New Ongoing Event: Yucateca Association of Cactus & Succulents
Last Thursday of Every Month
How to choose and grow them. What can be done with them. How to sell them. All this and more!
Location: CICY: Edificio Estudiantes, Salon 1, Calle 43 #120, Chuburna de Hidalgo
Time: 7:00 PM, Last Thursday of Every Month
For More Information: info.asycs[at]gmail.com or cactu[at]hotmail.com  or asycs[dot]weebly[dot]com

Municipal Fiestas This Week

Hunucma Fiesta at Sisal  7 Day Event: August 31 – Sept. 6
This fiesta is in honor of Cristo de Hunucma. The main artisan activities of the municipality are the preparation of typical clothes, the elaboration of henequén fiber shoes and coconut carving. The artisans here also excel in the making of jewelry and in leatherwork. Hunucma is close by and this should be an easy end of summer day trip.

Cuzamá Fiesta  8 Day Event: Sept. 1 – Sept. 8
This fiesta is in honor of the birth of the Virgin Mary. Here, you will find hammocks made of hemp and cotton, as well as embroidery by both hand and machine. Cuzamá is located just south of Acanceh and Seye, between Tecoh and Homun. This too would make a nice day trip. 

Sucilá Fiesta  9 Day Event: Sept. 2 – Sept. 10
This fiesta is in honor of the birth of the Virgin Mary. The main artisan activities of the municipality include the construction of furniture with bojom wood, the making of hemp hammocks, and the making of machine embroidered huipiles. Sucilá is located between Buctzotz and Tizimin. 

Sotuta Fiesta  5 Day Event: Sept. 4 – Sept. 8
This fiesta is in honor of the birth of the Virgin. In the municipal head (county seat) there are some wonderful things to see in Sotuta. There is la Casa del Señor de Sotuta, which is the old palace of Nachi Cocoom; there is a temple dedicated to San Pedro the Apostle, constructed in the 16th century; and an 18th century chapel in the hermitage that is dedicated to Santa Cruz. See Bicycle Yucatan’s wonderful article on their bike and bus trip to Sotuta Here.

In the City of Merida

Monday (Lunes) August 30, 2010

Through Sept. 5: Cosmogonia Maya and Intersticios
These expositions are by the talented artists Benjamin Ramirez (Cosmogonia Maya) and Miguel Angel Reyes (Intersticios).
Location: Centro de Artes Visuales (Calle 60 # 411 x 45 y 47, Santa Ana)
Time: During museum hours
Admission:  Free

Tuesday (Martes) August 31, 2010

Café Pena K’aay T’aan / Nuevos Valores
Tonight’s performance will include: the voice of Moises Rodriguez Camara, Trio Gozanova, and DCNCHF2, Traccion Acustica. This is your chance to see some of the best of the new voices, trios, and musicians in Yucatan’s cultural future, as well as many artist with whom we are already familiar.
Location: in Casa de la Cultura del Mayab, Calle 63 x 64
Time: 8:30 PM Tuesday
Admission: Free (cash café, of course)

Wednesday (Miercoles) September 01, 2010

Cinema Series: Divas, Vamps and Femme Fatales: Sunset Boulevard
(U.S. 1950) Director: Billy Wilder. Starring: Gloria Swanson, William Holden, Jack Webb, Cecil B. DeMille, Hedda Hopper, and Buster Keaton. A hack screenwriter writes a screenplay for a former silent-film star who has faded into Hollywood obscurity.
Location: Cineteca Nacional Manuel Barbachano Ponce in Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 5:00 PM Wednesday
Admission: Free

Let’s Chat – About Mexican Independence Day
There always seems to be something interesting going on at Aany’s house. Now, Let’s Chat is being conducted in Spanish, primarily at an intermediate and above level, and will focus on speaking and listening skills, as well as vocabulary building. You can expect handouts providing vocabulary on the subject of the evening. This time, its Mexican Independence Day. Who was Hidalgo? What is the meaning behind the President’s words from the balcony? What else is he saying besides “Viva Mexico?” Carmen Pedroza will again be the facilitator.
Location: At the Sign of the Turkey (Anny’s house) Calle 43 #525 x 62 y 64 (Santa Ana)
Time: 7:00 PM Wednesday
Admission:  $50 pesos per person

Theater School
This is an actual school of theater that is open to the public and will run for several days. Since Yucatan has one of the best and most active theater programs in all of Mexico, we suspect that slipping into a seat for these classes and performances will be a treat we didn’t expect.
Location: Teatro Daniel Ayala, Calle 60 x 61
Time: 6:00 PM Wednesday
Admission:  Free

Telchac Puerto: 3rd State Contest for Interpreters of Popular Song and Trova Yucateca, featuring the Nuevas Voces del Mayab
This is going to be a wonderful event. We get to see these young people grow up in their careers here in the city. It is not often that we are able to see them as they begin their journey to stardom. Try not to miss this event if you are in the Telchac area.
Location: Telchac Puerto
Time: 6:00 PM Wednesday
Admission:  Free

Thursday (Jueves) September 02, 2010

Movie: TBD
You know how it is… they never want to tell us what’s playing until the last minute. But be assured, it will be something good! As soon as they let us know, we’ll update this page. So check back often!
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: Thursday, 9:00 PM
Admission: $30 pesos, $15 pesos students.

