Lost in Mérida
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Under the tamarindo trees of Paseo de Montejo.
Getting lost along the sun-speckled streets of Mérida, Mexico is a serene experience. A vibrant and inviting city on the Yucatán peninsula, Mérida has an energy that encourages both curiosity and reflection. It’s not rushed; it’s not hurried; it’s not overly concerned. The city will undoubtedly leave you charmed, and for good reason – warm mornings walking Paseo de Montejo under a canopy of tamarind and laurel trees are a welcome reprieve from Chicago’s climate in March.
The Curioso collective gathered together in our Mérida studio this spring. There we very quickly re-discovered the beauty of this city, full of warmth, kindness, creativity, and inspiration.
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Known as “La Ciudad Blanca”, Mérida is a city with rich cultural and historical significance. It was built on the Maya city of T’hó, and remnants of the ancient civilization can still be seen among the foundation of Mérida’s oldest colonial buildings. The bright, predominantly white limestone of these constructions is what made way for the city’s nickname, the “White City”.
One of the first Latin American cities colonized by the Spanish, Mérida has long been familiar with the concepts of independence and progress. It is a place influenced by both its values and traditions, along with its progressive perspectives and modern, bustling metropolis. This juxtaposition of the traditional and the contemporary can be seen reflected in Mérida’s culture, its architecture, its art, and its politics. Every space (both physical and intellectual) makes room for the old and the new to come together, creating a place that is abounding in history, heart, and opportunity.
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From the pristine sidewalks of Paseo de Montejo to the vibrant mercados and Plaza Grande, Mérida’s neighborhoods are ideal for discovery. Its residents are kind and welcoming; its art is thought provoking and forward-thinking; and its culture is inspiring and enlightening.
We continue to discover the beauties of Mérida with wonder, excitement, and a renewed energy for discovering the stories of a place and its people.
