the historic road connecting Mérida and Campeche was more than just a route—it was a lifeline that shaped the economic and cultural fabric of the Yucatán Peninsula But it was in the 19th century that the first major strides in shedding Yucatán’s isolation began with improvements to the Camino Real between the region’s two most important cities, Mérida and Campeche, as well as the then-preeminent port of Sisal consider that Quintana Roo to the east did not even become a state until 1974 its population was so small that it remained a territory.  While it’s impossible to follow the exact path of the old Royal Road most of it has been destroyed by more modern infrastructure projects the Camino Real between Mérida and Campeche would become almost entirely connected by cobblestone roads used to ease travel for peonies (agricultural workers) and the likes of Empress Charlotte of Mexico in 1865 when she is said to have taken a detour to visit the ancient Maya city of Uxmal the Royal Road began in the Ermita neighborhood through the arch of San Juan it was customary to first take mass at the nearby Ermita de Santa Isabel chapel — built in the 17th century — to help ensure a safe journey the “typical” route and scheduled stops varied slightly we will stick to the main way points and points of interest along the way to Campeche.  Roughly 20 kilometers south of Mérida is Umán a town that served as a crucial rest stop for travelers and caravans Umán was known for its agricultural production which sustained both locals and those passing through Its location made it an essential point for resupplying before continuing the journey westward Umán is considered a satellite of Mérida and is known for its market and impressive former convent of San Francisco de Asís which today functions as the city’s main Catholic church and landmark.  About 60 kilometers southwest of Mérida, Maxcanú emerged as a key crossroads on the Camino Real. This town was a junction where routes from different parts of the peninsula converged, making it a hub for trade and transportation. During the henequen boom facilitating the movement of goods between the interior and the coast Halachó’s name means “place of the Halach Uinic” (a Mayan term for a high-ranking leader or ruler) but in a callback to its location on the state line between Yucatán and Campeche “Halacho” has come to mean “let’s get going.” made it an ideal resting spot for travelers who could replenish their supplies and rest before continuing their journey traces of the Camino Real can still be found in and around Halachó offering a tangible connection to the past The road’s legacy is evident in the town’s layout with its central plaza and surrounding streets reflecting the traditional design of colonial-era settlements As the Camino Real entered the state of Campeche a town famous for its artisanal jipi japa hats (also known as Panama hats; just don’t tell the locals) These finely woven palm fiber hats symbolized the region’s craftsmanship offering weary travelers a chance to recuperate before continuing Known as the “Athens of Campeche,” Calkiní is a testament to the region’s rich history it became a significant colonial town along the Camino Real reflected the blending of indigenous and Spanish influences that defined the region Hecelchakán was often the final stop on the way to Campeche’s capital of the same name Hecelchakán became a cultural and religious exchange point Missionaries used the road to spread Christianity and the town became a center for establishing churches and other religious institutions Hecelchakán boasts some awe-inspiring architecture and intrinsically decorated facades The tiny community of Hampolol sits on the outskirts of Campeche and boasts one of the best-preserved sections of the Camino Real and a bridge used to cross the tiny town’s wetlands The earliest reference to this bridge dates to 1649 it had been upgraded to carry heavier cargo by the 19th century at the latest when Empress Carlota made her way across this forgotten marvel The Hampolol Bridge is an example of colonial engineering and reflects the architectural styles of the time It was constructed using traditional methods and materials The existing highway to Campeche entirely bypasses Hampolol you must make a U-turn just after passing the town and enter through a narrow road.  is a historic port city on the Gulf of Mexico in Campeche it became one of the most important cities in colonial New Spain due to its strategic location The city was a vital link in the transatlantic trade network Ships from Campeche carried goods to Spain and returned with European manufactured goods Campeche also facilitated trade within the Caribbean and other colonial ports in the Americas The Spanish built extensive fortifications to protect the city and its economic interests These defenses helped safeguard the flow of goods and wealth from the likes of famous pirates like Henry Morgan and Francis Drake.  Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer and translation degrees from universities in Mexico corn was celebrated as a basis for gastronomy Is leather a smart choice for your sofa or sectional in Yucatán Iván Ramírez Gamboa was captivated by classic cartoons like Looney Tunes where the visual humor and expressiveness of characters like the Road Runner spoke louder than dialogue.  Unlike popular series of the time such as “Dragon Ball,” cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny inspired him with their dynamism and simplicity Last night’s fireworks were pretty intense as we ushered in the 20s A nonstop barrage of sound and smoke for 45 minutes was a spectacle for people but terrifying show for some dogs and cats inhabiting the city We have and published and republished advice on keeping your pets calm during fireworks celebrations Skies are clear and temperatures are pleasant for tonight’s Noche Blanca.  For its 10th edition the sprawling citywide festival of art and music pretty much takes over Merida’s historic center at 8 p.m. The nearly 200 events are too numerous to list although the city has a searchable database here.  Tomen… What seemed like a normal day at the ADO bus station quickly became special when La OperaMaya took over Advertise With Us It doesn’t matter which month you come to visit there will most likely be a festival somewhere Did you know that many of the festivals have religious origins?  