Scientist Receives Award
La Comisión Nacional de Areas Naturales Protegidas gave Dr.Jorge Herrera Silveira recognition for Restoring Wetlands in Mexico. Dr. Herrera Silveira has been working on Yucatan’s coastal area problems, including red tide, for over 20 years. The next time you see a restored mangrove, you can be certain that Dr. Herrera Silveira had a hand in its development, as he has in the development and redevelopment of all of the wetlands along our coast. Our congratulations to Dr. Jorge Herrera Silveira and his team for all of their hard work and dedication to preserving and enriching the coast of the State of Yucatan!

Music Appreciation Classes in Merida
If you have always loved the Symphony, but really felt you need a little extra guidance in order to get the most out of that experience and others, then this is the class for you. Your teacher is James Meador, a member of the Symphony Orchestra of Yucatan and a bass trombonist who is rapidly carving out a name for himself in low brass performance and composition. For the benefit of the expat community in Yucatan, it might interest you to know that this young man is from Houston, TX, did his undergraduate work at Stephen F. Austin, and came to Northwestern in Natchitoches, LA, for his M.S. – then continued on with his studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music. He has played from Singapore to Shreveport and from Mississippi to Portugal. Read his biography Here. The next class (Feb 4) will focus mostly on Aaron Copland’s book “What to Listen for In Music,” in addition to more listening. This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about music and about experiencing the music you hear. Botanas and wine provided.
Location: Il Caffe Italiano, on the side of Teatro Peon Contreras
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM  (all classes on Thursday nights)
Admission: $100 pesos per class, $500 pesos for the first 5 classes
For More Information: 011-52-999-221-5845 cell or jamesmeador[at]hotmail[dot]com

Please Be Careful of Forest Fires
It is that time of year again and agricultural fires are being set throughout our state. Unfortunately, so are some isolated and accidental grass fires. If you are driving and see smoke ahead, please do what you can to avoid driving through it. If it is absolutely necessary that you pass that way immediately, then please turn on your lights so that others and the firemen can see you. Try not to set any fires of your own but, if you must, then please alert both your neighbors and the fire department that you will be doing so. Agricultural fires are necessary in Yucatan, but they can quickly become deadly due to our wind patterns, so please do be careful.

Lionfish Alert
A lionfish has been caught off of the coast on Yucatan. This is not a good thing, considering that lionfish are huge fish, kill all of the larvae of other fish, are poison to humans, and deposit between 2,000 and 15,000 eggs of their own every time they reproduce. Marine biologists are recommending an all out hunt to eradicate all lionfish in the area – especially around the Alacranes.  

New Archaeological Site in Chiapas
There has been a discovery of a new sarcophagus in Tonina that may hold the answer to why the Mayan empire collapsed. It is ver 1,000 years old and best guesses are, at the present time, that is it from between 800 B.C. and 900 B.C. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) made a brief statement and said that this sarcophagus could hold the key to the reason for the fall of the Mayan empire but said no more. This is one of the mysteries of the ages and we can hardly wait for more information to become public.

Happy Birthday to Doña Vitaliana Kantún Pech
100 years young and still going strong! Doña Vitaliana not only keeps her own house still, but doesn’t even have any major health problems! She lost her husband 2 days after their 75th wedding anniversary, but still enjoys her 14 children, 32 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren, and 20 great-great grandchildren. She has a little sip of her favorite alcoholic drink before dinner and loves bull fighting on television, but has never been to one. As far as we know, Doña Vitaliana Kantún Pech is Merida’s oldest resident, so we will be checking back to see how she is doing as time goes on.

Venetian Masquerade Masks
Casa Catherwood has a brand new shipment of Venetian Masquerade Masks for Carnival. These masks have been made by 9 generations of the Lucia family in Venice and they are as wonderful to collect as they are to wear to that special Carnival Ball. Prices range from $35 USD to $450 USD. Casa Frederick Catherwood is located at Calle 59 #572 & 72, Barrio Santiago, Colonia Centro in Merida.

Festival of the City a Success
In spite of the global recession that kept Argentina from full participation in the festival that was meant to honor them, 300 thousand visitors attended 266 events during the Festival of the City of Merida. For one performance alone, that of Aleks Syntek, 15,000 spectators showed up in the plaza grande! If you are planning a trip to Yucatan, you could pick no better time than during the January Anniversary of the City of Merida – but then there is Carnival… and the Fall Festival… Come to think of it, any time is a good time to come to Yucatan because there is always something wonderful happening here!

