by the National Defense Secretariat (Sedena).

Additionally, a connection to Puerto Progreso, Yucatán, is planned, which will require a further investment of 35 billion pesos.

Plans for the Interoceanic Train

Regarding the Interoceanic Train, Sheinbaum mentioned the completion of two lines—one connecting with Guatemala and another reaching Dos Bocas, Tabasco. This will also necessitate an investment of 48 billion pesos.

“The priority projects we’ve outlined include the completion of the Mayan Train as a freight train and the finalization of the Interoceanic Train. We are currently assessing whether these can be completed within a year or if they will require two years,” she reiterated.

Governors Present Their Proposals

During the meeting with elected Morena governors, Sheinbaum was briefed on the projects deemed essential for their respective states. She indicated that these will be evaluated for potential inclusion in the 2025 Economic Package, noting that discussions have already begun with future cabinet members to develop this plan.

“We will continue to support the southeast,” Sheinbaum emphasized, pointing out that collaborative projects, such as river sanitation and the development of Wellbeing Poles along the southern border, are also on the agenda.

“We will maintain our investment in the southeast, even as we develop transportation infrastructure in the north-central region. The southeast will not be neglected. Investment will continue, as will the growth of well-being hubs,” she assured.

Sheinbaum also shared her intention to promote a series of key mobility projects across various states.

Vila conducts new supervision tour of the Progreso Elevated Viaduct Aug 3, 2024

By Progreso Hoy

Governor Mauricio Vila Dosal supervised the construction of the Progreso Elevated Viaduct, a project that is progressing at a good pace and that, once completed, will transform this port by reducing traffic, congestion and car accidents.

Accompanied by the delegate of the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT), Luis Manuel Pimentel Miranda, Vila Dosal verified the work of placing the beams of the last section of this important work that will make the entrance and exit to this town and its deep-sea port more efficient and safer, which will contribute to reducing the deterioration of the roads, excessive noise and pollution caused by heavy loads that travel daily through the streets.

The work, as is known, is a project supported by the Federal, State and Municipal Government and executed through a concession granted to a private company that is responsible for financing and executing the work. This company is ICA, which will operate the new federal highway between the deep-sea port and the highway to Mérida for the next 30 years. It is now estimated that the work will be completed in December 2024.

Together with the director of the Institute of Highway Infrastructure of Yucatan (INCAY), Froilán Torres Herrera, the Governor walked on the viaduct, where teams of workers continue with the pouring of the roadway or rolling area in the areas where the beams have already been installed.

At the same time, the supply of materials for the construction of the embankments that connect both the access and exit to the Mérida-Progreso highway continues.

In the estuary area, the supply of material for the construction of the embankments of the exit road and the incorporation road to the highway to Mérida, the access road to the viaduct from the Mérida-Progreso highway, as well as the rejection ramp, also continues.

The Progreso Elevated Viaduct will also reduce excessive noise and pollution caused by the 12,000 vehicles and 1,400 heavy-duty containers that travel through the streets every day, representing almost 7 million tons annually.

This is the result of coordinated work between the State Government, the Federal Government and the Progreso City Council.

The project will create green areas, parks for families to enjoy, gardens that improve the urban image and a cycle path, thus recovering public space for people and rehabilitating an important urban area, with a more friendly environment for those who circulate through the place.

The construction work on this project is being carried out by the company ICA Constructora and under the supervision of the Institute of Highway Infrastructure of Yucatan (Incay). Likewise, personnel from the Secretariat of Public Security (SSP) are in the area to direct traffic and avoid congestion, as well as mishaps due to the works.

It will have two lanes going and coming, a shoulder that will allow all cargo transport to go from the Deepwater Port to the federal highway without having to go through the center of the town and vice versa. To do this, infrastructure and drinking water facilities that are more than 30 years old are being changed.

Its construction is generating 1,500 direct jobs and 5,000 indirect jobs, and will also benefit more than 66,000 residents of the municipality and tourists, and will have a 100% private investment of 1.5 billion pesos.

This project will restore the tranquility that characterizes the port for the benefit of local families, working as a team to promote important projects that transform mobility throughout Yucatan.

Finally, it should be noted that, in order to continue with these tasks, changes in the road system for heavy vehicles heading to the Deepwater Port are still in place, and they must now take a detour to enter this area.

Turtle release in Progreso becomes a tourist attraction Yucatan Times August 1, 2024 

On the night of July 29, students and volunteers from the turtle camp of the Cetmar 17 school in Progreso, together with members of the Corazones Unidos association, participated in a new release of sea turtles.

On this occasion, the site chosen for the release was the traditional promenade at 76th Street. According to official information, they released 150 hawksbill turtles, which they also rescued on this beach in their nests after 60 days of nesting, at Cetmar 17.

The event was public, so it caught the attention of at least a hundred people who gathered around the area delimited by the volunteers.

Due to the crowds, experts gave details of the rescue and the importance of this marine species.

The turtle rescuers announced they considered the rescue successful because they released all the hatchlings into the sea.

However, they clarified that perhaps only one will reach adulthood and, in the future, it will return to the same coast to leave her eggs, just as her mother did.

Biologist Carlos León from Cetmar 17 said that we are in the most intense nesting stage, so we will surely see more and more nests and turtles nesting along the Yucatecan coast.

During the event, while the release was taking place, a hawksbill turtle appeared and lay its eggs a few meters away from where the activity took place.

In the end, the camp volunteers collected money among the attendees to raise funds for the maintenance and expenses of the camp and the healing of the specimens, usually treated for various injuries, at the hands of the biologists and specialists.

A boat with three crew members disappears after setting sail from Cancun to Isla Mujeres

Yucatan Times July 29, 2024 

The alerts were turned on this Saturday, July 27, on the high seas due to the disappearance of a boat between Cancún and Isla Mujeres. According to data obtained, the 28-foot Hydrasport boat called Jigging set sail at 5 in the morning in search of fishing in the Arrowsmith area.

However, the crew families did not hear from them again, so they reported the incident to the authorities. On the boat were two young fishermen, Leo González and Fabrizio Cámara Pérez, along with the captain, whose name is unknown.

It turned out that the last coordinates they received located the boat approximately 18 miles south of the Nizuc shoal, and the wind could have diverted it towards the Isla Mujeres area.

The investigations showed that the last known stop of the fishermen was at a cooperative in Isla Mujeres, where they picked up the captain.

The Ministry of the Interior, the Port Captaincy, and the Secretary of the Navy (Semar) have intensified search efforts. Two Navy boats and ships are deployed in the area, focusing on the areas around Lower Arrowsmith and to the north.

The Águila 1 helicopter of the state Secretariat of Citizen Security has joined the search efforts with support from the Civil Protection agents.

The fishermen’s family requests the collaboration of anyone in the area who may have seen the boat.

TYT Newsroom

Why Indigenous groups in Mexico are against the Poseidon statue

However, it was symbolically “closed” Thursday—and could be removed altogether—after a group of activist lawyers filed a legal complaint saying the statue of the Greek offended the beliefs of local Maya Indigenous groups, who prefer their own local god of water, known as Chaac.

Chaac is the name of the Maya god of rain, thunder, and lightning. With his lightning axe, Chaac strikes the clouds, causing them to produce thunder and rain. Chaac corresponds to Tlaloc among the Aztecs.

“Poseidon is a Greek god who is alien to our Maya culture,” according to the legal complaint filed recently against the statue. “I have a human right for my Maya culture to be preserved.”

Carlos Morales, whose Indigenous Strategic Litigation group brought the complaint, told AP he wants the Poseidon statue removed.

“I want Poseidon removed from the beach at Progreso because it is foreign to the Maya culture, and because it did not meet the requirements” of getting an environmental permit, he said.

Critics of the statue cite a series of recent storms in and around the Gulf—Tropical Storm Alberto in June and Hurricane Beryl this week—as proof that Chaac, a fanged, hook-nose deity who isn’t quite as Instagram-friendly as Poseidon, is angry.

