Plaza Grande (Plaza de la Independencia)
Plaza Grande
The central square of Mérida's historic center, surrounded by the cathedral, the Government Palace and the Casa de Montejo. On weekend nights, there are ballgame demonstrations and folk dances.
Plaza Grande, officially named Plaza de la Independencia, was the center planned by the Spanish when they founded the city of Mérida in 1542 on the ruins of the Maya city of T'Hó. It is surrounded by the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, the Government Palace of the state of Yucatán, the City Hall and the Casa de Montejo. Laurel trees provide shade across the square, and it has traditional Yucatecan 'confidenciales' (whisper benches). On Sundays, during the 'Mérida Sunday' event, the streets around the square are closed to traffic, and there are craft markets, street food and folk dances. On Monday evenings, traditional vaquería dances are performed in front of City Hall. On Friday evenings, there are often demonstrations of the ancient Maya ballgame (Pok ta Pok). Times are as announced by the city government. Admission is free.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Government Palace of Yucatán
- MACAY Contemporary Art Museum
- Casa de Montejo
- Mérida Cathedral (San Ildefonso)
- José Peón Contreras Theatre
- Parque de Santa Lucía
- Lucas de Gálvez Market
- Palacio Cantón (Regional Museum of Anthropology)