A local expat found this puppy on the roadside 10 days ago. The pup is probably 10 -12 weeks old and weighs no more than 5 pounds. He could be a purebred Jack Russell terrier as he has all of the characteristics.
He had probably had been a Christmas gift that the recipient lost interest in.

He had a skin irritation which he was treated for and it is now cleared up. He was given his 1st shots and de-worming tablet.
He is quite a charmer and loves to snuggle . Also he is house-trained… smart puppy!

Dale’s friend would love to keep the pup however her lifestyle in Canada would not permit a dog.
She would prefer to give “Chubbie” up ASAP as she is getting too attached and she realizes that the longer she has him, the more difficult it will be for her, as well as “Chubbie”, to say adios.

He is at a good age to adopt and bond with a caring person.Check out the photos and email Dale if you want to see or know more!

Contact
Dale Hunter-Aubichon at divadale [at] gmail [dot] com

A Queen to Adopt

My name (for now) is Queenie and I was dumped on Calle 52 by a not very nice lady. I desperately need a home. I’m just a baby. I still have my baby teeth and the beautiful freckles on my bare fat belly. I’m smart and absolutely love people. I need a family so badly. If you know someone please call my friend Lynn Adair at (999) 965-0660. I’ll promise to be a good girl.

Remember Mr. White?

The poodle from last week? Well, he’s still looking for a permanent home. He’s a well-mannered white poodle… very good for people with allergies. For more info, read about Mr. White the Poodle here.

Now Some Kittens

Evolucion Animal sent this week four adorable three month old kittens for adoption. They are all male and are looking for a permanent home to play and rest.

If you are interested or know someone interested please e-mail

For more dogs and cats please visit their website
www.evolucionanimal.tk

We knew nothing of El Juli and very little about bullfighting at the time, but our neighbor Ramon, who as a young man had worked at the Plaza de Toros in Mexico City, encouraged us to go. To help us understand and perhaps even appreciate what La Corrida (bullfighting) was all about, he gave us the book, Or I’ll Dress You In Mourning, which is the biography of "El Cordobes", the most famous torero (bullfighter) of the last century.

La Corrida is one of many Spanish traditions brought to Mexico after the conquest. It is probably the last public ritual animal sacrifice practiced today in the western world. It is pageantry, theatre, sport, metaphor and an acquired taste for very few gringos aficionados. We were captivated by the El Cordobes biography and joined Ramon that day in Motul, bringing our cameras along as always.

About two years later, El Juli suffered a "grave" goring of his right thigh, which is a common cause of fatality in toreros if the femoral artery is cut. He quickly recovered, but over the years, he has had numerous conflicts with his managers and promoters. At one point he sued Shakira over unauthorized use of his performances in a music video. These controversies, and maybe the effects of too early fame and achievement, eclisped El Juli’s star for a time.

On January 31st, 2010, exactly eight years after we saw him, El Juli staged a "triumphant" return to Mexico at the Plaza de Toros Monumental in Mexico City before a crowd of 35,000. Quite by coincidence, while looking for blank tape stock, we "discovered" the video we took that day in 2003. After some editing to conform to YouTube’s 10 minute limit, we are posting it for those few gringos aficionados and Yucatecans who may appreciate it. For anyone else, please do not watch this video nor leave the usual comments. We already know.

El Juli’s Website

So you want to be a torero? Be prepared to be humbled.

El Juli at the Plaza de Toros Monumental, Mexico City, January 31st, 2010.

A brief explanation of La Corrida we wrote for Yucatan Today.

Municipal Fiestas This Week

Tecoh Fiesta 1 Day Event – February 2
This fiesta is in honor of the Virgin de la Candelaria. If you look at a map of the Municipality of Merida, you will see Tecoh down at the far southeast edge. The artisans of this area excel in the areas of making machine embroidered huipiles, hemp hammocks, and woodcarving. Tecoh means “Place of the Puma” and most of the buildings in the town of Tecoh are built on top of pre-Columbian foundations. This is a great area that far too many tend to overlook. 

San Felipe 1 Day Event- February 5
This fiesta is in honor of San Felipe de Jesus. San Felipe is between Rio Lagartos and Dzilam de Bravo and is rapidly becoming quite a tourist destination. Any seafood you can think of can be found here and it is a great place to see waterfowl, turtles, and flamingos.

