Email & ShareThis Week… starting January 14, 2013
Municipal Fiestas This Week
Dzitas Fiesta: January 16th through January 22th
This fiesta is in honor of Santa Inés. The Municipality of Dzitas is a small “county,” located in the central-eastern part of the state, just south of Espita. There are fewer than 3,500 people who live in Dzitas, and their main artistic skills are turned mostly toward the making of hammocks. It is the population statistics that are interesting in this municipality. Almost half of the people work in agriculture, most of the rest work in manufacturing or go off to work in the oil industry. Over 90% have all the modern utilities coming to their homes and they have plenty of schools. Two-thirds of the people are indigenous, so the languages spoken in Dzitas are Spanish, Mayan, and Tzeltal. The food and health care are excellent because the birth rate is steady and the death rate is amazingly low. Take a trip out to this fiesta and let us know if you discover their secret to a long and healthy life.
In the City This Week
Merida Fest 2013 January 6 through January 26
For a short time, toward the end of 2012, it was feared that the annual celebration of the founding of our city might be limited in its total number of events this. Happily, such is not the case and January finds us celebrating the 471st Anniversary of the City of Merida. Check the list of eventshere.
Monday (Lunes) January 14, 2013
Look for a list of ongoing events here
Tuesday (Martes) January 15, 2013
Music: Mexican Watercolors
This performance, under the direction of Carlos Tello, is called back for an encore over and over again. If you haven’t experienced it, now it the time.
Location: Teatro Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Calle 60 x 57
Time: 8:00 PM Tuesday
Admission: Free
Music: Merida Big Band
This group, under the direction of Rainier Pucheux, is always one of Merida’s favorites. Big band sounds are almost as much a part of the identity of Merida as are trova and classical music.
Location: Parque de Santiago, Calle 72 x 59
Time: 7:00 PM Tuesday
Admission: Free
Wednesday (Miercoles) January 16, 2013
Movie: Man on the Wire
Oscar-winning movie about the man who walked on a tightrope between the Twin Towers in New York City. A really good documentary according to all who have seen it. In English.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: 9:00 PM Wednesday
Admission: $30 pesos, $15 pesos students
Music: Yucatan: Land of Tradition
This performance is by the Kaambal Group, under the direction of Samuel Espinoza. There are many subtle differences in the interpretations of music and songs in Yucatan. This is a chance to see one of the best.
Location: Parque de la Ermita, Calle 66 x 77
Time: 8:00 PM
Admission: Free
Thursday (Jueves) January 17, 2013
Movie: The Accordion of the Devil
Swiss-German movie made in 2000 about the legendary Caribbean musician, Pacho Rada. He started playing accordion when he was four years old and never stopped. Gabriel Garcia Marquez wrote about him in A Hundred Years of Solitude/
Time: 9:00 PM Thursday
Admission: $30 pesos, $15 pesos students
The Truth About the Aurora Yucateca
In 1833, Pedro Sainz de Baranda y Borreiro and John L MacGregor helped introduce Mexico to the Industrial Revolution. They built the first successful steam-powered cotton textile factory in Valladolid, Yucatan. The original mill building has been restored and is located along Calle 42 in Parque Candelaria. Several American writers have written about the Aurora Yucateca with varying degrees of accuracy. Please join us in a lecture/discussion regarding the fascinating history of this historical treasure and perhaps learn a little bit on how industrialization came to Mexico from Dr. Byron Augustin, contributing writer to Yucatan Living.
Location: Valladolid English Library, Casa Hamaca palapa, Valladolid
Time: 7:45 PM
Admission: $50 pesos
Music: Yucatan: Land of Tradition
This performance is by the Kaambal Group, under the direction of Samuel Espinoza. There are many subtle differences in the interpretations of music and songs in Yucatan. This is a chance to see one of the best.
Location: Parque de Santiago, Calle 72 x 59
Time: 8:00 PM Thursday
Admission: Free
Music: SequenzaSur
This group showcases flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, violin, viola, cello, piano and bass musicians. Quite a few are members of the Symphony Orchestra of Yucatan and teachers at the School of Arts of Yucatan (ESAY). The group was founded and is directed by composer Javier Alvarez. This will be an evening of excellent entertainment!
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 8:00 PM Thursday
Admission: Free
Friday (Viernes) January 18, 2013
Movie: Alamar
This 2009 Mexican movie is subtitled “The story of a father who changed his love into an adventure”. IMDB says “Before their inevitable farewell, a young man of Mayan roots and Natan, his half Italian son, embark on an epic journey into the open sea.”