Theater School
This should make for quite an interesting morning.
Location: Teatro Daniel Ayala, Calle 60 x 61
Time: 9:00 AM Thursday
Admission:  Free

Cinema Series: Divas, Vamps and Femme Fatales: Stromboli
(Italy, 1950). Director: Roberto Rossellini. Starring Ingrid Bergman. Karen, a young woman from the Baltic countries, marries fisherman Antonio to escape from a prisoners camp. But the life in Antonio’s village, Stromboli, threatened by the volcano, is a tough one and Karen cannot get used to it.
Location: Cineteca Nacional Manuel Barbachano Ponce in Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 5:00 PM Thursday
Admission: Free

First Regional Exchange of Clown Art
XV Anniversary of Eduardo Muñoz Carrillo “Payaso Bolitas”
Location: Teatro Daniel Ayala, Calle 60 x 61
Time: 6:30 PM Thursday
Admission:  Free

Yucateco Period-Photo Exposition: History of ICY
This exposition is sponsored by the Ayuntamiento de Valladolid and the National Archives of Mexico.
Location: Casa de la Cultura in Valladolid
Time: 7:00 PM Thursday
Admission:  Free

Friday (Viernes) September 03, 2010

TGIF (First Friday)(aka NAFTA Party)
This is the party that is held in La Hach Bar at Fiesta Americana on all First Friday nights. It is a time to visit with old friends and make new ones. There is nothing any prettier than the huge patio outside of La Hach, suspended between the stars and the lights of the city, in one of the finest hotels in Yucatan.
Location: La Hach Bar, Fiesta Americana Hotel, Calle 60 x Ave. Colon
Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, botanas (snacks) are provided.
Admission:  Free (cash bar)

Cinema Series: Divas, Vamps and Femme Fatales: All About Eve
(Sweden, 1951) Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz. Starring Anne Baxter, Bette Davis, George Sanders, Celeste Holm, Gary Merrill, Marilyn Monroe, and Thelma Ritter. What a cast! An ingenue insinuates herself in to the company of an established but aging stage actress and her circle of theater friends
Location: Cineteca Nacional Manuel Barbachano Ponce in Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 5:00 PM Friday
Admission: Free

Movie: TBD
You know how it is… they never want to tell us what’s playing until the last minute. But be assured, it will be something good! As soon as they let us know, we’ll update this page. So check back often!
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: Friday, 9:00 PM
Admission: $30 pesos, $15 pesos students.

Theater School
This should make for another interesting morning.
Location: Teatro Daniel Ayala, Calle 60 x 61
Time: 9:00 AM Friday
Admission:  Free

3rd State Contest for Interpreters of Popular Song and Trova Yucateca, featuring the Nuevas Voces del Mayab
This is going to be a wonderful event. We get to see these young people grow up in their careers here in the city. It is not often that we are able to see them as they begin their journey to stardom. Try not to miss this event if you are in the Buczotz area.
Location: Buczotz
Time: 6:00 PM Friday
Admission:  Free

Cine: Amor Añejo
A short film that was filmed in Yucatan by Raul Sosa and Arturo Sousa. This project is supported by the State of Yucatan through ICY. The topic is love with an unexpected twist. It is not likely to have English subtitles.
Location: Cineteca Nacional Manuel Barbachano Ponce in Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 8:00 PM Friday
Admission:  Free

Saturday (Sabado) September 04, 2010

Movie: TBD
You know how it is… they never want to tell us what’s playing until the last minute. But be assured, it will be something good! As soon as they let us know, we’ll update this page. So check back often!
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: Saturday, 9:00 PM
Admission: $30 pesos, $15 pesos students.

40th Anniversary of Ballet Folklorico del Estado de Yucatan and the Orquesta Jaranera del Mayab
The title of this performance is A Window To The Past of Yucatan. With 40 years to perfect their craft, these two groups are the best of Yucatan’s cultural ambassadors around the world. They have even played in Bejing! Please make an effort to attend this wonderful event and let the Folkloric Ballet of the State of Yucatan and the Orquesta Jaranera del Mayab know just how much they are appreciated.
Location: Teatro Peon Contreras, Calle 60 x 57
Time: 9:00 PM Saturday
Admission:Free

Cinema Series: Divas, Vamps and Femme Fatales: A Streetcar Named Desire
(U.S. 1951). Director: Elia Kazan. Starring: Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, Kim Hunter, and Karl Malden. Disturbed Blanche DuBois moves in with her sister in New Orleans and is tormented by her brutish brother-in-law while her reality crumbles around her.
Location: Cineteca Nacional Manuel Barbachano Ponce in Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 5:00 PM Saturday
Admission: Free

Cinema Series: Divas, Vamps and Femme Fatales: Niagra
(U.S. 1953). Director: Henry Hatada. Starring: Marilyn Monroe, Joseph Cotton, Jean Peters, Max Showalter, and Denis O’Dea. As two couples are visiting Niagara Falls, tensions between one wife and her husband reach the level of murder.
Location: Cineteca Nacional Manuel Barbachano Ponce in Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 8:00 PM Saturday
Admission: Free

Sunday (Domingo) September 05, 2010

Second Race with a 10K and 3K Walk – Sunday September 5
This event is sponsored by Telcel and exersite.com.mx. Proceeds will go toward supporting the needs of children with cancer and their families. The slogan for this race is “Now is the time for Heroes!” Won’t you be a hero for children with cancer?
Sign Up: You can sign up to participate in this race by calling Exersite: 167-9257 and 167-9258. 

