Let the Festivals Begin!

Throughout the Fall and early Spring, Yucatan seems to host non-stop fairs and festivals, almost all of which are religious in nature. We currently have notices of several Catholic Church activities but, if your church would like your events listed, please do not hesitate to let us know. We will be happy to include your church’s events in our weekly calendar.

 

Festival of San Judas de Tadeo

Here’s one festival this week right here in Merida! Do you need a little help from a friend? Maybe St. Jude? Well – we’ve got the Festival of San Judas de Tadeo going on in Merida right now. It runs from October 19 through the big day, October 28. See Sunday’s events for a reminder and information about location.

 

Altar-Building Competition for Day of the Dead

All this week will be filled with activity leading up to next week’s festivities celebrating the Day of the Dead and All Souls’ Day, called Hanal Pixan in Mayan. We are on pins and needles, wondering which of the Schools at UADY is going to win the big altar-building contest. They’ve got a week to get their altars built… and we’ll let you know as soon as we find out who won! The public is going to get to see these alters, so be sure to put UADY on your list of things to do for next week’s very special holiday in Yucatan. (We believe the altars will be inside at the corner of Calle 60 and Calle 57)

Monday (Lunes) October 22, 2007

World Hunger Week and The Right to Food

Tonight, at 7:00 PM, UADY will host a world wide candlelight vigil in support of The Right to Food. This world wide, hour-long vigil marks the end of another year in which 854 million people go to bed hungry, with the right to food being the last of the human rights to be recognized and one that is not protected in most of the world. The vigil will take place in 150 nations around the world.
Location: UADY School of Medicine, Avenida Itzaes and Calle 59 (near the Zoo)
Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Admission: free

Conversaciones con Amigos (Conversations with Friends)

Practice Spanish or English with friends. Membership not necessary.
Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 #524 x 66 y 68.
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Admission: small donation

Monday Night Football at Mercer Cigars

Football with a chicken wings, beer, and a good cigar! Every Monday night through December 30th! Deliciously male!
Location: Mercer Cigars, 85-3 Prolongacion Montejo, Colonia Mexico
Tel: 999-944-3647 for information
Time: 7:30 PM until its over
Admission: Free

VAQUERÍA Folkloric Ballet

The signature dance of Yucatan, featuring the Jaranera Orchestra and the City Folkloric Ballet & Trova Yucateca .
Location: Ground floor of the Ayuntamiento in the Plaza Grande (the building with the clock)
Time: All Mondays 9:00 PM
Admission: Free

Tuesday (Martes) October 23, 2007

Tuesday of Trova

Performing tonight: Trio Los Condes. One of the best, and most famous, of all Yucatan’s trios!

Location: Auditorium in the Olimpo
For: Adults and children over the age of 6
Time: 8:30 PM
Admission: Free

FILM: "Thank you for Smoking" (USA, 2006)

Interesting cast here – everyone from Robert Duval and Rob Lowe to Katie Holmes. The film portrays Tobacco lobbyists as willing to do anything for money. What a surprise! Commentaries by Lic. Mario Helguera Bolio y Gabriel Chacón.
Location: Centro Cultural José Martí / Parque de Las Américas
For: Adults and Adolescents
Time: 8:00 PM

Remembrance Musicals

Dance to the Big Band sound of the 40’s, played by the wonderful Jaranara Orchestra.

Location: Parque de Santiago, Calle 72 at Calle 59
Time: Every Tuesday at 8:30 PM
Admission: Free

Wednesday (Miercoles) October 24, 2007

Impulso Art Exhibit and Benefit: El Arte Por La Educación

IMPULSO UNIVERSITARIO, A.C. is having a reception and art sale to raise funds for its scholarship program. More than fifty artists have donated artwork that will be included in the art sale, including some of the artists we have interviewed on this website. This non-profit organization believes that EDUCATION is a determining factor to improve the economical and cultural situation of Mexico. Their objective is to ensure that promising local students who are socioeconomically disadvantaged obtain a higher education and that they graduate with success. Because of that, they offer a scholarship program for local college (or equivalent) students who commit themselves to attend a weekly personal development program so that the recipients are able to finish their higher education and develop a strong social commitment that will benefit our communities.