Poseidon: God of the sea

God of the sea, rivers, storms, earthquakes, bulls, and horses, Poseidon is a significant part of ancient Greek mythology, literature, and theology, as well as multiple appearances in modern pop culture.

He had an unpredictable temperament that reflected his domain and could be tranquil or fatally tempestuous as per his natural powers and animal allegories.

Poseidon is associated with many evil and abusive giants and dragons. This affinity with various mythological monsters likely preceded Ionians’ associations of the god with the sea.

The origins of god’s name, “Posei-don,” are yet unclear although the most prominent theory breaks it down into two parts, the first of which means “husband” or “lord” (Greek ?????, posis) and the second of which means “earth” (??, da, the Doric form for ??, gaia). In other words, the meaning of this would be something along the lines of “lord or spouse of the earth.”

Progreso Viaduct will be ready in December

written by Yucatan Times July 29, 2024

The construction work on the elevated Progreso viaduct, built on 82 Street and runs through the entire center of the city, will be completed by next December, six months later than projected.

The entry into operation of the new road isn’t defined. It could be ready in January, according to information provided by personnel from Associated Civil Engineers (ICA) Infrastructure, the company in charge of this million-dollar project.

They will settle the cost in March 2025 because after completing the elevated viaduct in December 2024, the company will work on 82 Street, finishing the paving, lighting, gardening, and bicycle lanes, among other complementary works.

The work began on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, and, according to the project, it was to be completed on June 30 of this year so that its opening on July 1, 2024, would coincide with the anniversary of the founding of Progreso.

ICA Infrastructure engineers confirmed that the delay was due to the original project having to be modified, and they expanded the 2.2-kilometer viaduct projected. The finished work will have a length of 2.7 kilometers, from the alternate viaduct of the high port to the junction with the Mérida-Progreso highway, passing over the central 82nd street.

Likewise, they detail that the entire elevated viaduct will have 58 columns, of which 10 have their foundations on swampy ground. East Some mangroves were affected by these works.

In the original project of the elevated viaduct, which starts from 25th and 82nd streets, adjacent to the alternate viaduct of the high port, it would connect with the Mérida-Progreso highway on the west side of the road to Mérida leaving the port. The viaduct would pass over the lower part of the road distributor bridge on the west side at the height of streets 84 and 86. Due to circumstances during the execution that affected the drilling for the bases of the columns, the project had to be modified. Instead of the detour on the west side of 82nd, it headed south until it passed over the end of South 80th Street.

In Chiapas, See Bonampak for its Mesmerizing Frescoes

ByCarlos Rosado van der Gracht July 27, 2024

Home of the so-called Sistine Chapel of Mesoamerica, the ruins of Bonampak lay deep in the thick Lacandon jungle in Chiapas.

The city was founded in the early 2nd century CE and had grown to be large by the time Yaxchilán invaded in the 5th century and installed Yajaw Chan Muwaan I as lord of the city. The name Chan, meaning “small,” is to this day one of the most common surnames in southeastern Mexico and, by the way, the paternal last name of my lovely wife, Yesica.

In the Mayan language, bonampak means “painted walls,” but in antiquity, the city was known as Usiij Witz, or “vulture mound.”

The architecture of Bonampak is impressive and is dominated by a large multi-level acropolis that supports several structures.

Bonampak is most famous for its splendidly preserved frescoes but has other features that should not be overlooked.

Directly across from the acropolis are three large stelae depicting important events in King Chan Muhan II’s life. In one of these stelae, he is shown preparing for a bloodletting ceremony in the company of three women, including his mother, Lady Shield Skull, and his wife, Lady Green Rabbit of Yaxchilán.

Outside of the main acropolis, it is possible to observe the remains of several other smaller ceremonial centers and residential areas. However, most of these are considerably smaller and have not been restored.

During the great Classic Maya collapse of the 9th century, Bonampak was abandoned. After it was rediscovered in 1948, archaeologists made a staggering find. During their excavations, they stumbled across a structure with three chambers containing exquisitely preserved frescoes featuring scenes of war, festivities, political intrigue, and myth.

The preservation of the frescoes for well over a millennia ultimately came down to a series of serendipitous coincidences. But whatever the circumstances, the find caused great excitement among scholars. Images of the frescoes began to be printed in specialized journals but soon made their way to the popular press.

More than perhaps any other example of Maya art, the frescoes of Bonampak have shaped the way contemporary people imagine the classical Maya. Specialists have even referred to the frescoes as the “Sistine Chapel of Mesoamerica”—and with good reason. The frescoes are the work of a Maya artist known by the name of Och, meaning “opossum.”

The structure containing the frescoes is 16 meters long, four meters wide, and seven meters tall. It is constructed on a T-shaped platform and still retains some of its original stucco facades. The structure is divided into three separate rooms and presents scenes surrounding the accession to power of King Chooj.

Photographs do not do it justice. This is especially true given that the entire surface area of each room is covered in frescos, which are notoriously difficult to photograph. 

The narrative presented is to be read chronologically, beginning in Room 1 with the investiture of the new king and several jubilant musical performances. 

Room 2 is the largest of the three and contains 139 human figures. It contains a scene that is widely considered the greatest battle scene in all of Maya art. These frescoes also show King Chooj holding court and deciding the fates of captured prisoners.

Room 3 is the scene of ritual celebration for victory in battle, including bloodletting by nobles. It is also different from Rooms 1 and 2 in that it depicts several noblewomen.

If you go

The roads in this region of Chiapas can be treacherous, so driving yourself is not advisable.  

Organized tours departing from Palenque to Bonampak usually also include a visit to Yaxchilán. Tours usually leave around 5 or 6 a.m. and cost between 1,200 and 1,700 pesos. It is money well spent. 

If you are ever in Mexico City, you may also want to check out the reproductions of the frescoes made by Guatemalan artist Rina Lazo — who was an apprentice of Diego Rivera early in her career — at the National Anthropology Museum. 

For composite views of the frescoes room by room, check out the Bonampak page on latinamericanstudies.org.

Progreso’s Summer Vacation Season Begins and DUI Checkpoints End

ByYucatán Magazine July 14, 2024

As Progreso’s summer vacation season officially began Saturday — following a delay caused by Beryl — local authorities have confirmed that breathalyzer checkpoints will not be reinstated during this period.

The checkpoints, meant to weed out drunk drivers, were first suspended in April after businesses said they were clogging traffic, frustrating drivers, and hurting the local economy. 

Municipal officials and service providers anticipate a busy season despite the late start. They expressed confidence in the area’s appeal to tourists and have prepared to meet the increased demand. 

But one key change this year is the absence of DUI checkpoints, a decision praised by both tourists and local businesses, Diario de Yucatán reported.

The influx of visitors is expected to bring traffic congestion and parking challenges, particularly in the city center and tourist areas. Additionally, ongoing construction on Calle 82 may exacerbate these issues. Garbage collection efforts have been intensified, but concerns remain about potential water and power outages.

Local businesses, especially restaurants and hotels, view the summer season as a much-needed economic boost. Hoteliers predict full occupancy on weekends, with reservations steadily increasing throughout the week. Restaurant owners are also optimistic about the season’s potential.

The municipal waste management department has launched a special operation to ensure cleanliness throughout the area. Collection schedules have been adjusted to accommodate the increased demand, and teams are working to collect payment from property owners who haven’t yet paid for waste collection services.

While authorities have not guaranteed uninterrupted water service, they have deployed additional patrols and security measures to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike. Nautical tourism has also resumed, with boaters returning to the waters after Beryl passed and headed to Texas with hurricane force.

Fishing tournaments are planned this week, further contributing to the bustling activity in the area.