Cinema Series: Divas, Vamps and Femme Fatales: The Rose Tattoo
(U.S. 1955). Directed by Daniel Mann. Starring: Anna Magnani and Burt Lancaster. An Italian-American neighborhood in Louisiana is disturbed when truck driver Rosario Delle Rose is killed by police while smuggling…
Location: Cineteca Nacional Manuel Barbachano Ponce in Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 5:00 PM Sunday
Admission: Free

40th Anniversary of Ballet Folklorico del Estado de Yucatan and the Orquesta Jaranera del Mayab
The title of this performance is A Window To The Past of Yucatan. With 40 years to perfect their craft, these two groups are the best of Yucatan’s cultural ambassadors around the world. They have even played in Bejing! Please make an effort to attend this wonderful event and let the Folkloric Ballet of the State of Yucatan and the Orquesta Jaranera del Mayab know just how much they are appreciated.
Location: Teatro Peon Contreras, Calle 60 x 57
Time: 8:00 PM
Admission: Free

Coming Soon

Yoga Kundalini: Sept. 7 and Sept. 11
Location: Villa Serena, Calle 24 # 201 x 23 y 25, Garcia Gineres
Time:  On the 7th: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM; On the 11th: 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM
Admission: Call (999) 920-5611

Celebrate Mexico’s Bicentennial and Hotel Zamna’s 3rd Anniversary – Saturday September 11
This will be an evening of live music under the stars, along with a 3-course dinner with wine, a Zamna Prize Quiz, and free local beers, spirits & wine throughout the night. There will be a charge for imported drinks and wine. The menu includes roast pepper and carrot soup with bread, pork in a creamy Xcatic sauce, spring vegetables and rice, plus simply divine peaches & pears marinated in brandy with limon sorbet. If the weather does not cooperate, this event will be moved inside. 
Location: Hotel Zamna, Calle 53 # 547, Barrio de Santiago, Merida Centro
Time: Doors open at 7:30 PM, Dinner is served at 8:00 PM, Concert at 9:30 PM
Admission: $220 pesos, but tickets must be picked up and paid for in advance because of the need for catering. There is a limit of 40 guests, so please pick up your tickets early.
For more information, Call: 999-924-0103

Texas: Fiery Pool: The Maya and the Mythic Sea:
August 28, 2010 through Jan. 2, 2011
If you live in Texas, or if you are passing through on your way to Yucatan, try to get over to Ft. Worth to see this exhibit. All of the pieces belong to reputable museums in nations with significant Maya populations. The exhibition is organized by the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA, and is made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Additional support is provided by ECHO (Education through Cultural and Historical Organizations), a program of the U.S. Dept. of Education. The exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.
Location: Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth, Texas
For More Information, Please Visit Kimbell Art Museum’s Website

Hacienda Santa Cruz: A Unique Promotion:
September 1 through September 30
You are invited to enjoy a 3 course dinner with a welcome cocktail and a glass of wine
Price: $450 pesos + 15% service charge
More Information: Hacienda Santa Cruz Blog 

10th International Festival of Choirs Yucatan – October 9 & 13
Concert under the direction of maestro Electo Silva (Cuba). This is a 6-month-long festival that begins on April 8th and travels from Jalisco to Merida and on to Colombia and Venezuela before its final performances in Merida in October. Visit the MySpace page of Conjunto Vocal Yucatan for a complete listing of the international dates. In case there is anyone who doesnt believe that a voice is the equivalent of a musical instrument or that a choir is the equivalent of an orchestra, we invite you to listen to samples of their work on their MySpace page. We especially liked A una dama que iba cubierta and La Cochinita Pibil. Performance dates in Merida are:
October 9 & 13: 10th International Festival of Choirs Yucatan and 25th Anniversary of Conjunto Vocal Yucatan
Location: Teatro Peon Contreras, Calle 60 at Calle 57
Admission: Tickets available at the box office

Yucatan 2010: Short Film Festival – November 12-21

The Yucatan 2010 Short Film Festival is calling for submissions. It is open to any non-professional resident of the Yucatan to submit their short films, and cash prizes will be awarded. Selected films will be exhibited during the festival. Films submitted must be digital videos, made in Yuca tan and produced after Jan 1 2009. One person can submit unlimited number of films. The themes must touch on mexicanidad, identity, revolution, independence, liberty and/or democracy. There is even a category for one-minute cellphone films, as well as one for films in the Mayan language (with Spanish subtitles), and the films can be up to thirty minutes.
Screening:November 20 & 21. The public will select the winners.
Prizes: Cash prizes of $4000 and $5000 pesos for each category
For More Information: ICY Direccion de Artes Visuales, 930-4700 Ext 54035 and 54019
Submission Entry Fee:Free

Multimedia: 200 Years of Being A Proud Mexican – November 19th & 20th
This wide screen event will have it all: the history of Mexico on a screen that is 11 meters long and 6 meters high, as well as books on art and history that are being taken house-to-house already.
Location: Parque de la Kukulcan, Circuito Colonias
Time: 8:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Admission: Free

Taste of Playa – November 21, 2010
This is a huge annual event where over 40 restaurants are highlighted in a one day event. It was a great success last year, so be sure and put it on your list for Fall travel must see and do.
Location: Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Time: 2 PM to 9 PM
More Information: Check the details on the Taste of Playa website.

Day of the Dead Spanish Immersion Course: October 25 – 29 and Nov. 1 – 5.
This is going to be a great event for anyone who wants to not only visit Yucatan, but take a wonderful course in Spanish while they enjoy their visit. Habla is going to have a 2 week Spanish immersion course the last week in October and the first week in November. Students can take one week or two and have the option to make this a real immersion by taking advantage of a homestay. Since Day of the Dead is one of the best holidays of the year in Yucatan, this is one of the best ways to see and do it all!
Location and Information: Habla
Information on Habla’s Website 

Have an event you want us to publicize? Just email the information to info [at] yucatanliving [dot] com. We publish every Monday night.

When Summer Vacation is over, we continue to strongly recommend that you nap fast because the Fall Cultural Festival will soon begin in Yucatan. In some years, this means over 1,000 events in less than one month – bridged by the Day of the Dead to the State Fair, with another 1,000 events or so – until the Fiesta of the Virgin of Guadalupe, which will take us on toward Christmas. This year, imagine the usual cavalcade of events, and then throw in anything special for the Centennial and Bicentennial Celebrations! In effect, after these next couple of weeks, you will have zero time off from great events in Yucatan until Christmas!