Location: Calle 62 # 383 X 45 y 47 Colonia Centro
Time: 9:00 PM
Admission: Free

For the Ladies: A Tea

Té canasta. It means a get-together for drinking tea and playing cards. You are invited to a benefit tea (al té canasta), given by La Alianza de Amor con el Sagrado Corazón de Jesús del Templo de Monjas (The Alliance of Love with the Sacred Heart of Jesus of the Temple of Nuns). Many, perhaps even most, gringos are not Catholic. However, the Catholic Church, whatever your religious or political persuasion, is still the most active beneficial organization in the area. They are on the front lines of knowing the citizens of Yucatan and their immediate needs. You can attend a lovely afternoon tea, or enjoy an evening at the Women’s Dance later in the season. It is by participating in these events that we become part of our Yucateco community and ensure that our donations go to those who truly need help. The afternoon tea is a local event and Spanish will be spoken.

Location: Casa de la Cristiandad, Colonia Chuminópolis
Time: 2:00 PM

M.E.L. House & Garden Tour

These marvelous tours are conducted by local resident Keith Heitke. Didn’t you ever wonder what lies hidden behind those doors? This is your chance to find out. These tours are for our visitors as well as residents.
Location: The tour departs from the Merida English Library, Calle 53 No. 517 between Calle 66 and 68
Time: 9:45 AM – 12:30 PM, all Wednesdays, October thru March.
Reservations: (999) 924-8401
Information: sterlingheitke [at] prodigy [dot] net [dot] mx
Admission: $200 pesos

Wednesday Regional Theater

Concert: Jazz Quartet:
Louis Martínez, Alberto Palomo, Arturo Guzmán y Jeffre Keyperman

One of the most active groups of musicians, including internationally, we have seen in a long time. Always a good choice for great entertainment!

Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo
For: Adults and children over the age of 6
Time: 9:00 P.M.
Admission: Free

Mayan and English classes for Children

The children in Yucatan now find themselves needing to learn both Mayan and English in order to keep up with new cultural retrospectives. In order to accomplish that, English is taught in schools, and Mayan is being reintroduced. Now, kids can get a head start. Free introductory classes are being offered every Wednesday through November in both languages.
Mayan:
For Children age 6 to 12. From 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM all Wednesdays through November
English:
For Children age 10 to 12. Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM all Wednesdays through November
Location:
Cultural Center Jose Martí/ Park of the Américas (Avenida Colon and Calle 20).
Admission: Free

Thursday(Jueves) October 25, 2007

Thursday Recital of Piano and Trumpet: Irina Decheva and Rob Myers

Playing the works of Hayden, Eneseu, Hindemith, and Bernstein, we have two of the most accomplished musicians in Merida. Irina Decheva is Russian and Rob Myers is an American. Both have proven themselves to be tremendous assets to Yucatan. This is a “must see” event.

Location: Teatro Felipe Carrillo Puerto in the Cultural Center of the University
Time: 8:30 PM
Admission: Free

Jazz Concert: Louis Martinez Quintet

Location: Taller de Arte Contemporáneo, Calle 27 #213 C x 26 y 28, Col. García Ginerés
Time: 10:00 PM
Admission: $50

Play: Trasgos and Estrasgos (Drinks and Mess)

Performed by the independent theater group, Theater del Solar X’Tocoy, under the direction of Enrique Cascante (accomplished local theatre director)

Location: Cultural Center Jose Martí / Park of the Américas, Avenida Colon and Calle 20
For: Adults and Adolescents
Time: 8:00 PM
Admission: Free

Classic Thursday

The Camerata Académica de Mérida presents Grandes Solistas Mexicanos (Great Mexican Soloists),
under the artistic direction of Mtro. José Luis Chan Sabido.
This week’s invited soloist is Mtro. José Arias Luna.

Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Corner of Calle 60 x 61

For: Adults and Children over the age of 6
Time: 9:00 PM
Admission: Free

To Remember is to Live

Live music under the trees in one of Merida ’s oldest parks. What we really love about this dance, next to the fact that it starts early and ends at a reasonable hour. Come on down and enjoy the Big Band sound, something you’re not likely to hear anywhere other than in Merida.
Location: Parque Zoológico del Centenario (The Zoo), Calle 59 at Avenida Itzaes
When: 4:00 PM
Admission: Free

Yucatan Serenade
This is a real serenade that has been a fixture in Merida, every Thursday night, for over 40 years. This is the center of Merida’s romantic heart – and has the altar to prove it. If you are a visitor, make sure to get to this particular serenade. It is well worth being part of your first memory of Merida.
Location: Parque Santa Lucía , Calle 60 and 55, Downtown
Time: 9:00 PM
Admission: Free

Friday(Viernes) October 26, 2007

Tonite marks the opening night of the 14th annual Otoño Cultural, the Fall Cultural program, marking the unofficial beginning of the cultural season in Merida.

The Folkloric Ballet of UADY, Directed by Carlos Acereto Canto

This show will also be performed on Nov. 9, 16, and 23. Even the costumes have won awards in this Folkloric Ballet group!

Location: Patio of the Central Building of UADY, Calle 60 x 57
Time: 9:00 PM
Admission: $50

Opening of the Symphonic Season – The Yucatan Symphony Orchestra

Directed by Juan F. Moláno, this is opening night of the new season of the Symphony, featuring Gonzalo Romeau and his quintet playing Danzones Sinfónicos, Cuban-style dance music.

Location: Jose Peon Contreras Theatre, Calle 60 x 57
Time: 9:00 PM
Admission: Tickets available at the box office

Jazz Duet: Louis Martinez & Alberto Palomo in Concert

Check the calendar every week. These marvelous Jazz musicians are going to have a very active season that you really don’t want to miss.
Location: Centro Cultural José Martí / Parque de Las Américas, (Avenida Colon and Calle 20)
Time: 9:00 PM

Baila Merida (Merida Dances)

Designed for the older crowd, this dance moves to a different park each week.

Revista Musical Yucateca

A review of Yucatecan Music, performed as part of opening night of the Otoño Cultural (Fall Cultural Program)

Artistic Weekend: Lady of My Dreams

A movie about Liliana Perez, starring Silvia Káter and Tanicho. Directed by Marín Alpaca. This is an historical melodrama. Empress Carlotta looks back over her life and reviews the failure of the monarchy in Mexico.

Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 60 x 61
For: Adults and Adolescents
Time: 9:00 PM
Admission: General: $50; Students and INAPAM: $30

Noches Románticas en La Ermita (Romantic Nights in the Hermitage)

Are there any other kind? This is free musical expression with a romantic theme. This particular park, with it’s central gazebo, it’s cobbled streets, the colonial facades surrounding the park and the lovely little church at one side is romantic, even without the music!
Location: Parque de la Ermita de Santa Isabel (Calle 66 and 77)
Time: 9:00 PM
Admission: Free

Saturday (Sabado) October 27, 2007

Children’s Story Hour

Reading to children in both Spanish and English. Volunteers always welcome!

Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 #524 x 66 y 68.
Time: Every Saturday at 10:00 A.M.
Admission: Free

Merida Men’s Club

No dues and no officers – just good conversation and a chance to learn more about life in Yucatan. Meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday and the last Saturday of every month from 9:00 to 10:30 am. Speakers are often invited. To learn more and to put your name on the email list, contact Dan Ninburg (928-3866) or Roger Bowie (924-6792).

You can also contact Dan via email at bushninburg [at] yahoo [dot] com
Location: Cafe Bistro Kaapej on Prolongacion Montejo
Time: 9:00 AM

Movie: Sacco & Vanzetti (Italy, France, 1971)

The story of two anarchists who were charged and unfairly tried for murder when they were actually on trial because of their political convictions.