Kantunil Fiesta
January 31 through February 4.
This fiesta is in honor of the Virgen de la Candelaria. The hallmark of this fiesta is its many religious and union processions. Kantunil is between Izamal, on the north, and Sotuta, on the south. According to the MileByMile map, the Kantunil exit from the Merida to Cancun toll road (autopista de cuota) is a little under 40 miles from Merida. There is currently a big push on, by the Municipal Council in Kantunil, to improve the cultural experience of children, with a focus on Mayan tradition, so this should be a trip everyone will enjoy. 

In the City of Merida

Don’t forget – this is the first week of the month. That means the Merida Men’s Club will be meeting on Tuesday and expats will be getting together at Fiesta Americana on Friday night. Be sure to check our ongoing events page for specifics about both of those events and more!

Monday (Lunes) February 1, 2010

Constitution Day
Wondering why stores or banks are closed? Today is a national holiday. Technically, the day is February 5, but this year it is being observed today. Read more about Mexico’s Constitution here on Wikipedia. Enjoy your day off!

Movie: To Be Determined… by You!
This is the night that Cairo Cinema lets the audience choose the film they want to watch. Such power!
Location: Cairo Cinema Café, Calle 20 # 98-A x 15 y 17, Col. Itzimna
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free

Tuesday (Martes) February 2, 2010

Dia de la Candelaria
Today, or rather tonight, will be Candle Mass.

Tuesday of Trova: Trio Andariegos
While we are unfamiliar with this particular trio, we do know the director, Rene Gamboa, and can promise you a wonderful performance whenever he is involved.
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo
Time: 8:30 PM
Admission: Free

Movie: Annie Hall
This is a 1977 Woody Allen movie starring Woody Allen and Diane Keaton. Neurotic New York comedian Alvy Singer falls in love with the ditsy Annie Hall. Remember Diane Keaton’s hat and baggy pants? Among other things, this movie sparked a fashion revolution.
Location: Cairo Cinema Café, Calle 20 # 98-A x 15 y 17, Col. Itzimna
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free

Wednesday (Miercoles) February 3, 2010

Not a lot going on tonite… stay home and rest, or check our ongoing events page for events on Wednesday

Thursday (Jueves) February 4, 2010

Movie: Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
This is a 1998 movie, directed by Guy Richie (who ended up marrying Madonna soon after the movie came out), starring Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran, and Jason Statham. Four London working class stiffs pool their money to put one in a high stakes card game, but things go wrong and they end up owing half a million pounds and having one week to come up with the cash.
Location: Centro Cultura Jose Marti, Parque de las Americas
Time: 8:30 PM
Admission: Free

Movie: David Bowie Videos and Concerts
Ground Control to Major Tom… serious David Bowie fans will be enjoying themselves tonite! And for the rest of us, a chance to peek back in time to see how Bowie changed the game.
Location: Cairo Cinema Café, Calle 20 # 98-A x 15 y 17, Col. Itzimna
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free

Friday (Viernes) February 5, 2010

Movie: That Obscure Object of Desire
This is a 1977 French film directed by famous surrealist Luis Bunuel. It stars Fernando Rey and Carole Bouquet. Just after boarding a train, much to the surprise of his fellow passengers, a man pours a bucket of water over a young girl on the platform. The rest of the movie is a flashback telling you why he did it. A study in temptation and obsession.
Location: Videosala of the Olimpo
Time: 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Admission: Free

Movie: Moon
This is a movie directed by Duncan Jones, starring Sam Rockwell and Kevin Spacey as the voice of the computer. Astronaut Sam Bell has a quintessentially personal encounter toward the end of his three-year stint on the Moon, where he, working alongside his computer, GERTY, sends back to Earth parcels of a resource that has helped diminish our planet’s power problems. It’s a lot more complicated than that, of course. And it’s about our relationship with technology, and if it is really serving our best interests. Released in 2009, it takes some of the messages of 2001 and continues the discussion.
Location: Cairo Cinema Café, Calle 20 # 98-A x 15 y 17, Col. Itzimna
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free

Documentary: TBD
Location: Casa de Cultura Elena Poniatowska: La 68, Calle 68 # 470a x 55
Time: 9 PM Friday
Admission: $20 pesos

Saturday (Sábado) February 6, 2010

Pre-Carnival: Grand Costume Contest
Check out all the costumes before the big event… or don’t go and be surprised.
Location: Parque de la Colonia Aleman
Time: 6:00 PM