Municipal Fiestas This Week

Don’t forget to check back on our events for last week and the week before. There are still plenty of Municipal Festivals that began during those weeks and will continue until the end of the month.

Seye Fiesta: 5 Day Event: August 23 through August 27
This fiesta is in honor of St. Bartholomew. If you are looking for a fine hemp hammock, you can find one in Seye. If you are looking for a great place in the country, Seye is close enough to Merida to ride out to the fiesta and take a look around. This is old henequen country, the very spot where much of Yucatan’s 19th and early 20th century history took place. In addition, did you know that Yucatan has an endangered species of hairless pig? They are being raised by 8 farmers in 3 communities, one of which is Seye. Read all about them here.

Muxupip Fiesta  One Day Event: August 25
This fiesta is in honor of Santiago Apostol. Muxupip is not too far from the city. It is located just to the southeast of Motul. Things to see in Muxupip include the Temple of Santiago, the Chapel of Santa Cruz (constructed in the 17th century) and the principal residence of the former hacienda Casa Catzmil.

Tekanto Fiesta  3 Day Event: August 26 through August 28
This fiesta is in honor of San Agustin. Tekanto is located just north of Izamal and to the south of Suma and Teya. It is just past Bokoba. Artisans in this area make huipiles decorated with cross-stitched embroidery. They also make hammocks of sisal fibers. Tekanto is very proud of its 18th century church in honor of San Augustin. This is the church that is the destination of the Black Christ of Citilcum, in the Municipality of Hoctun.

In the City of Merida

Monday (Lunes) August 23, 2010

Photographic Exhibition: Francisco Balderas
Although this show began on August 21, we feel it is worthy of mention again this week. The name of the show is Sight and it is about seeing with one’s heart what is invisible to the eye. This is an important concept and one with which everyone needs to spend a bit of alone time.
Location: Galeria Maya: Calle 72 N. #464 x 51 y 53
Time: During gallery hours
Admission: Free

Meditation
Location: Villa Serena, Calle 24 #201 x 23 y 25, Garcia Gineres
Time: 6:00 to 7:00 PM Monday
Admission: Call (999) 920-5611

Tuesday (Martes) August 24, 2010

Café Pena K’aay T’aan / Nuevos Valores
Tonight’s performance is a Tribute to the Beatles with a performance by the Rubber Soul Band.
Location: in Casa de la Cultura del Mayab, Calle 63 x 64
Time: 8:30 PM Tuesday
Admission: Free (cash café, of course)

Cinema: Taking Woodstock
(U.S. 2009) Director: Ang Lee. A man working at his parents’ motel in the Catskills inadvertently sets in motion the generation-defining concert in the summer of 1969.
Location: Centro Cultural Jose Marti, Av. Colon x Calle 20, Garcia Ginerés
Time: 8:00 PM Tuesday
Admission: Free

Tribute to Dance: Danzart
This performance is under the direction of Abril Ferraez.
Location: Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 5:00 and 9:00 PM Tuesday
Admission: $50 pesos

A Tribute to the Beatles
Featuring Colectivo La Caverna
Location: Teatro Daniel Ayala, Calle 60 x 61
Time: 9:00 PM Tuesday
Admission: $50 pesos

Wednesday (Miercoles) August 25, 2010

Cinema Series: Divas, Vamps and Femme Fatales: Double Indemnity
(U.S. 1944) Director: Billy Wilder, with Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray. An insurance representative lets himself be talked into a murder/insurance fraud scheme that arouses an insurance investigator’s suspicions.
Location: Cineteca Nacional Manuel Barbachano Ponce in Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 5:00 PM Wednesday
Admission: Free

Season III: Independent Dance Groups
The first performance tonight is by Azzara Belly Dance Company, under the direction of Giselle Amaral.
Location: Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 5:00 PM Wednesday
Admission:$50 pesos

Season III: Independent Dance Groups
This is a performance by the Ballet Folklorico Nuevo Sol, under the direction of Maria Jose Palma.
Location: Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 7:00 PM Wednesday
Admission:$50 pesos

Benjamin Ramirez: Cosmogonia Maya
What a wonderful treat! Sometimes, the best thing in life is a second chance and we’ve got a second chance to see Cosmogonia Maya. On the opening night of this exhibition, Benjamin Ramirez was so busy that he did not have time to answer many of the questions that were put to him. In addition, several people were unable to attend that night. To rectify this situation, the artist is going to give a private tour of the show. The one-hour tour will be in English. He will speak about the inspiration for the show, Mayan symbolism and ideology, provide technical information, and will answer any questions. If you do not know Benjamin Ramirez and his work, read our interview with him.
Location: Centro de Artes Visuales, Instituto de Cultura de Yucatan, Calle 60 #411 x 45 y 47, Centro
Time: 7:00 PM Wednesday
Admission: Free

Remembering the Composers
Remember, this is the 3rd Wednesday of the month and its time for Remembering the Composers in Merida. These concerts are always very special and something that, if you love the music of Yucatan, you should always try to attend.
Location: Museum of Yucateca Song, Calle 57 x 50
Time: 9:00 PM Wednesday
Admission: $10 pesos

Thursday (Jueves) August 26, 2010

Movie: TBD
You know how it is… they never want to tell us what’s playing until the last minute. But be assured, it will be something good! As soon as they let us know, we’ll update this page. So check back often!
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: Thursday, 9:00 PM
Admission: $30 pesos, $15 pesos students.