Yucatán Peninsula Faces Water Crisis as Concessions Outpace Availability

ByYucatán Magazine July 27, 2024

In just eight years, 3 billion cubic meters of water concessions have been granted in the Yucatán Peninsula. If this trend continues, available water resources will be overallocated within two years, potentially increasing human use and consumption costs, according to Alejandro López Tamayo, general director of Centinelas de Agua, or Water Sentinels in English.

López Tamayo, a recipient of the 2020 Ecological Merit Award from the Mexican government, discussed the issue during the panel discussion “The Air We Breathe and the Water We Consume” at the second edition of the Biosphere Summit.

López Tamayo shared that in 2015, the available water from the aquifer for licensing was 5 billion cubic meters. “In 2023, the latest data from Conagua (the National Water Commission) shows a 2 billion cubic meters decrease. This signifies that 3 billion cubic meters were granted in just eight years,” he explained.

With the anticipated development in the Yucatán Peninsula, the remaining 2 billion cubic meters of water may be fully allocated within two years.

“We are witnessing a trend that has not been acknowledged or discussed… While much attention has been given to water quality, the focus on volume has been lacking. This poses a significant challenge because when the available water for concessions is depleted, overallocation will occur, leading to increased costs for accessing water for economic activities and, most importantly, for human use and consumption,” López Tamayo warned.

He highlighted that the Peninsula’s aquifer and water resources also face challenges related to infrastructure capacity and sanitation in sustaining the growing population and meeting the expected economic development in the coming decades.

In Quintana Roo, for example, the annual population growth rate significantly exceeds the investment in drainage and sanitation infrastructure. “This means untreated wastewater enters the groundwater, cenotes, caves, and caverns,” López Tamayo explained.

He asserted that high contamination levels were found in 95% of Centinelas’ 300 water monitoring sites.

“Once an aquifer is contaminated, remediation is extremely difficult, underscoring the importance of investing in prevention rather than remediation,” he said.

During the summit, Alberto Barrera, an air quality expert from the Mario Molina Center, addressed air quality concerns and the lack of awareness regarding their exposure levels in many areas.

“One of the primary challenges is establishing infrastructure for measurement and conducting comprehensive inventories,” Barrera said.

Some Well-Known Mérida Landmarks Are Up for Sale Any takers?

ByYucatán Magazine July 27, 2024

Several prominent buildings in Mérida’s Centro have been listed for sale. Asking prices range from MX$15  to 300 million (or approximately US$825,000 to $16.5 million).

One such property is the former site of a popular auto parts business across from Parque Santiago. The distinctive and sprawling three-story Torre building could be converted to offices, a hotel, a museum, or an art gallery — which is what it is now. From the windows facing Calle 59 is the most spectacular view of the park and church bell tower. Featuring an elevator and parking for over 35 vehicles, the Torre building is listed for the equivalent of $US3.7 million.

The Holiday Inn Express near Parque Santa Lucia Park can be yours for 300 million pesos or US$16 million. The former Hotel Mérida — a 1940s tower of rooms built over an even older residential casona — is on one of the downtown’s busiest intersections. It was abandoned for years before opening under its present name in 2017. The listing emphasizes that it’s the only chain hotel in Merida’s historic center and comes with operating permits and a franchise license. A popular coffee bar is off the lobby.

The equally historic Hotel Misíon Panamericana Merida hotel, also built over an old mansion, is listed for US$15 million. The Mejorada landmark was built in 1962 and last renovated in 2000.

The more contemporary Misol-Ha, a 70-room hotel with a pool and 20 parking spaces on Calle 60 near the US Consulate, is available for US$13.5 million. One of the newest commercial buildings of this scale on the market, Misol-Ha was built in 2016.

Other properties for sale

Wabi, a former three-story clothing and textile store that opened in 1973 on the corner of Calle 63 and 52, for US$1.5 million. Its construction was part of a modernization trend that sacrificed countless more elegant buildings in the Centro Histórico. More recently it was abandoned and sits as a massive white elephant in Mejorada. Commenters on social media deplored its blight but had fond memories of buying school clothes and soccer uniforms.

The long-shuttered Rosales supermarket building a block off the Paseo de Montejo is available for just under US1 million. The one-story corner property behind the Hotel Conquistador is “ideal for a boutique hotel or restaurant,” the listing notes.

The building that housed Casa Achach, a home goods store on Calle 65 and 60 that closed in 2018 after 85 years, is listed for US$3.2 million. The family-owned shop was in the very heart of the Centro business district. It was founded by Domingo Achach, an immigrant from Iraq. Eventually he handed it down to his son, José Luis Achach, who ran it for 70 years. He was forced to close it a few years before his death in 2022.

With information from Diario de Yucatán

IMSS rules out Covid-19 alert in Yucatán

 Yucatan Times July 26, 2024 

The head of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) Yucatán, Alonso Juan Sansores Río, assured that the COVID-19 cases do not represent a serious health situation and there is no saturation in the hospitals.

However, federal officials acknowledged a rebound in COVID-19 last June, but there was a decrease in July.

Several cases of COVID-19 are reported in government clinics, which means that it is an outpatient pathology because of the vaccination, Sansores said.

The federal Ministry of Health reported that COVID-19 cases in Yucatán had increased by 36 percent at the end of June.

In the second week of July, the National Epidemiological Surveillance System reported 251 confirmed cases in Yucatán.

The IMSS monitors the behavior of COVID-19, so citizens must attend their consultations on time. Likewise, the federal agency reported that the entity registers an increase in gastrointestinal diseases due to the rainy season.

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The legacy of Elvia and Felipe Carrillo Puerto will guide our mission to transform Yucatan: Huacho Díaz Jul 25, 2024

· The Governor-Elect of Yucatan recounted the actions of both figures, who today have the legends alluding to their significance on the Wall of Honor of the Senate of the Republic: “Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Distinguished Proletarian, Revolutionary and Defender of the Mayab” and “Elvia Carrillo Puerto, Suffragist and Defender of Women’s Rights.”

CDMX. – – While attending the Senate of the Republic to participate in the solemn ceremony of the unveiling of the legends on the Wall of Honor that recognizes the legacy of the illustrious Felipe and Elvia Carrillo Puerto, the Governor-elect of Yucatán, Joaquín Díaz Mena, recalled the relevance of the legacy of both figures in favor of minorities and stressed that “today more than ever we need to remember and honor those who, like Felipe and Elvia, dedicated their lives to fighting for a more just Mexico. Their legacy will guide us in our mission to transform Yucatán.”

Before the legislators, Díaz Mena thanked the recognition, on behalf of the Yucatecans, and mentioned some of the actions carried out by both illustrious figures. Regarding Felipe Carrillo Puerto, she stated that “he dedicated his life to improving the conditions of the most disadvantaged, he distributed land to our Mayan brothers, he founded what is today our Autonomous University of Yucatán and he promoted the political participation of women.”

The Governor-elect affirmed that his legacy highlights his efforts to integrate the Mayan people and give them a voice, and stressed that this legacy “reaffirms our commitment to continue working until everyone in Mexico has the same opportunities.”

Speaking about Elvia Carrillo Puerto, the Governor-elect highlighted that “she was a pioneer in the fight for women’s rights, she founded the Feminist League of Yucatan, which played a crucial role in obtaining the female vote in Mexico.” He also mentioned a series of actions that she promoted to improve the living conditions of working and rural women.

Finally, the Governor-elect assured that his legacy is lived throughout the country and emphasized that “thanks to the seed he planted, women today occupy important decision-making positions in governments, congresses and institutions, crowning their struggle with the first woman to be President of Mexico, Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.”

The presidium was composed of Ana Lilia Rivera, President of the Senate of the Republic, Sen. Verónica Camino Farjat; Dr. Carlos Bojórquez, President of the Committee for the Centenary of the assassination of Felipe Carrillo; Roger Aguilar Arroyo, Mayor of Motul; Mtra. Marcela Fuentes Ortega, great-niece of Felipe Carrillo Puerto; Mtro. Carlos Estrada Pinto, Rector of the UADY; Sen. Jorge Carlos Ramírez Marín; Sen. Raúl Paz Alonzo; and Sen. Mónica Fernández Balboa.