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: 9:00 PM Friday
Admission: $80 pesos
Yucatan Symphony Orchestra: Verdi and Wagner
The winter symphony season starts with a bicentennial tribute to Verdi and Wagner. Alternating the two composers, the Yucatan Symphony begins another brilliant season led by the inimitable and much-loved Juan Carlos Lomónaco
Location: Teatro Jose Peon Contreras, Calle 60 x Calle 57
Time: 9:00 PM Friday
Admission:From $60 to $700 pesos, depending. Tickets at the venue
Dance: The Origen of Maiz (Videodance)
A video-dance event at the Monumento a la Patria? This certainly sounds interesting. The performance is by Compania “En Linea,” and the event is under the direction of Ligia Aguilar and Luis Ramirez.
Location: Monumento a la Patria on Montejo Avenue
Time: 7:00 PM Friday
Admission:Free
Dance: Lagarto de humo (Lizard of Smoke)
This performance is by Compania “Tumaka’t, ” under the direction of Vania Duran. Legend, myth, music and dance are all woven together in Yucatan and dance is the corner of intersection. This should be a very good performance and sure to please.
Location: Hacienda Anicabil in Ciudad Caucel
Time: 8:00 PM Friday
Admission:Free
Music: Banda Ysrael
This group is absolutely one of Merida’s favorite popular music groups. Whether they are playing for a cultural event, a wedding or at a business convention, they never fail to please their audience.
Location: Parque “La Vista,” Fracc. Juan Pablo II.
Time: 8:00 PM Friday
Admission: Free
Music: Yucatan Acustico
This performance is under the direction of Eduardo Vazquez. They are the same group that did Technicolor Fabrics at the Monumento a la Bandera, so look for acoustical guitars with a little something always extra from this group.
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 8:00 PM Friday
Admission: Free
Saturday (Sabado) January 19, 2013
Dance: Lagarto de humo (Lizard of Smoke)
This performance is by Compania “Tumaka’t, ” under the direction of Vania Duran. Legend, myth, music and dance are all woven together in Yucatan and dance is the corner of intersection. This should be a very good performance and sure to please.
Location: Hacienda Anicabil in Ciudad Caucel
Time: 8:00 PM Friday
Admission:Free
Writers Expo: January 19, 2013
Come enjoy a day by and for Merida writers! At the Merida English Library, books written by local writers will be for sale. Books include prose, poetry, self-help, cookbooks, travel, advice and more! There will be book signings, readings, etc! Come to see and come to sell. (If you want to sell, contact meridawriters2012 [at] gmail [dot] com)
Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 between Calle 66 and 68, Centro
Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Admission: Free
Movie: The Tiniest Place
This 2011 Mexican documentary is described this way: “This is a story about man kind’s ability to arise, to rebuild and reinvent himself after surviving a tragedy. A story about a people that have learned to live with their sorrow; an annihilated town that re-emerges through the strength and deep love of its’ inhabitants for the land and the people. A tiny place nestled in the mountains amidst the humid Salvadorean jungle.” Read more here at their website.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: 9:00 PM Saturday
Admission: $30 pesos, $15 pesos students.
Music: Brass Quintet
You won’t be in Merida long before you discover how well loved the sounds of brass really are here. This performance is by Grupo Aeolus, under the direction of Samuel Rafinesque. This is a young group that is well known to many expats. Any performance they give is well worth attending.
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 7:00 PM Saturday
Admission: Free
Music: Good Vibes Fest
This is a performance by Grupo “Ritmo Urbano” (Urban Rhythm) and is an excellent entertainment choice for the many expats in Yucatan who are musicians and fans of good vibes and urban rhythms.
Location: Plaza Grande, Calle 62 x 61br />
Time: 6:00 PM
Admission:Free
Dance: This is Mexico
This is a performance by the Dance Company of the Instituto Mexicano de Artes, under the direction of Carlos Acereto.
Location: Centro Cultural Carlos Acereto, Calle 55 # 490B por 40 y 30, Centro
Time: 8:00 PM Saturday
Admission: Free
Sunday (Domingo) January 20, 2013
Yucatan Symphony Orchestra: Verdi and Wagner
The winter symphony season starts with a bicentennial tribute to Verdi and Wagner. Alternating the two composers, the Yucatan Symphony begins another brilliant season led by the inimitable and much-loved Juan Carlos Lomónaco
Location: Teatro Jose Peon Contreras, Calle 60 x Calle 57
Time: 12:00 Noon Sunday
Admission:From $60 to $700 pesos, depending. Tickets at the venue
Dance: Lagarto de humo (Lizard of Smoke)
This performance is by Compania “Tumaka’t, ” under the direction of Vania Duran. Legend, myth, music and dance are all woven together in Yucatan and dance is the corner of intersection. This should be a very good performance and sure to please.