Season III: Independent Dance Groups
This is a performance by Baatsil Contemporary Dance Company, under the direction of Betsabe Castillo.
Location: Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 7:00 PM Thursday
Admission:$50 pesos

Cinema Series: Divas, Vamps and Femme Fatales: Mildred Pierce
(US 1945) Director: Michael Curtiz, with Joan Crawford and Jack Carson. After her cheating husband leaves her, Mildred Pierce proves she can become independent and successful, but can’t win the approval of her spoiled daughter. Joan Crawford at her best!
Location: Cineteca Nacional Manuel Barbachano Ponce in Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 5:00 PM Thursday
Admission: Free

Friday (Viernes) August 27, 2010

Season III: Independent Dance Groups
This performance is by the Ariadne Fuszion Dance Company, under the direction of Ariadne Montilla.
Location: Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 7:00 PM Friday
Admission: $50 pesos

Cinema Series: Divas, Vamps and Femme Fatales: The Postman Always Rings Twice
(U.S. 1946) Director: Tay Garnett, Starring: Lana Turner, John Garfield and Hume Cronyn. A married woman and a drifter fall in love, then plot to murder her husband… but even once the deed is done, they must live with the consequences of their actions.
Location: Cineteca Nacional Manuel Barbachano Ponce in Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 5:00 PM Friday
Admission: Free

Movie: TBD
You know how it is… they never want to tell us what’s playing until the last minute. But be assured, it will be something good! As soon as they let us know, we’ll update this page. So check back often!
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: Friday, 9:00 PM
Admission: $30 pesos, $15 pesos students.

Season III: Independent Dance Groups
This performance is by Grupo + Danza, under the direction of Gina Pedraza.
Location: Teatro Peon Contreras, Calle 60 x 57
Time: 9:00 PM Friday
Admission:$50 pesos

Salma la Bicentenaria
This performance is under the direction of Raul Niño
Location: Teatro Daniel Ayala, Calle 60 x 61
Time: 9:00 PM Friday
Admission: Tickets Available at the box office

Yo Soy Sanando (I Am Healing)
Location: Villa Serena, Calle 24 #201 x 23 y 25, Garcia Gineres
Time: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Admission: Call (999) 920-5611

Saturday (Sabado) August 28, 2010

Movie: TBD
You know how it is… they never want to tell us what’s playing until the last minute. But be assured, it will be something good! As soon as they let us know, we’ll update this page. So check back often!
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: Saturday, 9:00 PM
Admission: $30 pesos, $15 pesos students.

Season III: Independent Dance Groups
The program is called tres + tres (three + three) It includes the work of three choreographers from three contries: Eun Jung Choi (originally from Korea and living in the U.S.A. since 1992); Manuel Fajardo from Venezuela and myself from Catalonia (Spain, living in Mérida since 2002). The three works have in common the collaboration with the yucatecan composer Manuel Estrella.
Location: Teatro Peon Contreras, Calle 60 x 57
Time: 9:00 PM Saturday
Admission:$50 pesos

Cinema Series: Divas, Vamps and Femme Fatales: Gilda
(U.S. 1946) Director: Charles Vidor, with Rita Hayworth and Glenn Ford. The sinister boss of a South American casino finds that his right-hand man Johnny and his sensuous new wife Gilda already know each other. This is Rita Hayworth’s most famous role.
Location: Cineteca Nacional Manuel Barbachano Ponce in Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 5:00 PM Saturday
Admission: Free

Cinema Series: Divas, Vamps and Femme Fatales: The Killers
(Australia 1946) Director: Robert Siodmak. From a story by Ernest Hemingway. Starring: Ava Gardner, Burt Lancaster, and Edmond O’Brien. Hit men kill an unresisting victim, and investigator Reardon uncovers his past involvement with beautiful, deadly Kitty Collins.
Location: Cineteca Nacional Manuel Barbachano Ponce in Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 8:00 PM Saturday
Admission: Free

Season III: Independent Dance Groups
This is a performance by Grupo Folklorico Raices, under the direction of Adrian Cerda.
Location: Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 7:00 PM Saturday
Admission: $50 pesos

Salma la Bicentenaria
This performance is under the direction of Raul Niño
Location: Teatro Daniel Ayala
Time: 9:00 PM Saturday
Admission: Tickets Available at the box office

Sunday (Domingo) August 29, 2010

Cinema Series: Divas, Vamps and Femme Fatales: Enamorada
(Mexico 1946) Director: Emilio Fernandez, Stars: Maria Felix and Pedro Armendariz.. During the Mexican Revolution, a guerrilla general (Armendáriz) and his troops take the conservative town of Cholula.This film is in Spanish and may not have English subtitles.
Location: Cineteca Nacional Manuel Barbachano Ponce in Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 5:00 PM Sunday
Admission: Free

Season III: Independent Dance Groups
This is a performance by the, under the direction of Meilyn Fuentes.
Location: Teatro Peon Contreras, Calle 60 x 57
Time: 9:00 PM
Admission: $50 pesos

Season III: Independent Dance Groups

This is a performance by Echoes Experimental Dance Company, under the direction of Alfonso Garcia.
Location: Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 7:00 PM Sunday
Admission: $50 pesos

Salma la Bicentenaria
This performance is under the direction of Raul Niño
Location: Teatro Daniel Ayala
Time: 8:00 PM Saturday
Admission: Tickets Available at the box office

Coming Soon

Yoga Kundalini: Sept. 7 and Sept. 11
Location: Villa Serena, Calle 24 # 201 x 23 y 25, Garcia Gineres
Time:  On the 7th: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM; On the 11th: 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM
Admission: Call (999) 920-5611

Second Race with a 10K and 3K Walk – Sunday September 5
This event is sponsored by Telcel and exersite.com.mx. Proceeds will go toward supporting the needs of children with cancer and their families. The slogan for this race is “Now is the time for Heroes!” Won’t you be a hero for children with cancer?
Sign Up: You can sign up to participate in this race by calling Exersite: 167-9257 and 167-9258. 