The legends inscribed on the Wall of Honor are the following: “Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Distinguished Proletariat, Revolutionary and Defender of the Mayab” and “Elvia Carrillo Puerto, Suffragette and Defender of Women’s Rights.”

Yucatan stands out on Claudia Sheinbaum’s government agenda Jul 23, 2024

By Progress Today 

MÉRIDA. – – Once again, the virtual president-elect of Mexico, Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, during her press conference highlighted the important investment announced for the railway development of the country, highlighting again the connection of the Maya Train to Puerto Progreso, which is part of the Maya Renaissance Plan of the Governor-elect of Yucatán, Joaquín Díaz Mena.

As will be recalled, the Maya Renaissance Plan is also made up of important railway works, such as the multimodal connection between the Transístmico train, the Maya Train and the Port of Progreso, with the operation of the Maya Train in its cargo mode and the completion of the Coatzacoalcos-Palenque railway, which will allow Yucatán to connect to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, which will open up enormous logistical opportunities, mainly with Asian markets.

In this regard, Huacho Díaz Mena also highlighted that the support of the President-elect, confirmed on several occasions, will allow “the Mayan Train to go from Umán, Hunucmá to Progreso; for the Metropolitan Ring of Mérida to be built; for Industrial Parks to be built with natural gas; for us to achieve that the Port of Progreso is a port with more depth and larger ships come, which will generate companies coming to Yucatán and providing better-paid jobs and people earning more.”

“Mayan Renaissance also has to do with the pride of those of us who are Yucatecans, for our Mayan culture of our ancestors; that is to say, Mayan Renaissance is to ensure that our indigenous Mayan brothers and men from the countryside, women from the municipalities, have the best years for Yucatan in the coming years” said Díaz Mena, who reiterated that the human and social development of the entity will be a priority of his government.

Logra, Amsa and TL del Sur donate tires to the Red Cross of Yucatan Jul 23, 2024

• MÉRIDA.– With the delivery of six Dynamo brand 17-inch tires, the companies Logra, Tl del Sur and Amsa join the equipping actions of the Disaster Assistance Unit of the Mexican Red Cross, Yucatán Delegation.
• Accompanied by the subdelegate, Armando Casares Espinosa, in the meeting room of the North Base, the State Delegate, Michelle Byrne de Rodríguez, thanked the donation that will allow the population to receive immediate attention for their recovery in case a disaster affects the state.
• “When a hurricane hits, volunteers and damage evaluators and needs analysts move to the affected area, so constant maintenance must be given to the vehicles so that they are in optimal conditions and can leave without delay, hence the importance of always seeking the support of society and businessmen,” said Byrne de Rodríguez to the State Coordinator for Fundraising, Silvia Casares Zetina.
• The company was represented at the delivery by Mr. Jorge Cruz Cantó, Corporate Director of Linkage and Strategic Projects; Mr. Arturo Chávez Rivera, Director of TL del Sur; and Mr. Erick Rodríguez Castillo, Manager of Social Responsibility and Institutional Communications, who reiterated their solidarity with the institution.
• For their part, the State Coordinator for Relief, Fernando Estrada Novelo, and the State Coordinator for Prevention, José Luis Ancona Cervera, spoke about the work being done both in dealing with emergencies and in training staff.

20 “countries” will participate in the fifth edition of the Merida Cereso Olympics Jul 24, 2024

MÉRIDA.– In Yucatán, Mexico and worldwide, many sporting events were not held in 2020 due to the lockdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and one of those cancelled was the Olympics of the Social Reinsertion Center (Cereso) of Mérida, which this year are back to carry out their 5th edition, from July 25 to August 11.

The traditional Olympic Games will resume after 8 years, as part of the actions promoted by Governor Mauricio Vila Dosal with the aim of generating spaces for healthy coexistence, promoting sports, good habits and strengthening values ??such as respect, teamwork and camaraderie in people deprived of liberty, for effective social reintegration.

In this multidisciplinary sporting event, which is being held as a replica of the 2024 Paris Olympics and remains a unique activity of its kind in the penitentiary system throughout the country, more than 500 people deprived of liberty, women and men, who are in the Merida prison will participate.

The director of the Mérida prison, Francisco Javier Brito Herrera, revealed details of this sporting event that will have as its official mascot “Solethó” (a T’oh bird), which was chosen through an internal contest to which the entire prison community was invited and had as its judging panel students and teachers from a graphic design school in this city.

He reported that, on this occasion, 20 countries will be represented: the United States, England, China, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Australia, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, South Korea, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Morocco, Colombia, Switzerland and Mexico.

As for the sports disciplines in which the competition will take place, he said that there will be 11 different ones: athletics, badminton, basketball, basketball trios, tennis, table tennis, indoor volleyball, beach volleyball, football, weightlifting, and one of the new sports included in the Paris 2024 Olympics: breaking, also known as breakdancing.

He said that in athletics there will be 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1,500 meter races; 110 meter hurdles, 4×100 relay, long jump, triple jump, shot put, discus throw and 5 kilometer walk.

Brito Herrera shared that this event, like the Mundialito, is highly anticipated by the prison community.

“This Olympic festival has the full support of Governor Mauricio Vila and the Secretary General of Government, María Fritz, since in addition to exciting and motivating the participants to give their best in the competitions, it contributes to their social reintegration process by being based on positive and healthy activities,” he stressed.

This will be the fifth time that the Mérida prison has held its own Olympic Games simultaneously, as happened in Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012, Brazil 2016 and now Paris 2024. The opening ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, July 25.

Yucatan remains the safest state in the country Jul 14, 2024 Progreso Hoy

  -The state remained in first place with the lowest crime rate with a rate of 85.93 crimes per 100 inhabitants.

-Likewise, it retained the first position at the national level in the category of lowest rate of intentional homicides.

MÉRIDA .- Yucatán does it again and reaffirms its first position as the safest entity in the entire country and with the lowest crime rate, reaching a rate of 85.93 crimes per 100 thousand inhabitants, a figure that is nine times lower than the national rate of 809.96, as a result of the public policies promoted by Governor Mauricio Vila Dosal to maintain the levels of peace and tranquility in the state.

According to the corresponding report for the month of July issued by the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System (SESNSP), Yucatan remains in first place with the lowest rate of intentional homicides with 0.85 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants, which is 11 times lower than the national rate of 9.72 cases.

Likewise, the SESNSP reported that our state was once again ranked first in the entire country with the lowest rate of vehicle theft with 1.01 cases, which is significantly lower than the national rate of 33.71 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants.

In addition, the state ranked second in the entire Republic and reached its lowest rate of home robbery in history with 1.41 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants, a figure significantly lower than the national figure of 17.70 cases.

Similarly, Yucatan ranked second with the lowest rate of extortion cases with 0.04 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, which is significantly lower than the national rate of 3.89 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

In terms of robbery of pedestrians, the state reached its lowest level in history and ranked third in the entire country by registering 0.60 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants, a rate that is below the national average of 23.92 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants. And in fourth place with the lowest rate of femicides with a rate of 0.32 cases per 100 thousand women, below the national rate of 0.59 cases.

This is the result of the Governor’s efforts to continue maintaining a climate of peace and security in Yucatan through the Yucatan Seguro strategy, where the police were provided with equipment, technology and strong training to go from 2,248 cameras to 6,775 and from 100 roadblocks to 219. As part of these efforts, the C5i was created and the Police Academy will become a Police University, in addition to the modern Bell 429 helicopter, considered the best equipped of its kind in all of Latin America, as well as speedboats.

In addition, the conditions of the agents have been strengthened with competitive salaries, schemes to access private medical care in case of work accidents and the possibility of obtaining a loan from the National Workers’ Housing Fund Institute (Infonavit).

In addition, university scholarships are awarded to their children for 100% of registration and tuition, with a bi-monthly support of 2,600 pesos if they demonstrate their admission to any private or public institution.