They are known as the “Patron Saint Festivals I encourage you to read about them and check out what is going to be happening while you are here—or maybe even plan another visit to make sure you catch them Every January, the city sets out to celebrate the founding of Mérida—January 6 During Mérida Fest you will find many dance performances a march between Santa Lucía Park and Plaza Grande This takes place on January 5 in the evening and ends at midnight with the Mañanitas: the traditional Mexican birthday song www.merida.gob.mx/meridafest     and lots of color await you every year during the Carnaval de Mérida The date changes yearly and is based on Easter Sunday.  More info: www.merida.gob.mx/carnaval      Activities during the festival include traditional Yucatecan dances This is a festival where it is customary to make a garment for the image of Christ and lay down at its feet.  FB: Fiesta Tradicional De Chumayel     You will not believe everything that you are going to see made from our beloved Queso de Bola, or Edam Cheese. This festival highlights street food, traditional dishes, and inventions made from this popular ingredient. It has been held at the Motul main square, but also at different locations in Mérida This is a delicious event with plenty of offerings so it’s a good idea to keep up with them on Facebook FB: Festival Nacional del Queso de Bola-Yucatán This festival is oh-so-perfectly refreshing for breaking up the tropical heat in the summer Besides offering ice cream and popsicles you will also find frappés the dates and location may vary; we’ll keep you posted FB: Festival del Helado en Yucatán     From July 14 to August 4 the town of Halachó is in festival mode and the local fair are all festivities you shouldn’t miss.   FB: H. Ayuntamiento Halachó 2021-2024     Honoring Santo Domingo de Guzmán the first two weeks of August FB: H. Ayuntamiento San Felipe Yucatán 2021-2024     The Dzityá artisans get together every summer (late July/early August) and offer the best of their products, which include stone, wood, textiles, and jewelry. Food and fair activities are also offered. Just minutes north of Merida This year the dates are from July 25 to August 3 www.merida.gob.mx/tunich     Welcome to the village of Tekit, the Capital of the Guayabera, where you will find the finest garments. The good news? This fair is held twice a year in August and December, and is only a 50-minute drive from Mérida The 2024 summer edition is from July 20th to August 4th.  FB: Feria de la Guayabera Tekit     October is when we honor our departed loved ones is a time when the local traditions and culture relating to death are lived by all You will see altars honoring departed loved ones www.merida.gob.mx/animas     and goods exhibitions attract thousands of people during the last three weeks of November to this fair www.feriayucatan.gob.mx      Stands, decorative figures, parade floats decorated with citric fruits,  plus cultural events, dances, and contests are all part of this mega agricultural fair. Can you imagine an enormous sculpture of the Pyramid from Chichén Itzá crafted out of oranges? You’ll find it in Oxkutzcab (known as the “orchard of the state”), located 1.5 hours from Mérida This 2024 it will be from December 7 to the 17th.  FB: H. Ayuntamiento Oxkutzcab     December 8 is when the yellow town of Izamal honors Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The statue of this saint is housed in the San Antonio de Padua Convent. Festivities begin on November 29 and go on for two weeks. Visit Izamal and enjoy the pilgrimages and the serenade to the Virgin on December 7 in the evening FB: Feria Izamal 08 DIC     This religious celebration and fiesta is held from December 19-26 in the village of Espita Things begin in the church with the lowering of the saint from its niche on December 19 FB: Ayuntamiento de Espita     this festival begins when the Three Kings or Wise Men statues are lowered from their niches in the church an Alborada (march from a Ceiba tree to the bullfight ring) including lots of food stands and mechanical rides.  FB: Tizimín de Reyes  we accompany the traveler so that they can experience the authentic essence of Yucatán Teacher protests in Mérida are now relatively tranquil affairs A teachers’ camp opposite the Government Palace has been erected in solidarity with the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) set fire to vehicles and otherwise caused chaos in Oaxaca and other parts of Mexico Similar small demonstrations were reported in Valladolid A small number of protesters — fewer than 20 — gathered yesterday at the Plaza Grande in a march in the Centro they totaled about 1,500 and about 200 blocked the road to the airport where teachers and normalistas burned three buses and a truck in which they agreed to organize a forum to analyze the extent of teacher evaluations at the root of the protests Yucatán Magazine has the inside scoop on living here. Sign up to get our top headlines delivered to your inbox every week Uber drivers today began circling the city’s streets waiting for their smartphones to ping Mexico’s first non-Pemex gas stations will open in Mexico this July although none in Yucatán have yet been announced Has the coronavirus pandemic dampened the future of expat living Three-quarters of people who moved to another country for business or cultural pursuits — including 70% in Mexico — say they are confident about continuing to live abroad according to an Aetna International survey Aetna found that seven in 10 people whose plans to… If your idea of a perfect getaway involves staying in luxurious accommodations and receiving exceptional service at a stunning beachside location you’ll want to explore these top 5-star resorts in Tulum for inspiration Mezzanine Hotel Tulum Perched on a dramatic cliffside the Mezzanine Hotel Tulum offers an intimate escape with just nine… Will a love ballad called “Mi Canto a Mérida,” or “My Song to Mérida,” catch on On the highway that connects Mérida and Progreso another US-based fast food chain is under construction Joining the long-entrenched McDonald’s and Burger King is America’s second-leading burger franchise It’s at least the second attempt by Wendy’s to enter the area