Celebrate Mexico’s Bicentennial and Hotel Zamna’s 3rd Anniversary – Saturday September 11
This will be an evening of live music under the stars, along with a 3-course dinner with wine, a Zamna Prize Quiz, and free local beers, spirits & wine throughout the night. There will be a charge for imported drinks and wine. The menu includes roast pepper and carrot soup with bread, pork in a creamy Xcatic sauce, spring vegetables and rice, plus simply divine peaches & pears marinated in brandy with limon sorbet. If the weather does not cooperate, this event will be moved inside. 
Location: Hotel Zamna, Calle 53 # 547, Barrio de Santiago, Merida Centro
Time: Doors open at 7:30 PM, Dinner is served at 8:00 PM, Concert at 9:30 PM
Admission: $220 pesos, but tickets must be picked up and paid for in advance because of the need for catering. There is a limit of 40 guests, so please pick up your tickets early.
For more information, Call: 999-924-0103

10th International Festival of Choirs Yucatan – October 9 & 13
Concert under the direction of maestro Electo Silva (Cuba). This is a 6-month-long festival that begins on April 8th and travels from Jalisco to Merida and on to Colombia and Venezuela before its final performances in Merida in October. Visit the MySpace page of Conjunto Vocal Yucatan for a complete listing of the international dates. In case there is anyone who doesnt believe that a voice is the equivalent of a musical instrument or that a choir is the equivalent of an orchestra, we invite you to listen to samples of their work on their MySpace page. We especially liked A una dama que iba cubierta and La Cochinita Pibil. Performance dates in Merida are:
October 9 & 13: 10th International Festival of Choirs Yucatan and 25th Anniversary of Conjunto Vocal Yucatan
Location: Teatro Peon Contreras, Calle 60 at Calle 57
Admission: Tickets available at the box office

Yucatan 2010: Short Film Festival – November 12-21

The Yucatan 2010 Short Film Festival is calling for submissions. It is open to any non-professional resident of the Yucatan to submit their short films, and cash prizes will be awarded. Selected films will be exhibited during the festival. Films submitted must be digital videos, made in Yuca tan and produced after Jan 1 2009. One person can submit unlimited number of films. The themes must touch on mexicanidad, identity, revolution, independence, liberty and/or democracy. There is even a category for one-minute cellphone films, as well as one for films in the Mayan language (with Spanish subtitles), and the films can be up to thirty minutes.
Screening:November 20 & 21. The public will select the winners.
Prizes: Cash prizes of $4000 and $5000 pesos for each category
For More Information: ICY Direccion de Artes Visuales, 930-4700 Ext 54035 and 54019
Submission Entry Fee:Free

Multimedia: 200 Years of Being A Proud Mexican – November 19th & 20th
This wide screen event will have it all: the history of Mexico on a screen that is 11 meters long and 6 meters high, as well as books on art and history that are being taken house-to-house already.
Location: Parque de la Kukulcan, Circuito Colonias
Time: 8:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Admission: Free

Taste of Playa – November 21, 2010
This is a huge annual event where over 40 restaurants are highlighted in a one day event. It was a great success last year, so be sure and put it on your list for Fall travel must see and do.
Location: Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Time: 2 PM to 9 PM
More Information: Check the details on the Taste of Playa website.

Day of the Dead Spanish Immersion Course: October 25 – 29 and Nov. 1 – 5.
This is going to be a great event for anyone who wants to not only visit Yucatan, but take a wonderful course in Spanish while they enjoy their visit. Habla is going to have a 2 week Spanish immersion course the last week in October and the first week in November. Students can take one week or two and have the option to make this a real immersion by taking advantage of a homestay. Since Day of the Dead is one of the best holidays of the year in Yucatan, this is one of the best ways to see and do it all!
Location and Information: Habla
Information on Habla’s Website 

Have an event you want us to publicize? Just email the information to info [at] yucatanliving [dot] com. We publish every Monday night.

Another Buctzotz Fiesta: 8 Day Event: August 22 through August 30
Believe it or not, Buctzotz begins a new fiesta before the current fiesta ends! This fiesta is based around a pilgrimage in honor of the Immaculate Conception. We found a 4 minute section of a road trip into Buctzotz on YouTube here.  Be sure and look for paintings by the children of Buctzotz, as shown on the Mundo Maya website.

In the City of Merida

Monday (Lunes) August 16, 2010

Visit the Municipal Book Fair at the Palacio del Ayuntamiento

Tuesday (Martes) August 17, 2010

Café Pena K’aay T’aan / Nuevos Valores
A collective display of the Yucatan Song Workshop. Under the direction of Mtro. Felipe de la Cruz, with interpretive participation by the most talented Maricarmen Peniche and Maria Guadalupe Gomez Moo.
Location: in Casa de la Cultura del Mayab, Calle 63 x 64
Time: 8:30 PM Tuesday
Admission: Free (cash café, of course)

Tribute to Romulo Rozo
Unveiling of the bust of Romulo Rozo. Romulo Rozo is the man who created the Monumento de la Patria. According to Wikipedia, he was born in Bogotá in 1899, and died in Merida in 1964, the very same day that he received his citizenship for Mexico. Apparently, he also became quite well known as a songwriter here in Yucatan. Sadly, he died in poverty, like so many artists who are unrecognized in their lifetimes. A bust of him will be installed on Paseo de Montejo tonite.
Location: Paseo Montejo (in front of the Monumento a la Patria)
Time: 8:00 PM
Admission: Free

Tribute to Dance: Spassio Latino
This performance is under the direction of Ricardo Ruz. This is another of those performances that you have to see to believe. Watch Spassio Latino on YouTube to see just how talented these young people can be! Of course, this younger generation calls this type of dance a form of salsa. We suppose they’ve never heard of the jitterbug… but they’re awfully good at it, no matter what they call it.
Location: Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 9:00 PM Tuesday
Admission: $50 pesos

Yahal Kab in Concert
This performance is under the direction of Ricardo Vega. This group is not to be missed. Please give yourself a treat and listen to Yahal Kab on YouTube.
Location: Teatro Daniel Ayala, Calle 60 x 61
Time: 9:00 PM Tuesday
Admission: Tickets available in the box office.