Likewise, Public Security personnel are provided free of charge with the “Citizen Heroes Circuit” public transportation service and the “Citizen Heroes” Card, which offers discounts to security forces and health personnel in more than 1,000 establishments.

Poseidon Statue Sparks Controversy in Mexico Manuel Santos – July 16th, 2024 

Mexico’s environmental authority issues closure order on Poseidon’s statue due to lack of permits.
A legal complaint was filed by activists citing cultural offence to the Maya community.
Tourism impact and social media debates fuel the controversy.
Mexico’s environmental protection Profepa agency imposed a closure order on a three-meter-tall Poseidon statue installed in the Gulf of Mexico, near Progreso, Yucatan. The agency pointed out that the statue lacked necessary permits and environmental impact assessments. Despite its short presence since May, the statue had quickly turned into a tourist hotspot, drawing crowds who wanted to photograph the impressive figure of Poseidon emerging from the sea.

The situation escalated when a group of activist lawyers argued that the statue insulted the indigenous Maya culture, which venerates its own water deity, Chaac. Their legal complaint eventually led to the symbolic closure of the statue, with the potential for complete removal.

Social Media and Tourism Influence
The controversy gained traction on social media, where users celebrated the legal victory with slogans like “Chaac 1, Poseidon 0.” The statue’s supporters, including local businesses, argued it was an attractive feature that boosted tourism and benefited the local economy.

The Poseidon statue was installed without proper environmental studies.
The legal complaint emphasized the need to preserve Maya cultural heritage.
Social media played a significant role in publicizing the conflict.

Mexico’s Poseidon statue has drawn both admiration and ire, spotlighting the complexities of cultural preservation and environmental regulations. The ongoing debate illustrates the broader issues of respect for indigenous beliefs and the challenges of balancing heritage conservation with modern attractions. While the final decision about the statue’s fate remains pending, the incident serves as a reminder of the powerful influence exerted by cultural identity and environmental stewardship in contemporary society.

New Tren Maya Route Links Merida and Playa del Carmen By Lee Steele  July 17, 2024

Schedule and Travel Time
The five-hour direct route from Mérida to Playa del Carmen departs at 7 a.m. The return trip leaves at 5:30 p.m. and arrives at 9:31 p.m., which takes into account the one-hour time difference.

The train makes eight two-minute stops along the route, including at Izamal, Valladolid, and the Cancún International Airport.

That’s not a time savings, however. Google Maps estimates that a driver on four wheels can make it between the two cities in three hours and 15 minutes.

Ticket Prices
Fares for the direct Mérida-Playa route vary:

International Premier: $1,879.50 pesos
National Premier: $1,409.50 pesos
Special Tourist: $441.50 pesos
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official Tren Maya website.

Disappointing ridership
While still incomplete, progress on the overall rail system has been accelerated to fulfill President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s promise of completion during his administration, which is coming to a close in two-and-a-half months. However, construction on the rail line is only half finished.

The Tren Maya (also known as the Mayan Train or Maya Train) is a 966-mile intercity railway that loops around the Yucatán Peninsula. The rail system was designed for tourists in Cancún who wanted to explore Maya archaeological sites on the Peninsula and other underappreciated destinations.

About 1,200 daily passengers — about half of what was projected — use the train, mainly shuttling between Mérida, Cancún, and Campeche.

In its first six months of operation, only about 100 daily riders take the longest route, which stretches from Cancún to the ancient temples of Palenque. A bus or two could handle that many passengers far more cheaply, the Associated Press reports.

Arizona Student Receives Journalism Award For Shedding Light on HIV in Yucatan July 18 2024

Jair Avalos López, a student at Arizona State University, received the National Health Journalism Award, highlighting the importance of improving the health system and strengthening HIV care in Yucatán and throughout the country.

Yucatán has had one of Mexico’s highest HIV rates. Since 1983, 12,000 cases have been reported. The true number is generally believed to be much higher.

To raise awareness about the HIV problem in Yucatán and improve the quality of life of those affected, as well as reduce the stigma associated with the disease, Avalos wrote the report “The Silence of HIV in Yucatán,” first-place winner in the 2024 National Health Journalism Award. The report was produced within the Symbiosis program, an initiative of Gatopardo magazine and Arizona State.

Symbiosis is a journalism training program that supports the production of narrative journalism committed to the region’s challenges. Its first edition in 2022 included a series of public talks with experts such as Yasnaya E. Gil, Fernanda Santos, Vann R. Newkirk II, Kathy Corcoran, and Eileen Truax, an interactive workshop taught by Lela Corman, and in-situ residencies in Mérida.

Jair Avalos, a journalist from Veracruz and a participant in the workshop and residencies, addressed the problem of stigmatization and silence surrounding people living with HIV in Yucatán. Through testimonials and analysis, his report explores how the fear of rejection and discrimination prevents many people from seeking timely diagnosis and treatment, which worsens the public health situation in the region.

The investigation highlights patients’ cultural and social barriers and the health system’s deficiencies that hinder access to adequate services. It also mentions the work of some organizations and activists fighting to raise awareness and support people with HIV, attempting to break the cycle of silence and stigma.

Social stigma is one of the main obstacles to recognizing and addressing the needs of people with HIV. They often face rejection and discrimination, making it difficult to seek help and speak openly about their condition. This atmosphere of fear and silence perpetuates the invisibility of the problem and worsens the public health situation.

A report by the National Center for the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS (Censida) indicates that approximately 40% of people with HIV in Mexico have experienced discrimination at some point. Likewise, the 2022 National Discrimination Survey estimates that 14.6% of the population over 18 would not hire a person living with HIV/AIDS, and 47.7% would not agree with their children marrying someone who acquired the virus.

Industrial poles in Yucatán, an investment magnet Yucatan Times July 8, 2024 

We are very pleased that the presidential decree of the development of two industrial poles in Yucatán has been issued and that the investment sectors are expanded, said Alejandro Guerrero Lozano, president of the Association of Export Maquiladoras of Yucatán (Index ).

He also anticipated that the creation of the Progreso I and Mérida I industrial welfare hubs would surely increase the amount of foreign direct investment in Yucatan and would double or triple the value of exports, which today is almost 1.7 billion dollars in this sector.

In addition, he considered that it would contribute greater industrial value to the national and local Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“We are talking about billions of pesos or dollars in investments because they are large companies that have very specialized machinery,” he considered. “Their buildings are large facilities that require a lot of certifications and technology to make them work.”

“Companies in this manufacturing sector invest from 50 to 100 million dollars to build and operate in Yucatán, this is what we have seen in the last three years,” he noted.

“Depending on how many will be installed in those industrial centers, the amount of the investment would be, but there are millions of dollars that would reach Yucatán.”

The president of Index Yucatán recalled that the project of the special economic zone, technological pole, and now Industrial Wellbeing Pole is an initiative that was promoted by the private sector from the government of PAN member Patricio Patrón Laviada, who bought the land on the side of the highway Mérida-Progreso.

However, in the last three six-year terms there was no progress, even when there was an inauguration of what would be the special economic zone in the Mérida-Progreso area.

TYT Newsroom

Viatura Hacienda Xtojil: Grupo Presidente’s new glamping site to explore the wonders of Yucatan

written by Yucatan Times July 8, 2024 

Viatura Unseen Escapes is a new way to explore destinations through local experiences and offers endless possibilities to travelers looking to discover their own destinations with every adventure.

Viatura Hacienda Xtojil is the second destination operated under the Viatura Unseen Escapes concept and joins Viatura Omún in San Miguel de Allende.

Viatura Unseen Escapes, the exclusive glamp-siting concept created by Grupo Presidente, is the result of a long and careful planning that arose to satisfy the needs of travelers who seek to go beyond the ordinary, finding their own path and leave a mark as they walk through it.

