A giant hammock has suddenly appeared in the Centro, but why?
The sudden appearance of a giant hammock in downtown Mérida is drawing eyes.
The massive hammock hangs across a parking lot on Calle 43 on the corner of 42 and 44 in Mérida’s Centro.
The hammock seems to be a publicity stunt by hammock manufacturer and retailer, Caribe Hammocks — and all signs seem to point to the fact that it is working.
Images of the gargantuan hammock have already begun to circulate on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Several of the posts suggest in jest that the hammock is a bad omen, as it surely means that King Kong or Godzilla must be coming to town to wreak havoc and collect their extra-large hamaca.
Some reports are claiming that the hammock is 40 meters or 130 feet long, but this appears to be somewhat of an exaggeration, with the real length most likely being around half that — though admittedly, it is hard to tell.
Earlier: Sleep is better in a hammock, scientific study confirms
The hammock has been used since ancient times in Yucatán to sleep or rest and has been used in different times, places, and it is made with varying materials.
The main advantage hammocks offer is a mesh design which offers a much more cool sleeping experience than a bed — to say nothing of the soothing effect of its rocking back and forth.
Hammocks have long been a staple of Yucatecan living, but over the past few decades, their use has suffered a considerable decline.
Still, few households in Yucatán are without at least one hammock. Variations on traditional models have also become popular. Their mesh design also can be made to fit swings and rocking chairs.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer and adventure leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds multimedia, philosophy, and translation degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
