Begin At the Top With Ongoing Events OR …Jump Now to Classes Available in Merida

For information on This Week’s One-Time Events in Merida
Please check our Weekly Events Calendar

Ongoing Events

Monday (Lunes)

Conversaciones con Amigos (Conversations with Friends)
Practice Spanish or English with friends. Membership not necessary. The library really needs English-speaking participants, as word is getting out that this is a great place to learn English. It also happens to be a great place to learn Spanish, too, and to make some friends outside of the expat community. Come and participate!
Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 #524 x 66 y 68.
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Monday
Admission: Small Donation

Vaqueria 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). C 62 by 63
Time: All Mondays 9:00 PM
Admission: Free

Reuniones de Las Mujeres de la Playa (The Beach Gals)
Las Mujeres de la Playa is the club known affectionately as the Beach Gals. Membership is open to all ladies who live either full or part-time along the coast of Yucatan, so if you are going to be spending your winter at the beach, please know that you are welcome to meet with the Beach Gals on the First Monday of every month.
Location: Buddy’s Restaurant on the Malecon in Progreso
Dates and Time: All First Mondays, Nov. 3 through April 6, at 9:30 AM.
Admission: Free but BYOB (buy your own breakfast)
FYI: Will Be Listed on Weekly Events Calendar so no one will forget

Protección de Perros y Gatos de Progreso
This is the protective animal welfare organization for the area in and around Progreso. Anybody and everybody is welcome to join this group but they should know that all business meetings are conducted entirely en español. Donations toward the building fund can be made in USD or pesos only (no Canadian funds!) and should be payable to:  Protección de Perros y Gatos A.C.  and mailed to P.O. Box 30;  Progreso 97320; Yucatán, México. This is a hardworking, community-minded group, so look for plenty of volunteer opportunities here.
Location: Flamingo’s Restaurant on the Malecon in Progreso
Dates and Time: All Last Mondays, 8:00 PM
Admission: Free but BYOD (buy your own dinner)
FYI: Will Be Listed on Weekly Events Calendar so no one will forget

Cathedral: Pipe Organ Tours & Demonstrations
The Cathedral of San Ildefonso is the oldest cathedral on the American continent, with its foundation having been built between 1556 and 1599, from the huge stones of dismantled pyramids. It has beautiful mozarabic-style towers and a 7-meter high image of Christ. It also has the only pipe organ in southeast Mexico, other than the one in its organist’s home. Maria de Jesus Pech Canul, Organista de la S.I. Catedral, along with organist Jim Smiley, will open the organ loft to the public for tours and organ demonstrations beginning Feb. 22, 2010.
Location: Cathedral of San Ildefonso, Plaza Grande, Merida
Time: All Mondays, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Admission: Free, but donations accepted

 Tuesday (Martes)

Tuesday of Trova
Since the performers for this event change weekly, it is listed in detail on our current week’s Events page. This performance is provided by the City Council of Merida. Performers do vary weekly, but are always the best in all of Yucatan. This is a "must see" event, if at all possible.
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 8:30 PM
Admission: Free

Remembrance Musicals
This weekly dance has been held every Tuesday night since Valentine’s Day, 1984. Come on out and listen to the Big Band sounds of the 1940s, performed by the wonderful Jaranara Orchestra. Best of all, this is a great place to practice your chachachá and your mambo, or to just sit and watch the people of Merida enjoy dancing under the open skies.
Location: Parque de Santiago, Calle 72 at Calle 59
Time: Every Tuesday at 8:30 PM
Admission: Free

Merida Men’s Club
1st & 3rd Tuesdays and 5th Tuesday if there is one.
This is a multi-national English-speaking group whose members live in or near Merida, Yucatan. They meet for coffee, breakfast and friendly conversation. Speakers are invited to address the group on topics of interest.
Location: Main Restaurant at the Hyatt Hotel, Calle 60 x Av. Colon
Time: 8:30 AM
Admission: Free but try to bring a friend.
Additional Information: Roger Bowie at 924-6792 or Dan Ninburg at 928-2878.