Wednesday (Miercoles) August 18, 2010

Cinema Series: Divas, Vamps and Femme Fatales:La Dama de las Camelias (Camille)
(U.S. 1936) Directed by George Cukor, with Greta Garbo, Lionel Barrymore, and Robert Taylor. A Parisian courtesan must choose between the young man who loves her and the callous baron who wants her, even as her own health begins to fail.
Location: Cineteca Nacional Manuel Barbachano Ponce in Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 5:00 PM Wednesday
Admission: Free

Wednesday of Dance: The Tumaka’t Dance Company
This performance is under the direction of Vania Duran. If you have children in Yucatan (especially if you have teenagers), or if you know someone who does, please bring them to see this spectacular show. This is a danza infantil and these great kids need our attendance to see how much we appreciate their talent and hard work. Watch the Tumaka’t Dance Company on YouTube for a preview of their work.
Location: Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 5:00 PM Wednesday
Admission: Tickets available at the box office

Wednesday at the Peon: An Appointment With Dance
This performance is by Tatzudanza, under the direction of Tatiana Zugazagoitia
Location: Teatro Peon Contreras, Calle 60 x 57
Time: 9:00 PM Wednesday
Admission: Tickets available at the box office

Art Openning: Arterias
Agustin Gonzales, a local painter, will most likely be on hand for this opening of a show of his most recent paintings. Augustin is a talented young artist who moved to Merida about a year ago and we encourage you to go out and support him.
Location: Amaro Restaurant, Calle 59 x 60
Time: 9:00 PM, Wednesday
Admission: Free

Thursday (Jueves) August 19, 2010

Movie: TBD
You know how it is… they never want to tell us what’s playing until the last minute. But be assured, it will be something good! As soon as they let us know, we’ll update this page. So check back often!
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: Thursday, 9:00 PM
Admission: $30 pesos, $15 pesos students.

Musical Theater: Chicago
This is a performance of this famous musical by Compania de Teatro Xpresion
Location: Teatro Daniel Ayala, Calle 60 x 61
Time: 9:00 PM Thursday
Admission: Tickets available at the box office

Cinema Series: Divas, Vamps and Femme Fatales: Bringing Up Baby
(U.S. 1938). Directed by Howard Hawks, with Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. David Huxley is waiting to get a bone he needs for his museum collection. Through a series of strange circumstances, he meets Susan Vance, and the duo have a series of misadventures which include a leopard called Baby. A real classic with two fantastic actors… don’t miss it!
Location: Cineteca Nacional Manuel Barbachano Ponce in Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 5:00 PM Thursday
Admission: Free

Friday (Viernes) August 20, 2010

3rd Annual Break Dance Contest – The Only Real Battle
This show continues until Sunday. Breakdancing is the rage here in Merida and these young men and women are serious competitors. Check it out!
Location: Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 4:00 PM Friday
Admission: Tickets available at the box office

Cinema Series: Divas, Vamps and Femme Fatales: Maria Antonieta (Marie Antoinette)
(U.S. 1938) Director: W.S. VanDyke, with Norma Shearer, Tyrone Power and John Barrymore. The life of Marie Antoinette (1755-1793) from betrothal and marriage in 1770 to her beheading.
Location: Cineteca Nacional Manuel Barbachano Ponce in Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 5:00 PM Friday
Admission: Tickets available at the box office

Movie: TBD
You know how it is… they never want to tell us what’s playing until the last minute. But be assured, it will be something good! As soon as they let us know, we’ll update this page. So check back often!
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: Friday, 9:00 PM
Admission: $30 pesos, $15 pesos students.

Saturday (Sabado) August 21, 2010

Movie: TBD
You know how it is… they never want to tell us what’s playing until the last minute. But be assured, it will be something good! As soon as they let us know, we’ll update this page. So check back often!
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: Saturday, 9:00 PM
Admission: $30 pesos, $15 pesos students.

Folkloric Festival: Provincia a Provincia
Tonight’s performance is in memory of Mtro. Miguel Velez Arceo and a tribute to maestros Alvaro Braga and Jesus Garma
Location: Teatro Peon Contreras, Calle 60 x 57
Time: 9:00 PM Saturday
Admission: $50 pesos

Cinema Series: Divas, Vamps and Femme Fatales: La Carta (The Letter)
(U.S. 1940) William Wyler directs this story by M. Somerset Maugham, starring Bette Davis and Herbert Marshall. The wife of a rubber plantation administrator shoots a man to death and claims it was self-defense, but a letter in her own hand may prove her undoing.
Location: Cineteca Nacional Manuel Barbachano Ponce in Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 5:00 PM Saturday
Admission: Free

Cinema Series: Divas, Vamps and Femme Fatales: Los Viajes de Sullivan (Sullivan’s Travels)
(U.S. 1941) Director: Preston Sturges, starring Veronica Lake and Joel McCrea. A director of escapist films goes on the road as a hobo to learn about Life…which gives him a rude awakening.
Location: Cineteca Nacional Manuel Barbachano Ponce in Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 7:00 PM Saturday
Admission: Free

Sunday (Domingo) August 22, 2010

Cinema Series: Divas, Vamps and Femme Fatales: Los Abandonadas
(Mexico 1944) Director: Emilio Fernandez, with Dolores del Rio and Pedro Armendariz. Abandoned by Julius with her young son in her arms, Margarita is admitted to a brothel in Mexico City in 1914. One of the brothel’s customers is Juan Gomez, a revolutionary general who falls in love with her beauty and takes her out of the life of a prostitute. But Margaret’s misfortunes do not end there because Juan is actually an imposter, a member of the feared band of automóvil gris, that is ravaging the city with their crimes. This film is in Spanish and may not have English subtitles.
Location: Cineteca Nacional Manuel Barbachano Ponce in Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 8:00 PM Sunday
Admission: Free