Location: Lower Floor of the Municipal Palace, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 12:00 PM Sunday
Admission:Free
Dance: This is Mexico
This is a performance by the Dance Company of the Instituto Mexicano de Artes, under the direction of Carlos Acereto.
Location: Centro Cultural Carlos Acereto, Calle 55 # 490B por 40 y 30, Centro
Time: 8:00 PM Sunday
Admission: Free
Concert: Felipe de la Cruz
The voice of Felipe de la Cruz is one of the treasured voices of the heart of Merida. This performance is entitled Gracias Merida and we recommend it without reservation.
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61, Centro
Time: 8:00 PM Sunday
Admission: Free
Music and Dance: Mano a Mano
Now, this is going to be just too much fun! Chicken y Sus Comandos go note to note in competition with Los Autenticos. The audience for this event will be the clear winners!
Location: Lower Floor of the Municipal Palace, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 5:00 PM Sunday
Admission:Free
Monday (Lunes) January 21, 2013
Visual Arts: Inauguration of the Expositions
Don’t miss this chance to see some real Leonora Carrington paintings up close!
Sala 1: Depictions of Marilyn in Andy Warhol’s Pop Art
Sala 2: Fantastic Impressions: Raul Anguiano and Leonora Carrington
Sala 3: Color in Sun Country: Gabriel Ramirez
Location: Galeria del Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 8:30 PM Monday
Admission:Free
Coming Soon
Mayan Mahem Hash House Harriers: January 22
Join this Hash House Harrier event… all are welcome! You do not have to be a runner; a walking trail will also be set. The run/walk lasts about an hour, but because it is a “game” trail you aren’t exercising the entire time, lots of breaks. After the run, there is about an hour or so of festivities. If you are unclear what the HASH even is, of course Wikipedia can explain it. It is advisable to NOT wear brand new tennis shoes on a hash. Special Note: This event is in honor of Todd Nevin’s birthday. Birthday gifts will be screened by the Hash committee before giving to Todd to ensure he won’t swallow any loose plastic bits. Everyone named Todd (except for Todd Nevins) will get in free.
Location: Calle 56 #453 x 51 y 53 centro, across from the now defunct Choparia
Time: Arrive after 4:30 PM. We are out of there at 5:00 PM SHARP (that means that we will start running precisely at 5, so don’t be late)
Admission: $50 pesos
Robbie Burns Night January 25 (Friday)
Traditional Scottish Dinner: Mushroom & Leek Soup, Fish in a whiskey batter, Peas & Skirlie, and Tipsey Laird. Followed by a Scotland the Brave Prize Quiz.
Location: Hotel Zamna, Calle 53 #547 x 70 y 72, Barrio de Santiago
Time: Doors Open: 7:00 PM, Dinner is served: 7:30 PM
Admission: $135 pesos (limit: 30 guests). Tickets available from hotel reception.
My Sister’s Closet: Saturday, January 26, 2013
3rd Annual Fashion Show & Clothing Sale Fundraiser for the Chuburna Puerto APOYO Escolar Program. Light Finger Food will be included, as well as a Cash bar (wine, beer & soda) & Raffle
Location: La Casa Namaste, Calle 5 #404, Entrada Mojarra off the highway between Chelem & Chuburna, to the beach road
Time: 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Admission: $100 pesos: Seating limited so get your tickets now
More Information: 999-190-2728 Tickets Available From: Mary Walberg 999-904-9666, Bev Melchior 999-129-3608, Marta DeQuesada 999-146-0788
IFUNDRAISER FOR edúcaTE Yucatán A.C Jan. 31st, 2012
Barbara J. Harris and Ken Funk will be performing the play LOVE LETTERS by A.R. Gurney in order to raise funds for edúcaTE Yucatán A.C., a non profit organization registered in the US and in Mexico dedicated at helping disadvantaged children in Cholul and surrounding villages to receive an education. EdúcaTE Yucatán currently runs sponsorship, tutoring and breakfast programs for kids in primary, secondary and high school, benefitting over 100 children and young people age 6 till 19. (www.educateyucatan.org) LOVE LETTERS is a wonderful love story told through the written correspondence between Andy and Melissa over the years, from their childhood through to being grandparents. This play will bring back wonderful memories, make you laugh out loud and bring a tear to your eye.