Box Azteca Presents Total Impact in Merida
Likar Ramos vs. Jorge Solis
Ramon Maas vs German Meraz
…and we’ve got a dog in this fight. His name is Ramon Maas (aka La Cobra) and he is from right here in Merida, so if you love boxing, this is the place to be on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010!
Location: Deportivo La Inalambrica
Time: 8:00 PM Saturday
Admission: Tickets Available at San Fransisco de Asis Centro and Juega Juega.
VIP: $500 pesos, Ringside Dorado: $300 pesos, Ringside Gral.: $200 pesos, Gradas: $100 pesos

Movie: Promises
This is a 2001 movie directed by Carlos Bolado and B.. Goldberg. Several Jewish and Palestinian children are followed for three years and put in touch with each other. This documentary presents the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in a new perspective.
Location: Videosala of the Olimpo
Time: 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Admission: Free

Movie: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
This is a 2004 movie directed by Michel Gondry, starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. A couple undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories when their relationship turns sour, but it is only through the process of loss that they discover what they had to begin with. A fascinating story of attraction, loss and love.
Location: Cairo Cinema Café, Calle 20 # 98-A x 15 y 17, Col. Itzimna
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free

Sunday (Domingo) February 7, 2010

Super Bowl Sunday! How Bout Dem Saints!

Okay, we admit to a soft spot in our hearts for New Orleans. Ni modo, let the best team win!

Documentary: Challenging the Extremes
On a planet where light, water and food is so abundant, there are some animals that have developed under extreme conditions and seem to be doing quite well in their chosen habitat. Great show for the entire family.
Location: Museum of Natural History
Time: 12:00 PM
Admission: Free

Movie: Harold & Maude
This is a 1971 Hal Ashby film, starring Ruth Gordon and Bud Cort. Young, rich, and obsessed with death, Harold finds himself changed forever when he meets lively septuagenarian Maude at a funeral. Honestly, one of our favorite movies of all time! If you haven’t seen it, don’t miss it now. This movie defined a generation… and the soundtrack by Cat Stevens isn’t all bad either.
Location: Cairo Cinema Café, Calle 20 # 98-A x 15 y 17, Col. Itzimna
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free

Coming Soon

Carnival 2010: Merida, Yucatan
The following is a list of the official activities and parades in the City of Merida during Carnival. There will be others, including parades in all of the villages and outlying municipalities. We will add them as they are sent to us.

Wednesday: Feb. 10, 2010: Quema del Mal Humor (Burning of Bad Moods)
Location: Lower Floor of the Municipal Palace
Time: 8:00 PM

Thursday: Feb. 11, 2010: Pre-School Parade
Location: From the Municipal Palace to Parque Santa Lucia
Time: 4:00 PM

Friday: Feb. 12, 2010: Pirates Parade
Location: From the Monumento a la Patria to Parque de San Juan
Time: 7:00 PM

Saturday: Feb. 13, 2010: Parade of Fantasia
Location: From the Monumento a la Patria to Parque de San Juan
Time: 7:00 PM

Sunday: Feb. 14, 2010: Parade de Bachata
Well – its certainly shorter to say Bachata than “Laissez et la bon temps rouler!” – and easier to spell too! This is a parade to make some noise and have a good time!
Location: From the Monumento a la Patria to Parque de San Juan
Time: 12:00 PM

Monday: Feb. 15, 2010: Regional Parade
Location: From the Monumento a la Patria to Parque de San Juan
Time: 7:00 PM

Tuesday: Feb. 16, 2010: Battle of Flowers Parade
Location: From the Monumento a la Patria to Parque de San Juan
Time: 12:00 PM

Wednesday: Feb. 17, 2010: Burning of Juan Carnival
Location: Plaza Grande
Time: 7:00 PM

Feb. 20: World Championship Boxing in Merida!
Guty Espadas (former champ) vs Elio Rojas (current champ)
With Espadas as the clear local favorite!
Location: Poliforum Merida, KuKulcan Stadium
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Tickets available at MegaMedia (Prolongacion Montejo in front Club Campestre) and Materama (Construction stores)