English AA Meeting
All Tuesdays. This is in addition to the Thursday meetings.
Location: Casa Catherwood, Calle 59 #572  x 72 y 74
Time: 10:00 AM

 

Wednesday (Miércoles)

Al-Anon Meeting in English
Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 #524 x 66 y 68
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 PM Thursday

Wednesday in Concert
This is also a regular event with great performers who change weekly. Look for Wednesday in Concert on our regular Events page.
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 9:00 PM Wednesday
Admission: Free

 

Thursday (Jueves)

Classical Thursday
There are wonderful concerts provided by the Municipality of Merida on Thursday nights. Since performers change weekly, look for Classical Thursday on our regular Events page.
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 9:00 PM Thursday
Admission: Free

To Remember is to Live
This is a dance that begins early and ends at a reasonable hour. Music is provided by the Jaranara Orchestra with their signature Big Band sound.
Location: Parque Zoológico del Centenario (The Zoo), Calle 59 at Avenida Itzaes
Time: 4:00 PM Thursday
Admission: free

Yucatan Serenade at Santa Lucia
This is the defining serenade of Merida and has been performed every Thursday night for over 40 years. Parque Santa Lucia is the center of Merida’s romantic heart – and has the alter 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 de Santa Lucia, Calle 60 at Calle 55
Time: 9:00 PM Thursday
Admission: Free

AA Meeting in English
Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 #524 x 66 y 68
Time: 7:00 PM Thursday

 

Friday (Viernes)

The Symphony Orchestra of Yucatan
During their season, our wonderful Symphony Orchestra plays for us on 2 Fridays and 2 Sundays each month. These performances are “must see” events and will be listed in the Weekly Events Calendars.

Denis Lafoy’s TGIF (First Friday)
This is the party sponsored by Yucatan Trails Travel Agency and 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)
FYI: Will Be Listed on Weekly Events Calendar so no one will forget

MEL-O-Nights (Third Friday)
This is a chance for the locals to meet the ‘extranjeros’ in a casual setting in the gardens at MEL. There is a cash bar and great botanas. Please join us for this sociable evening… meeting old friends and making new ones! If you want to know more, call the Library at 924-8401.
Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 #524 x66 y68
Time: 7:30
Admission: Free
FYI: Will Be Listed on Weekly Events Calendar so no one will forget

Slow Foods Farmer’s Market
This organic farmer’s market will launch on Friday, February 12, 2010, and will be held every Friday after that. Vendors who wish to sell their products at the Farmer’s Market must send a solicitation describing the product and retail prices to David Sterling Los Dos Cooking School, Calle 68 No. 517, Colonia Centro. You may also e-mail chefsterling [at] los-dos [dot] com
Location: Calle 31 # 70 x 12 y 14, Col. Chuburna de Hidalgo
Phone: 999-928-1116
Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM every Friday
Admission: Free

Saturday (Sabado)

Children’s Story Hour
MEL is always in need of additional volunteers for the Children’s Story Hour on Saturday mornings. A time for reading children’s books in English and Spanish.
Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 #524 x 66 y 68
Time: 10:00 AM Every Saturday morning
Admission: Free

Mérida Mens Club (Last Saturday of Every Month)
No dues and no officers – just great camaraderie, wonderful speakers, and loads of information about subjects of general and local interest. The Merida Men’s Club is a multi-national, English-speaking group that meets for coffee, breakfast and friendly conversation on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday and last Saturday of every month from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. They usually meet at the Café Bistro Kaapej on Prolongacion Montejo, half a block north of the Circuito Colonias, more commonly knows as the “Burger King Circle.” For more information, contact Dan Ninburg (928-3866) or Roger Bowie (924-6792). You can also contact Dan via e-mail at: bushninburg [at] yahoo [dot] com
Location: Main Restaurant at the Hyatt Hotel, Calle 60 x Av. Colon
Time: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, 1st & 3rd Tuesday & last Saturday of every month
Admission: Free (bring a friend)
FYI: Will Be Listed on Weekly Events Calendar so no one will forget