Location: Olimpo Cultural Center, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Restaurant Trotters: ph. 9272320, Circuito Colonias x Prol. Montejo y Calle 60; Slow Food Market • Jan. 12, 19 & 26 from 8.30 till 11.30am, C. 33 x Av. Reforma x Colón y Cupules; Mérida English Library: ph. 9248401, Calle 53 #524 x 66 and 68; TAKTO, Katrin Schikora , Cel. 999 9953769 , Calle 24 # 96 x 15 y Laureles, Cholul; PROGRESO: barbarajoanharris [at] gmail [dot] com
IV Annual Zombie Walk, Merida February 3, 2013
Benefit to aid: Oasis San Juan de Dios A.C. and Live with Dignity A.C. as both institutions work to provide aid to people who are affected by HIV. Don’t forget to get yourself zombified and walk in the parade. This is a national event and you, you cute little zombie you, are needed for the donor/walking zombie head count!
Location: Monumento a la Patria on Montejo Avenue
Time: 9:00 AM to 1:20 PM
Admission:Any donations in kind: • Tuna, coffee, chocolate milk, deodorant, detergent, red beans, soap, condensed milk, powdered milk, peanut butter, adult diapers, toothpaste, shampoo, food stamps or gasoline.
Merida Carnaval 2013
The dates of Merida’s Carnival 2013 activities are Feb. 6 through Feb. 13.The theme is Mystic Merida, combining legends and fantasy. The website is here. Sale of Box Seats: If you would rather view the parades from the comfort of a seat, you certainly may do so. As of Dec. 28, prices and purchase information are not online; however, if you are interested in viewing the parades in comfort, you can keep an eye on the Tickets for Boxes website.
Location: Outside the Municipal Palace (Calle 62 x 63)
Time: 8:00 PM
Admission : Free
Thursday: Feb. 7: Pre-School Parade
Location: From the Municipal Palace (Calle 62 x 63) to Parque Santa Lucia (Calle 60 x 55)
Time : 4:00 PM
Admission : Free
Friday: Feb. 8: Corso Parade
Location: From the Monumento a la Patria, on Paseo de Montejo, to Parque de San Juan (Calle 62 x 71)
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free
Saturday: Feb. 9: Fantasy Parade
Location: From the Monumento a la Patria, on Paseo de Montejo, to Parque de San Juan (Calle 62 x 71)
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free
Sunday Feb. 10:Bachata Parade
Location: From the Monumento a la Patria, on Paseo de Montejo, to Parque de San Juan (Calle 62 x 71)
Time: 12:00 PM
Admission: Free
Monday: Feb. 11: Regional Parade
Location: From the Monumento a la Patria, on Paseo de Montejo, to Parque de San Juan (Calle 62 x 71)
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free
Tuesday: Feb. 12: Battle of the Flowers Parade
Location: From the Monumento a la Patria, on Paseo de Montejo, to Parque de San Juan (Calle 62 x 71)
Time: 12:00 PM
Admission: Free
Wednesday: Feb. 13: Burial of Juan Carnaval
This day is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. It is also the last day of Carnival, with the last event being the Burial of Juan Carnival
Location: Plaza Grande, Calle 62 x 63, Merida
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission : Free
2013 Murder Mystery Theater March 3 – 9 and 12 – 14
The Mérida Players are proud to announce the 2nd annual Mérida Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre “Murder in Mérida: Love Hacienda Style”. Join the hilarity when Inspector Gustavo returns along with F.B.I. Criminal Profiler Marilyn Weatherbean and a whole new mystery to solve! YOU get to solve the MURDER! Proceeds to benefit Evolución A.C, AMANC A.C. and Hogar Nueva Vida
Location: Hennessy’s Irish Pub (March 3 – 7 and March 12 – 14) and Hacienda Santa Cruz (March 8 and 9)
Time: 6:30 PM
Admission: Tickets go on sale Tuesday, January 15 for the following performances: Hennessy’s Irish Pub on March 3-7 and March 12-14, $395 pesos. Hacienda Santa Cruz on March 8 and 9, $495 pesos. Tickets include the show plus a three-course meal.
More information: For performances at Hennessy’s Irish Pub, tickets can be purchased directly at Hennessy’s Irish Pub 999-923-8993. For performances at Hacienda Santa Cruz, tickets can be purchased at The Shops at La Maison Bleu, Calle 60 No. 386C x 41 y 43 Centro. (Store entrance on Calle 41 at corner of Calle 60; store hours 10-5 M-F and 10-3 Sat). Ask about special room rates at Hacienda Santa Cruz available to Murder Mystery ticket holders only. For more information visit the Merida Murder Mystery Theater website or call 999-143-4711 or email info [at] meridamysterytheatre [dot] com
Have an event you want us to publicize? Just email the information to: info [at] yucatanliving [dot] com. We publish every Monday night.
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