The Symphonic Orchestra of Yucatan
Don’t forget to sneak a peek at the coming offerings from the Symphonic Orchestra this Spring. Stars we will see include: Christopher Collins (violin) in February, Robbin Blanco (classical guitar) in March, Alfredo Arjona (piano) in April, Luis Mora (clarinet) in May, and the big finale to the entire season is… Carmen (the opera) is back in June for six performances! …and you will never guess who is singing in the role of Carmen! Carla Dirlikov! Carla is a young friend of ours and the U.S. Cultural Envoy to Mexico. What a season!
Location: Teatro Peon Contreras, Calle 60 x 57
Time: Friday performances: 9:00 PM, Sunday performances 12:00 PM
Admission:$150, $100, $80 and $60 pesos. 25% discount for children and INAPAM
More Information: 923-1334 and 923-1335

February 12: 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

Feb: 21: Haiti: Witness to Catastrophe
On January 12, 2010 only two Merida residents — Julie Hoover, president of MERIDA VERDE, and her Haitian-born husband, Serge Lafontant — are known to have been in Port-au-Prince when a massive earthquake struck Haiti, reducing the capital to rubble. We invite you to join us as Serge will give a discussion of what it was like to arrive in Port-au-Prince hours before disaster, and of their experiences living, suffering, mourning and surviving among the people of Haiti. Julie will follow with a brief summary of the main political issues associated with the provision of subsequent humanitarian assistance and the controversies associated with future reconstruction efforts, followed by suggestions for follow-up actions.
Location: Casa Catherwood, Calle 59 # 572 between Calles 72 and 74
Time: 6 p.m.
Admission: $200 pesos to benefit International Red Cross
RSVP: Please email: info [at] casa-catherwood [dot] com

Feb. 27: Casa Zamna: A Night of Carnival Magic & Music
Latin American music from Samba to Salsa. A roast pork sit down dinner will be served with all the trimmings, including flan, with fruit in a rum sauce topped with cream for desert and Caribbean coffee. Limit to number of guests: 40. The theme is Carnival and there are great prizes to be won!
Location: Hotel Zamna, Calle 53 #547, Barrio de Santiago, Merida Centro
Time: 8:00 PM, Music begins at 8:30 PM
Admission: $100 pesos, reservations must be paid in advance due to catering
Reservations & Information: 999 924 0103

March 7: Support Brazos Abiertos: Showcase of Homes
This home tour features the award winning designs of Merida architect Henry Ponce.
Admission: $250 pesos per person
 For more information, contact John Truax john [at] hivyucatan [dot] org

March 7: Guiness Record for Cochinita Pibil
Fundación Produce Yucatán, AC, organizer of Expocampo Yucatán, invites you to come and be part of history! A Guiness Judge will be coming all the way from New York City to judge the world’s largest Cochinita Pibil. According to official reports, the entire Conchinita Pibil will contain more than 2,850 kilos of raw materials, including over 2,000 kilos of raw meat. This is a once in a lifetime event, so you can be sure that everybody is going to be on hand to celebrate! We’ll see you there!
Location: Siglo XXI, on the road to Progreso
Time: We suspect this will be an event that will be all day, at the very least, and more than one day if we know Yucatan’s hospitality like we do.
Admission: TBA – but probably Free!

March 14: Support Brazos Abiertos: Houston AIDS Walk
Brazos Abiertos asks that you support the work they do by joining the Houston AIDS Walk. Please go to aidswalkhouston.org and join their team!

Saturday: April 3: Sir Elton John To Sing at Chichen Itza
This performance is one that many have been waiting for, but only a few will enjoy! This singer-composer-pianist has sold over 250 million records and has had more than 50 hit songs. There is not a generation in the past 40 years that has not had their age defined by one of his masterpieces. If you missgetting a reserved ticket, we are certain there will be other opportunities to get a ticket between now and the time of the concert. We will keep you informed with all the latest on this exciting event.
Admission: $10,000 pesos, $7,000 pesos, $5,000 pesos, $3,000 pesos, $2,000 pesos and $1,000 pesos.
Tickets on sale: www.ticketmaster.com.mx and Siglo XXI Convention Center

Starting June 11: Carmen
Friend of Merida Carla Dirlikov will be starring in the Yucatan Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Carmen. This is sure to be a stunning event that will be repeated for only six performances. Tickets will be on sale at the Teatro Peon Contreras sometime soon… we’ll let you know when we know more! For the entire Symphony schedule, check here.

For Merida Month-at-a-glance Calendar, click here

or

For ongoing events and classes in Merida,
please click here for our Ongoing Events Calendar!