Noche Mexicana (Mexican Night)
Each Saturday night, there is a performance on an outdoor stage here, often from a musical or dance group from another part of Mexico. Chairs are set up for the audience, but there is often standing room only. Booths selling food and handcrafts are set up in the park. The purpose of this performance is to bring all of Mexico to Merida and to our tourists from all over the world.
Location: Beginning of Paseo Montejo, Calle 56 A between 47 and 49
Time: 8:00 PM Saturday
Admission: Free

En El Corazón de Mérida (In the Heart of Merida)
Live music, including jazz, salsa and trova, held on various stages around the Plaza Grande. Many of the streets leading to the Plaza are closed to all but foot traffic, and the restaurants and bars put their chairs and tables outside in the streets. This is a night designed for that Saturday night date, but they’ve got all of the shops open for business too.
Location: Plaza Grande, Calle 61 at Calle 60
Time: Saturday nights, from 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Admission: Free

 

Sunday (Domingo)

A Play Date for Dogs
The popular play date for dogs is getting very popular! Last week, we had ELEVEN dogs all getting to know each other (we call that ’socializing’ and it’s very important for dogs… ) Come and join Zoe, Pepper, URL, Mali, Ms. Kitty, Champ, Popcorn, China, Manny, Buddy, and more… and of course, bring your four-legged and most loyal friend. We know it’s hard to get up early on Sunday, but once you see those puppies playing, you’ll decide it’s all worth it. Its hot outside, and we have some shade, but don’t forget to bring water for you and for your dog.
Location: Acuapark, in Colonia Vergel
Time: From 5:30 to 7:30 AM Sunday
Admission: Free

The Bici-Ruta
The Bici-Ruta begins early, at 8:00 AM, though we see them setting up as early as 7:00 am, and ends at noon. The route usually begins in Ermita, but there is construction there right now, so we’re guessing it starts in San Juan, passes through the Centro up Calle 60 and then travels down Paseo de Montejo, to include Fiesta Americana. If you want to play chess, go to the sidewalk outside the Museum of Anthropology on Paseo de Montejo at 9 am and pick up a game! There is a complete listing of activities, including sports, music, and craft events on the Bici-Ruta website.
Location: Begins at Parque de la Ermita, through the Plaza Grande and Ends at the glorieta on Prolongacion Paseo Montejo (by Burger King).
Time: 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 PM Sunday
Admission: Free

Mérida en Domingo
Sunday downtown is a spectacular tradition in Mérida. Start at the center of town, where booths are set up all around the Plaza Grande. Inside the plaza, you can find huipiles, guayaberas, honey, dolls, bags, tee-shirts… and everything is made for sale by the local people of the Yucatan. The outer ring of booths are selling food: marquesitas, tacos, cochinita, ice cream (try the coconut), fruit, drinks, etc. If the crowd starts to get to you, wander up Calle 60 to Santa Lucia Park (at Calle 55), where you can also find antiques, old books and other curiosities. At that lovely park, there is also live music, lots of dancing, and great food.
Location: In the Centro Historico: Plaza Grande, Parque Santa Lucia (Calle 60 x 55) and MACAY Museum (Calle 60 between 61 and 63)
Time: 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM Sunday
Admission: Free, of course…

Sunday Art on Paseo de Montejo

Every Sunday there are artists displaying and selling their fine art along Paseo Montejo. There are usually 20 or more artists showing their paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints and more. This is your chance to meet the artists, see what’s new and maybe pick up something great for those big empty walls in your new renovated home in Merida or that house by the beach.
Location: Paseo de Montejo in front of VIPS (on the southeast corner of Avenida Colon, across from WalMart)
Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Sunday
Admission: Free

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. If the Merida en Domingo crowd starts to get to you, go to the museum (entrance is free). Sit around the fountain or walk through the galleries and listen to the live music.
Location: In the Garden at the MACAY (next to the Cathedral)
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Sunday
Admission: Free

English church services
Start December 7 and will continue through the winter months ending with Easter services 2010.