Artistic Weekend: Irish Dancing and national folklore

This show is being put on by the Cultural Trust, which is raising additional money to provide scholarships to the Mexico-Argentina Contemporary Dance Program.
Location: Patio of the Olimpo, Calle 60 x 61
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: General: $30

Artistic Weekend: Monologue

Teresa Panza: A monologue by Brígido Redondo, under the direction of Nancy Roche and accompanied by the theater group La Farándula.
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 61 and 62
For: Adolescents and Adults
Time: 8:00 PM
Admission: General: $50; Students and INAPAM: $30

Artistic Weekend: Cultural Caravan

A Music, Theater, and Dance Spectacular, as part of the Programa Rescate Espacios Públicos 2007 (Program for Rescuing Public Spaces).
These events are in coordination with the Secretary of Social Development.
Location this week: Colonia Esperanza, Calle 61 x 14 y 16
Time: 8:00 PM
Admission: Free.

Noche Mexicana (Mexican Night)

An outdoor performance that brings the folklore of all of Mexico to Merida! Music and partying under the stars!

Location: Beginning of Paseo Montejo, Calle 56 A between 47 and 49
Time: 8:00 PM
Admission: Free

En el Corazón de Mérida

Outdoor concerts, sidewalk cafes, shopping at night – its all here!

Location: Plaza Grande, Centro
Time: Saturday nights, from 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Admission: Free

Sunday (Domingo) October 28, 2007

Festival of San Judas Tadeo

Running from October 19 through the big day, October 28 when a big celebration under the skies will take place!
Location: "San Judas Tadeo Church". Located on Avenida Correa Rachó x Calle 7, Colonia Diaz Ordaz.
Tel: 943-16-03
Admission: Free

University Sundays present: "The Diversion of Dance"

Performed by Joven Ballet de Merida, A.C.

Location: Teatro Felipe Carrillo Puerto in the Cultural Center of the University, Calle 60 x 59 y 57
Time: 12:00 P.M.
Admission: Free

The Camerata Académica de Mérida Presents: Grandes Solistas Mexicanos

Under the artistic direction of Mtro. José Luis Chan Sabido. This week’s invited soloist is Mtro. José Arias Luna

Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Corner of Calle 60 x 61
For: Adults and Children over the age of 6
Time: 6:00 PM
Admission: Free

Documentary at the Museum of Natural History
This week: Deserts

Location: Calle 59 # 648 x 84 y 84 A on the north side of the Zoo.
For: the whole family
Time: At noon
Admission: Free

Sunday mornings is for Dogs

A “play-date” for dogs!

Location: In the grass-covered parking lot behind the Hyatt Hotel: north on Calle 60, right on Calle 35, just past Siqueff Reseaurant. Parking lot entrance is on the left.

Time: 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM (bring water for you and your dog)

The Bici-Ruta
The Bici-Ruta – bicycles, concerts, chess, handicrafts, food… and all before noon! If you want to play chess, go to the sidewalk outside the Museum of Anthropology on Paseo Montejo at 9 am and pick up a game! The complete listing of activities is on the Bici-Ruta website .
Location: Begins at Parque de la Ermita, through the Plaza Grande, out Paseo Montejo, to include Fiesta Americana, and Paseo de Montejo at the corners of Calles 45, 43, 31, and 29 – and ends at the glorieta (traffic circle) on Prolongation Paseo Montejo (by Burger King).
Time: 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 PM
Admission: Free

Mérida en Domingo
A spectacular weekly tradition in Merida! From the Plaza Grande to Santa Lucia Park, you’ll find the work of local artisans, good music, dancing in the streets, great food, and spectacular shows. If you head for Santa Lucia Park, you’ll also find antiques, old books and other curiosities. Great sidewalk cafes give you a chance to relax and “people watch”.

 

Sunday at the MACAY
There is a musical concert in the garden at the MACAY Museum , just off the Paseo de la Revolución next to the main cathedral. It is a beautiful oasis of calm, right in the middle of Merida en Domingo.

Location: In the Garden at the MACAY (next to the Cathedral, Calle 60 between 61 and 63)
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Admission: Free