Aware of the evolution that the tourism industry has had in recent years and the different types of travelers that exist today, Grupo Presidente developed this new concept that mixes the charm of nature and the local environment with comfort, service, hospitality, and know-how that characterizes the company.

A few months after starting the operation of Viatura Omún in San Miguel de Allende, a second destination opens its doors in the town of Sotuta de Peón, just 45 minutes from Mérida, in the State of Yucatán: Viatura Hacienda Xtojil, a vibrant and cozy space ideal for connecting with nature and enjoying the small pleasures of life.

Immersed among fields of henequén, a species of agave cultivated in the Mayan region since pre-Hispanic times, also known as “the green gold of Yucatán”, this new glamping concept is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the destination of a different way with the same benefits of a Resort.

Viatura Unseen Escapes offers accommodation circuits in different “home bases” that are completely safe and with all the comforts of a hotel immersed in nature. In each “home base,” you can find from 5 to 15 tents with large and comfortable beds, swimming pools heated by solar energy, and all the amenities that can be found in a five-star hotel.

Viatura Hacienda Xtojil offers 15 modern tents equipped with all the comforts that guarantee a unique, safe, and comfortable stay. With a contemporary style design, they enhance the ecosystem with local, sustainable, and low ecological impact materials in two different categories:

Tent Pepper (10): They have a king-size bed, desk, private bathroom with shower, eco-friendly amenities, coffee kit, tea maker, and a large terrace. They measure 37m2 and have a maximum capacity for two guests.

Tent Champagner with pool (5): They have a king-size bed, private bathroom with shower, eco-friendly amenities, coffee kit, tea maker, and terrace with a pool that offers beautiful views of the henequen fields. They measure 56m2 and have a maximum capacity for two guests.

Viatura Hacienda offers as well a bar, Wi-Fi, business center, and parking.

Yucatán is the owner of an unparalleled gastronomic wealth at Viatura Hacienda.

The creation of experiences is the central axis of Viatura Unseen Escapes and therefore, it has experts in different disciplines, who offer guidance and support to nourish the physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional being. At Viatura Hacienda Xtojil guests can discover a new way to explore and get to know Yucatan, customizing their activities according to the tastes and interests of each traveler. Throughout their stay, the guests will be able to choose from a range of options for the activities they wish to experience, which are divided into five main categories.

EXPLORE: from walks in the area, buggy tours, visits to the cenotes in the region, expeditions to Mayapán, considered the last great Mayan capital, and Sisal, for flamingo observation, stargazing and ceremonies in the Meliponary.

PLAY: offers ideal activities for the most adventurous travelers, kayaking, paddle surfing, horseback riding, and diving in different cenotes located in the Cenote Ring Reserve, a protected natural area located in the central region of Yucatán.

TASTE: Sybaritic travelers will be able to enjoy a delicious culinary experience in the Magical Town of Maní, located in the heart of the state and whose name in the Mayan language means “Place where everything happened.” The gastronomy of Maní is a combination of ingredients used by the ancient Mayans and the flavors brought by the Spanish, in addition to the typical dishes of the region such as black filling, white filling, and Poc Chuc, among others.

RELAX: If travelers are looking to find peace, serenity, and a quiet space to rest, they will have options such as practicing yoga at dawn, sound healing (sound therapies), cocoa ceremony, Temazcal ritual guided by a Mayan Shaman and, for the most daring, guided sessions of ice bath.

CREATE: guests who wish to do so may choose to carry out activities within the facilities, such as participating in a henequen workshop and a totem painting workshop.

The excellent location of Viatura Hacienda Xtojil:
Just 40 minutes from Mérida International Airport and a few kilometers from the largest ring of cenotes in Yucatán, this new glamping is the ideal option for travelers looking for new experiences.

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About Grupo Presidente
Grupo Presidente is a Mexican company dedicated to the operation and administration of hotels, restaurants, and residences for seniors. In the hotel industry, InterContinental Hotels Group operates Presidente InterContinental®, Holiday Inn®, Staybridge Suites®, and Kimpton Aluna Tulum.

With its partners at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, it operates Hyatt House Santa Fe and Hyatt Place & Hyatt House Monterrey Valle/San Pedro. Together with Marriott International, it operates Aloft Querétaro and Courtyard Mérida Downtown and in 2021 it began operating El Cielo Resort in Valle de Guadalupe.

MND Where to Live in Mexico 2024 Guide: Yucatán

Greg Custer July 7, 2024

There are places in Mexico that not only defy deeply held views about Mexico but challenge whether a place easily fits into our understanding of Mexico’s national identity. Yucatán is the smallest of the three Peninsula States, part of a thumb-shaped peninsula that separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean. But it’s the home of a foundational Mesoamerican culture (the Maya), once held one of the richest cities in the Western Hemisphere, and is a place where physical isolation historically begat a cultural wellspring unmatched across Mexico. It’s a country within a country and has twice proclaimed in the 19th century its independence from Mexico as the Republic of Yucatan.

Let’s explore three Yucatan State locations ideal for short or long-term living: urban Mérida, beachy Progreso, and the colonial town of Valladolid. 

Mérida

Just about every visitor or transplant will immediately exalt Yucatan’s many, many assets. And the next thing (inevitably) is “But the heat!” Soaring temperatures and humility (and hurricanes) can be insurmountable challenges for many, earning the State a “2” Climate ranking (our lowest) for year-round living. A daily, annual mean temperature of 28 Celcius (82 F) (soaring near 38C (100F) in spring months), eyewatering humidity averaging 70%, and 40 inches of (sometimes) cooling rain, means you’ll learn fast to let this climatic obstacle go (when you live here) and instead celebrate Mérida’s compensatory quality of life advantages. In 2022, the United Nations Habitat City Prosperity Index recognized Mérida as the city with the highest quality of life in Mexico.

Mérida is Mayan at its heart, the largest urban concentration of Mayan Amerindians in all the world. The city (population 920,000; 1.3 million in greater area) is strewn with archaeological sites and enveloped in contemporary Maya culture. Maya speech permeates the city’s markets, and traditional Maya styles of dress prevail, along with Yucatecan (and international) cultural events. A uniquely Yucatecan manner of speaking and wicked sense of humor (Bomba!) add to the linguistic adventure and jovial nature of “Meridanos”. 

A uniquely Yucatecan look and feel permeate the historic downtown — parks, plazas, the once palatial Paseo Montejo, French and Italian-styled mansions, and leafy “colonias.” Some call it “criollo,” a syncretism over centuries of Spanish-Mayan cultural mash-up laced with a 19th-century flood of wealth from an agricultural boom that bejeweled the city with exquisite European architectural gems. 

Many choose to live in the city’s grid-like urban core (some restore colonial era homes), while others find green and shady residential neighborhoods with yards, parks and an almost mandatory dipping pool to cool off. North-south traffic can be maddening, and getting into and out of the historic downtown core with your own car has its challenges. But public bus transportation is frequent and inexpensive. The sprawling city is tortilla flat and its grid layout is easy to navigate on foot.

With universities (over 20), museums and performing arts fueling a steady agenda of things to do, you’ll also find an expat community hailing from around the world. Many expat entrepreneurs operate retail businesses. Most who have parachuted into living here are extroverted in their civic pride, volunteer activities, social calendars, and penchant for outings to explore Yucatan’s colonial villages, cenotes, haciendas, beach towns, birdwatching natural areas, and Mayan archaeological treasures. The city’s baseball and futból teams (and fine stadiums) are another popular pastime. 

The dining scene is sophisticated, reflecting Yucatecan ingredients and culinary traditions, found at celebrity-chef restaurants and bustling food stalls. Modern malls, Mayan mercados, and box stores (plus the world’s only Costco location with a cenote in the parking lot) are part of the weekly routine for many foreign-born transplants. It’s worth noting that Yucatan State is generally considered Mexico’s safest, a point often cited by thousands of migrants from other parts of Mexico. Mérida’s hospitals are the highest rated in Mexico’s southeast.