Place: The church, Presbyterian Iglesia Jesus, is located in Progreso on the corner of Calle 35 and Calle 80. Service is at 8:30 am and all denominations are welcome. Traveling from Merida to Progreso, cross over the Chixculub Telchac highway (passing Aurrera Bodega supermarket on the right). Take a left onto Calle 35, cross over Calle 80 and the church is on the left side on the corner of Calle 35 and 82.
For further information: call or email bilingual Pastor David Correa (969) 935-1678   iglesiajesus [at] prodigy [dot] net [dot] mx

Cathedral Mass in English
Beginning on Feb. 28, 2010, Pbro. Lic. Roberto Cuellar Portillo, Rector de la S.I. Catedral, will offer mass in English. This will be the beginning of a new tradition in which there will be mass in English every Sunday.
Location: Chapel next to the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, Plaza Grande, Merida
Time: 9:15 AM  Every Sunday

 

Additional Ongoing Events  

International Women’s Club Breakfast
Each month, the IWC holds a non-host breakfast that is open to both members and to potential members. You can read about the IWC here and check their calendar for dates, times, and locations here.

Evolucion Booth at Merida en Domingo
Be sure and visit Evolucion’s Booth on the Plaza Grande during Merida en Domingo on the 1st and last Sunday of every month. They have animal related items to sell including cups, t-shirts, figurines and portraits of some of the dogs at Evolucion. As always, they will be working to increase community awareness of the plight of abused, abandoned and neglected dogs and cats in Merida.….and here’s even MORE!
Animal Training Classes: Now available to all pet owners and available in English. The dog training programs are offered through K9 Edu (9999-56-97-81) for a minimal charge. Part of the proceeds are donated to Evolucion to help with the care and feeding of its 150 plus canine and feline residents. Please see our Ongoing Classes page for a complete description of both Private (in your home) Training Classes, as well as the Sunday Group Training Classes, which are held at Evolucion. Call Mario Forestieri at K9 Edu for rates.
Pet Portraits: The talented artist, Chloe Saban-Mayor, has generously donated her services to immortalize your pet in a charming pencil sketch. The equally talented Bettina Castro Escalante can capture the personality of your pet in caricature (and don’t we all have some 4 footed characters living with us!). Prices vary according to size and complexity, but are very reasonably priced with all proceeds going to Evolucion. Pet owners are asked to bring a picture of their pet (not the pet itself) to get an estimate of both price and time needed to complete their request. Some drawings may be able to be done at the booth.
Call for Volunteers: if you would like to volunteer to take a turn manning the booth, they would be happy to give you a work schedule. Just contact Jill Benson (snjbenson[at]yahoo[dot]com ) and let her know.
Location: Plaza Grande, Merida Yucatan, Calle 61 x 62 (subject to change)
Time: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, 1st and Last Sundays of every month

 

For information on This Week’s One-Time Events in Merida
please check our Weekly Events Calendar

or click here for Ongoing Events

 

Classes: Sign Up for Yoga, Dance, and More…

Art Classes

Artists in Mexico (read our interview here) will be offering art classes. While these classes are designed for young people 12 years of age and older, anyone, of any age, who wants to experience one of their classes is welcome to attend. There will be one 15 class workshop in alebrije handicrafts and another 15 class course in sculpture (plaster).
Location: Casa de los Artistas, Calle 60 # 405 x 43 y 45.
More Information: +52 (999) 928-6566
Tuition: $3,800 MXP, includes all materials