6th Festival from Province to Province:
A Folkloric Marathon
This performance will include performers from several states, so it should be well worth attending.
Location: Teatro Peon Contreras, Calle 60 x 57
Time: We have times of both 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM, both from reliable sources… good luck!
Admission: Tickets available at the box office ($20 pesos)

6th Festival from Province to Province
The State of Durango Presents their Folkloric Ballet
Location: Sala de Arte in Teatro Merida, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 6:30 PM Sunday
Admission: Free

6th Festival from Province to Province
The State of Chihuahua Presents their Folkloric Ballet
Location: Sala de Arte in Teatro Merida
Time: 7:30 PM Sunday
Admission: Free

Coming Soon

Benjamin Ramirez: Cosmogonia Maya – Wednesday  August 25, 2010
What a wonderful treat! Sometimes, the best thing in life is a second chance and we’ve got a second chance to see Cosmogonia Maya. On the opening night of this exhibition, Benjamin Ramirez was so busy that he did not have time to answer many of the questions that were put to him. In addition, several people were unable to attend that night. To rectify this situation, the artist is going to give a private tour of the show. The one-hour tour will be in English. He will speak about the inspiration for the show, Mayan symbolism and ideology, provide technical information, and will answer any questions. If you do not know Benjamin Ramirez and his work, read our interview with him.
Location: Centro de Artes Visuales, Instituto de Cultura de Yucatan, Calle 60 #411 x 45 y 47, Centro
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free

Remembering the Composers- August 25, 2010
Remember, this is the 3rd Wednesday of the month and its time for Remembering the Composers in Merida. These concerts are always very special and something that, if you love the music of Yucatan, you should always try to attend.
Location: Museum of Yucateca Song
Time: 9:00 PM
Admission: $10 pesos

Second Race with a 10K and 3K Walk – Sunday September 5
This event is sponsored by Telcel and exersite.com.mx. Proceeds will go toward supporting the needs of children with cancer and their families. The slogan for this race is “Now is the time for Heroes!” Won’t you be a hero for children with cancer?
Sign Up: You can sign up to participate in this race by calling Exersite: 167-9257 and 167-9258. 

Celebrate Mexico’s Bicentennial and Hotel Zamna’s 3rd Anniversary – Saturday September 11
This will be an evening of live music under the stars, along with a 3-course dinner with wine, a Zamna Prize Quiz, and free local beers, spirits & wine throughout the night. There will be a charge for imported drinks and wine. The menu includes roast pepper and carrot soup with bread, pork in a creamy Xcatic sauce, spring vegetables and rice, plus simply divine peaches & pears marinated in brandy with limon sorbet. If the weather does not cooperate, this event will be moved inside. 
Location: Hotel Zamna, Calle 53 # 547, Barrio de Santiago, Merida Centro
Time: Doors open at 7:30 PM, Dinner is served at 8:00 PM, Concert at 9:30 PM
Admission: $220 pesos, but tickets must be picked up and paid for in advance because of the need for catering. There is a limit of 40 guests, so please pick up your tickets early.
For more information, Call: 999-924-0103

10th International Festival of Choirs Yucatan – October 9 & 13
Concert under the direction of maestro Electo Silva (Cuba). This is a 6-month-long festival that begins on April 8th and travels from Jalisco to Merida and on to Colombia and Venezuela before its final performances in Merida in October. Visit the MySpace page of Conjunto Vocal Yucatan for a complete listing of the international dates. In case there is anyone who doesnt believe that a voice is the equivalent of a musical instrument or that a choir is the equivalent of an orchestra, we invite you to listen to samples of their work on their MySpace page. We especially liked A una dama que iba cubierta and La Cochinita Pibil. Performance dates in Merida are:
October 9 & 13: 10th International Festival of Choirs Yucatan and 25th Anniversary of Conjunto Vocal Yucatan
Location: Teatro Peon Contreras, Calle 60 at Calle 57
Admission: Tickets available at the box office

Yucatan 2010: Short Film Festival – November 12-21
The Yucatan 2010 Short Film Festival is calling for submissions. It is open to any non-professional resident of the Yucatan to submit their short films, and cash prizes will be awarded. Selected films will be exhibited during the festival. Films submitted must be digital videos, made in Yucatan and produced after Jan 1 2009. One person can submit unlimited number of films. The themes must touch on mexicanidad, identity, revolution, independence, liberty and/or democracy. There is even a category for one-minute cellphone films, as well as one for films in the Mayan language (with Spanish subtitles), and the films can be up to thirty minutes.
Screening:November 20 & 21. The public will select the winners.
Prizes: Cash prizes of $4000 and $5000 pesos for each category
For More Information: ICY Direccion de Artes Visuales, 930-4700 Ext 54035 and 54019
Submission Entry Fee:Free

Multimedia: 200 Years of Being A Proud Mexican – November 19th & 20th
This wide screen event will have it all: the history of Mexico on a screen that is 11 meters long and 6 meters high, as well as books on art and history that are being taken house-to-house already.
Location: Parque de la Kukulcan, Circuito Colonias
Time: 8:30 PM and 10:00 PM
Admission: Free

Taste of Playa – November 21, 2010
This is a huge annual event where over 40 restaurants are highlighted in a one day event. It was a great success last year, so be sure and put it on your list for Fall travel must see and do.
Location: Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Time: 2 PM to 9 PM
More Information: Check the details on the Taste of Playa website.

Have an event you want us to publicize? Just email the information to info [at] yucatanliving [dot] com. We publish every Monday night.