Progreso

Mérida is not on the coast, but another viable location for transplants in the port city of Progreso, a 45-minute drive to the north. Population 37,000 (not counting hundreds of U.S. and Canadian, mostly seasonal residents), Progreso is on every Meridano’s escape-to-the-beach route for seaside fun and (somewhat) cooler temperatures. As a commercial and passenger cruise port, Progreso has an attractive Gulf of Mexico-facing pedestrian seafront, white sand lapped by emerald Gulf waters, and a bustling high-season and holiday commercial vibe (especially on weekends). 

Foreigners living here (a fraction of the Mérida expat community) tend to be beach focused. The closer you live to the coast, the higher the prices are. 

It’s common to have village-like social connections with your Mexican neighbors. Non-profits like the Progreso Apoyo Program can help with education, volunteering and meeting folks.  Note how when the snowbirds pick up and leave (during March and April), the town’s commercial pace settles into quiet weekdays interrupted by the weekend and holiday “invasions” from Mérida.

Valladolid

Smaller coastal and inland towns also find their share of foreign-born transplants, many of whom wander back north during summer (heat) and fall (hurricane) seasons. Valladolid certainly deserves a call-out, as it is located in eastern Yucatan State and is the halfway point between Mérida and Cancun. Population 56,000, Valladolid is a popular day trip spot for Cancun/Riviera Maya vacationers — with more coming thanks to a Tren Maya railway stop here. Vacationers come for cenote swimming, Mayan ruins, Spanish colonial architecture, and an energetic village vibe. It’s very walkable, with easy biking options too.

Folks moving here skew a bit more European-South American, likely resulting from the town being closer to the Mexican Caribbean coast and the Cancún Airport. A Pueblo Magico designation in 2012 has brought positive changes, municipal beautification, public concerts, and investment. A growing local artisan movement, galleries (including Mexico’s finest private collection of folk art, Casa de los Venados), and more international dining are positive changes for a town founded in 1543! Calzada de los Frailes is lined with dining, galleries and local bars. Rents and home purchases carry lower costs here than urban Mérida or beachy Progreso.

You’ll have shopping options from a well-stocked Chedraui to a robust mercado municipal and weekly tianguis street markets. Two hospital options (one private) provide care and access to some specialized medicine. No longer an “outpost,” Valladolid is growing up and embracing its 21st-century integration into Mexico’s national tourism economy.

Hurricane Beryl Weakens to Category 2 Over Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula Published: July 5, 2024 at 11:08 a.m.

By Chris Wack

Hurricane Beryl has weakened to a Category 2 storm as it passed over the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico on Friday morning, the National Hurricane Center said.

At 10 a.m., the storm was located about 100 miles east of Progreso, Mexico, and 680 miles east/southeast of Brownsville, Texas. Maximum sustained winds are 85 mph, with heavier gusts.

The storm is moving west-northwest at 16 mph. Beryl is expected to emerge over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico on Friday night, and then move northwestward toward northeastern Mexico and southern Texas by the end of the weekend, the NHC said.

Beryl is expected to produce rainfall totals of 4 to 6 inches, with localized amounts of 10 inches, across the Yucatan Peninsula, with scattered instances of flash flooding anticipated.

Hurricane Beryl disrupts cruise ships scheduled to depart from Port Tampa Bay

Two cruise ships leaving from Tampa have adjusted their itineraries to avoid Hurricane Beryl’s path.

By Gabrielle LazorTimes staff

Hurricane Beryl threatens to ruin vacationers’ plans for smooth sailing aboard cruise ships slated to depart from Port Tampa Bay. Cruise line meteorologists are actively monitoring conditions in the Caribbean and making itinerary adjustments, but the situation is fluid.

Throughout the week, four cruise ships are scheduled to leave from the port: Margaritaville at Sea “Islander,” Carnival “Paradise,” Royal Caribbean International “Enchantment of the Seas,” and Royal Caribbean International “Grandeur of the Seas.”

This morning, the monstrous storm was located about 370 miles southeast of Isla Beata in the Dominican Republic, moving west-northwest at 22 miles per hour. Beryl is the earliest Category 5 hurricane to form in the Atlantic Ocean, due to uncharacteristically warm waters. The storm was forecast to remain at major hurricane strength as it roars near Jamaica on Wednesday and the Cayman Islands on Thursday, before heading toward Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on Friday.

Royal Caribbean International “Grandeur of the Seas,” which departed from Port Tampa Bay yesterday, will now visit Yucatan (Progresso), Mexico, on day four and Cozumel, Mexico, on day three.

“The safety of our guests, crew and communities we visit is our top priority. Along with our Chief Meteorologist, we are closely monitoring the progression of Hurricane Beryl, and are making adjustments to some of our Caribbean sailings for the comfort and safety of our guests and crew. Guests and travel advisors will be notified directly of any necessary changes,” said a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson in an email.

Two Royal Caribbean ships scheduled to depart on Saturday, July 6, will maintain their original itineraries.

Margaritaville at Sea “Islander,” which will depart around 4 p.m. this afternoon, has adjusted its itinerary to avoid the Yucatan Peninsula.

“Due to the storm’s currently projected path, and for the safety and comfort of all our passengers and crew, the second destination port of our sailing has been changed from Progreso, Mexico to Nassau, Bahamas,” wrote Maria Hayworth, the president of Hayworth PR, in an email.

Carnival “Paradise” is scheduled to depart on Thursday with no reported itinerary changes.

For updated information, Port Tampa Bay directs guests to confirm information with their cruise line. Schedules and cruise ship departure times can change at any time without notice. As of noon on Tuesday, “there are no impacts to our operations, including departures and arrivals of our cruise partners,” said Lisa Wolf-Chason of Port Tampa Bay.

Guests can expect to hear about all other changes from the cruise line they are sailing with, such as “any changes to your cruise itinerary, including vessel weather avoidance plans and any portcall changes,” said Wolf-Chason.

Yucatecans unite to “destroy” the statue of Poseidon; the organizer gets threats

written by Yucatan Times July 3, 2024 0 comment  Bookmark

Last May, on the beaches of Progreso, Yucatán, a statue of Poseidon, the god of the seas in Greek mythology, became one of the new attractions in that coastal city.

Authorities indicated that the arrival of this three-meter (10 feet) tall sculpture, made of fiberglass, was part of the actions of the Progreso City Council, headed by Julián Zacarías Curi, to attract tourism.

However, its settlement in the beach area – approximately five meters into the sea – from the first moment generated divided opinions, while some were amazed and eager to see it; others said they were dissatisfied because it did not represent the Maya culture.

But the annoyance and ignorance of some Yucatecans would have escalated to the point of organizing to destroy the statue of Poseidon, and “give his remains to Chaac (Mayan god of rain).”

However, what would have started as a joke on social networks ended up having “alarming” consequences, as the creator of the call to destroy the image of Poseidon revealed that he received threats after this went viral.

A Facebook user was in charge of creating an event on this social network to organize a meeting and destroy the figure of the Greek god that was placed on the beaches of Progreso.

Without knowing if it was a real call or a joke, several users joined in. So the Facebook event gathered around 30,205 interested people.

Among the most common comments of Internet users who wanted to destroy the statue of Poseidon, was that they were “convinced” that “Poseidon made the god Chaac angry.

A TikTok user went viral after stating that the statue was the cause of the heavy rains that hit the entire Yucatan Peninsula. This is how the topic began as a joke and sparked laughter among many, as the days went by, it began to be taken seriously by superstitious (or ignorant) people. Some Yucatecans wanted to know if the event was organized to destroy “Poseidon.”

However, it was recently confirmed that the “event” was canceled. The person who created the Facebook group indicated that the event was a joke but many people took it seriously. And apparently, these people were really intended to vandalize the statue.