Fitness and Dance

Dance Classes at Expresion Libredanza
For More information, call Raul (999) 997-3251 or Anny (999) 125-0466 English speaking
Salsa Classes: Monday & Wednesday: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM: $300 MXP per month
Tango Classes:Tue., Th., & Fri.: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM and 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Expresion Libredanza, Calle 21 # 100 x 18 y 20, Chuburna
Admission: Salsa: $300 MXP per month, Tango: $450 MXP per month

Yoga and Belly Dancing at Centro Viyra
Yoga Classes with the Kundalini or Iyengar method. Arabian dancing for students of any age who want to connect with their sensuality and femininity.
Yoga Classes
Monday and Wednesday: 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM and 7:00 PM to 8:30 P.M.
Tuesday and Thursday : 6:45 PM to 8:00 P.M.
Special Workshop: Saturday: 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M.
Yoga for Pregnancy: Monday: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Belly Dance Classes
Begginers Saturday: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Location: Calle 20 # 101 x 21 y 25. Itzimná. For the park of Itzimná
Website: www.meridayoga.com
For More Information: Call Alejandra Cruz 9991-27-98-10
email: centrovirya [at] gmail [dot] com

Yoga Classes
This lovely colonial home in the Centro has regular yoga classes, as well as a small giftshop and a garden for deep breathing after class.
New Schedule:
Beginners & Intermediates: Tuesday & Thursday: 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM (this class only is held in LA 68 Casa de Cultura de Elena Poniatowska; Calle 68 #470A x 55 y 57)
Beginners: Wednesday & Friday: 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM
Special Workshop: Saturday: 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM
Teacher Training: Wednesday: 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
OSY Group: Wednesday & Friday: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Yoga for Pregnancy: Wednesday: 5:45 PM to 7:00 PM
All Levels: Tuesday & Thursday: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Calle 11 # 206 x 24 y 26
Admission: $100 pesos per class or $700 for 8 classes
Website: www.semillayoga.com.mx
Call: Claudia Guerrero: 920-5361 for more information

Dog Training
Now available to all pet owners and available in English. The dog training programs are offered through K9 Edu (9999-56-97-81) for a minimal charge. Part of the proceeds are donated to Evolucion to help with the care and feeding of its 150 plus canine and feline residents. Please see our Ongoing Classes page for a complete description of both Private (in your home) Training Classes, as well as the Sunday Group Training Classes, which are held at Evolucion. Call Mario Forestieri at K9 Edu for rates.

Private Classes (In Your Home)
Perro de Compañia,( Basic Dog Handling Course)

Basic do’s and don’ts of how to punish and reward your dog, Canine communication and interpretation, Use of choke collars and leashes, Negative reinforcement techniques; Food treats, toys and different types of positive reinforcement, and more.
4 weeks, 2 sessions a week 1 hour sessions

Basic obedience Course
All basic obedience commands with leash on: Heel, Sit, Lay or Down, Stay, Come.
5 weeks, 3 sessions a week, 1 hour sessions

Advanced Obedience Course
All basic obedience commands without the leash: Heel, Sit, Lay or Down, Stay, Come, Go, Inside, Outside, Go to a special place, Go with someone in particular, and a couple of extra commands and fun tricks
6 weeks, 3 times a week, 1 hour sessions

Therapy
Therapy for post traumatic stress and maniac and depressive psychosis, phobias, emotional distress and any psychological problems.
Number of sessions and fees will vary depending on severity of the situation.

Negative Behavioral Correction
Any special problem, like peeing or defecating in the wrong place, furniture chewing, biting, aggression in general or any other problem you may have.
Number of sessions and fees will vary depending on severity of the situation.

Group Training Classes
The Sunday group classes cover the basics of dog handling, from, wearing a leash and collar, to walking with a leash, correcting basic behavioral problems, and basic obedience, heel, sit, down. etc….
Location: Evolucion Animal Shelter
Time: 3 1-hour sessions: 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 1:00 PM, Sundays
Cost: $40 pesos each, by reservation only due to limited space in each class

 

For information on This Week’s One-Time Events in Merida
please check our Weekly Events Calendar