Here’s Why Yucatán Residents Blame New Poseidon Statue for Hurricane Beryl

BY JEANETTE HERNANDEZ

07.03.24 at 10:28 am

Yucatán residents are not happy about a new beach attraction. So much so that the community is getting together to call out a new Poseidon figure that was installed in Progreso, Yucatán, last May, ahead of Hurricane Beryl.

The statue appears to be about three meters tall and is located five meters into the sea. It was created by Chapa Balam Díaz and made of fiberglass. The figure represents the famous Greek god that’s known as “the god of the sea.” However, what was supposed to be another attraction in a tourist location ended up becoming a controversial subject this week. 

With Hurricane Beryl set to make landfall in Mexico this week, the community is now blaming the statue as the reason for the community’s polar change in climate. Some social media users believe that the new statue upset or offended the Mayan god of water and rain Chaac.

Other social media users want Chaac to replace the Greek god – and of course, there are already memes about it. 

A social media user even created a Facebook group to gather people to destroy the figure on July 15. The post – that was a joke – went viral and since then was canceled due to social media users taking the destruction seriously. 

Per Infobae, the organizer wrote in Spanish in the Facebook event: “Message to the community: Thank you very much for your support it was really fun to see that many people took it as a good joke and that we managed in one hour to reach 35 thousand people that I did not expect and get on three local newscasts but I have received many hateful comments and people threatening and I do not want it to get out of control tqm to all who had fun.”

Ecological Police rescue a crocodile on the Mérida-Progreso highway

written by Yucatan Times July 3, 2024 

The Ecological Police management of Progreso announced that during the night of Monday, July 1, agents of this municipal agency rescued a crocodile that was trying to cross the Mérida-Progreso highway. This situation put it at risk the life of the reptile due to the constant vehicular flow in the area.

The animal was about 500 meters from the exit of Progreso, on the road as mentioned earlier in the North-South lane, that is, in the direction of Mérida.

When the municipal agents arrived at the area, they found the animal, and while some took charge of directing traffic to prevent vehicles from passing through the area while the operation was carried out, one of the agents was in charge of driving the animal to the mangrove area, to put it away from danger. Finally, the agency indicated that if they observe the presence of a wild animal at risk, citizens can contact the Ecological Police directly at the number 969-103-62-86.

TYT Newsroom

Major Hurricanes Impacting the Yucatan Peninsula Since the 1980s

written by Yucatan Times July 1, 2024 

What lessons can history teach us?

The Yucatán Peninsula, with its beautiful coastlines and rich cultural heritage, has also been a focal point for numerous hurricanes. Since the 1980s, several powerful storms have struck the region, leaving lasting impacts on its landscape, economy, and communities. Here are some of the most significant hurricanes that have affected the Yucatán Peninsula:

1. Hurricane Allen (1980) – Hurricane Allen was one of the most powerful hurricanes on record when it impacted the Yucatán Peninsula in August 1980. Allen reached Category 5 intensity, though it landed as a Category 3 hurricane.

Impact: Allen caused significant damage due to its strong winds and heavy rains. Coastal areas experienced substantial flooding and storm surges.

Aftermath: The recovery process involved rebuilding damaged infrastructure and homes. The impact on agriculture and local economies highlighted the need for better disaster preparedness and response strategies.

2. Hurricane Gilbert (1988) – Hurricane Gilbert was one of the most intense hurricanes to hit the Yucatán Peninsula in the 20th century. It landed on September 14, 1988, as a Category 5 hurricane with winds exceeding 160 mph.

Impact: Gilbert caused extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and the natural environment. The cities of Cancún and Cozumel were particularly hard hit, with widespread destruction and significant flooding.

Aftermath: The hurricane resulted in substantial economic losses, and the recovery process was long and arduous. It also highlighted the need for improved disaster preparedness in the region.

3. Hurricane Roxanne (1995) – Hurricane Roxanne struck the Yucatán Peninsula in October 1995, causing significant damage as a Category 3 storm.

Impact: Roxanne brought heavy rains and strong winds, leading to severe flooding and damage to buildings and infrastructure. The storm affected the coast and inland areas, disrupting daily life and economic activities.

Aftermath: The extensive flooding hampered recovery efforts, but the hurricane prompted improvements in the region’s emergency response systems.

Isidore – satelite image

4. Hurricane Isidore (2002) – Hurricane Isidore landed on the Yucatán Peninsula in September 2002 as a Category 3 hurricane.

Impact: Isidore caused widespread damage, particularly in the northern parts of the peninsula. The storm’s heavy rains caused severe flooding, damaged crops and homes, and displaced thousands of people.

Aftermath: The hurricane had a profound economic impact, particularly on agriculture. The recovery highlighted the resilience of the local communities and the importance of effective disaster management strategies.

5. Hurricane Emily (2005) – Hurricane Emily hit the Yucatán Peninsula in July 2005 as a Category 4 hurricane.

Impact: Emily caused significant damage, particularly in Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. The storm brought heavy rainfall, high winds, and a substantial storm surge, leading to flooding and property damage.

Aftermath: The economic impact was considerable, particularly on tourism and local businesses. Recovery efforts focused on rebuilding infrastructure and restoring normalcy to affected communities.

6. Hurricane Wilma (2005) – Hurricane Wilma was one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic basin. As a Category 4 hurricane, it made landfall in the Yucatán Peninsula in October 2005.

Impact: Wilma caused catastrophic damage, particularly in Cancún and Cozumel. The hurricane’s slow movement led to prolonged exposure to high winds and heavy rains, resulting in severe flooding and extensive property damage.

Aftermath: The recovery process was lengthy and costly, with significant efforts needed to restore the region’s tourism industry, a major economic driver.

Isidore hurricane aftermath

7. Hurricane Dean (2007) – Hurricane Dean landed on the Yucatán Peninsula in August 2007 as a Category 5 hurricane.

Impact: Dean caused extensive damage, particularly in the southern parts of the peninsula. The hurricane’s powerful winds and heavy rains caused significant flooding, destroyed homes, and disrupted agricultural activities.

Aftermath: The economic impact was severe, with many communities facing long-term recovery challenges. The hurricane underscored the importance of preparedness and resilient infrastructure.

8. Hurricane Delta (2020) – Hurricane Delta struck the Yucatán Peninsula in October 2020 as a Category 2 hurricane.

Impact: Delta brought strong winds, heavy rains, and storm surges, causing flooding and property damage in areas like Cancún and Playa del Carmen. The hurricane disrupted tourism and local businesses.

Aftermath: Recovery efforts were complicated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but the region’s experience with previous hurricanes, and the lessons learned from them, played a crucial role in the response and rebuilding process.

Since the dawn of time, the Yucatán Peninsula has faced numerous hurricanes, but each has left a significant mark on the region since the 1980s. These storms have tested the resilience of its communities and underscored the importance of disaster preparedness and effective response strategies. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, the lessons learned from past hurricanes will be crucial in mitigating the impacts of future storms and ensuring the safety and well-being of the Yucatán Peninsula’s residents. With resilient infrastructure, we can take precautions. Better safe than sorry.

For The Yucatan Times Jose E. Urioste Merida Yucatan July 01 2024

Report on Isidoro 2002 if interested!!

https://www.mayas.uady.mx/articulos/isidororepercuciones.html

“Huancho” is the name of the huge crocodile that wanders the streets of Chicxulub Puerto Yucatan Times June 26, 2024

The appearance of another huge crocodile in Progreso was announced on social media, this time in Chicxulub Puerto, right in front of the access on the opposite lane where the main entrance to the Jurassic Trail park is located, located on the road that leads to Chicxulub Town.

In the video, people can see how Facebook user Elizabeth del Carmen Martínez records the reptile on the road returning home from a distance.

Martínez asked the drivers not to run “Huancho” over as he usually takes this road.

This sighting is added to the long list that has taken place this year, as Progreso sits on the natural habitat of these animals. The wetlands surround the residential area and are constantly invaded by humans, leaving little space for the local fauna, which often has no choice but to be close to nearby homes.

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