Lucas de Gálvez Market Escalator is Finally in Motion

The long-awaited escalator at Mérida’s iconic Lucas de Gálvez market began operating this week after months of bureaucratic delays involving Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History.

The 25-meter (82-foot) moving walkway officially started transporting visitors between the market’s ground floor and second-level dining area on Calle 56-A, marking the end of a wait that stretched far beyond its planned September 2024 opening.

City officials had struggled to obtain the necessary permits from INAH, the federal agency that oversees archaeological sites and historic buildings throughout Mexico. The institute’s approval was required because the market sits in Mérida’s historic center, where any building modifications must undergo strict review.

“The permits for operation have been approved, and our trained staff is now operating the system to guarantee proper use and citizen safety,” said Mérida’s city government spokesperson.

Accessibility Focus

The escalator represents a significant accessibility upgrade for one of Mexico’s most important traditional markets. The Lucas de Gálvez market covers 45,000 square meters with more than 2,000 vendors, making navigation challenging for elderly visitors and people with disabilities.

The new system can simultaneously transport up to 22 people along its 4.1-meter (13.4-foot) vertical rise. It operates during regular market hours and extends into evening hours to support the second-floor dining area’s night service.

Traditional Mexican markets typically lack modern accessibility features, creating barriers for visitors with difficulty climbing stairs. The installation addresses a growing need as Mexico’s population ages and tourism increases.

Historic Market Modernization

The escalator installation is part of a broader $2.3 million renovation project that began in 2022. The market, first inaugurated in 1887, underwent extensive modernization while preserving its historic character.

Workers constructed a new plaza connecting the artisan area with a bridge, renovated vendor stalls, and improved lighting throughout the complex. The project aimed to transform the market into a tourist destination while maintaining its role as a neighborhood shopping hub.

Mayor Renán Barrera emphasized the project’s focus on serving “segments of the population such as senior citizens” who previously couldn’t access the second floor.

The market takes its name from Lucas de Gálvez, who, under King Carlos III of Spain’s appointment, served as Yucatán’s mayor from 1789 to 1792.

INAH’s Role at Lucas de Gálvez Market

INAH’s involvement reflects Mexico’s strict protection of cultural heritage sites. The institute, founded in 1939, catalogs and protects buildings, archaeological sites, monuments and other artifacts considered part of the cultural heritage.

For construction projects in historic areas, builders must obtain permits from INAH and regular city building permits, with fines up to $20,000 for non-compliance.

The lengthy approval process frustrated merchants and visitors who saw the completed escalator sitting unused behind metal barriers for months. Some vendors had hoped the improved access would boost foot traffic to upper-level restaurants and artisan shops.

Tourist Destination Plans

City officials envision the renovated market becoming a major tourist attraction. The second floor now features traditional Yucatecan restaurants serving cochinita pibil, sopa de lima and other regional specialties alongside artisan crafts.

The escalator’s evening operation supports plans to create nighttime dining experiences that could draw locals and international visitors exploring Mérida’s cultural offerings.

The renovated viewpoint, La Nueva Placita, overlooks the City Museum and allows visitors to enjoy traditional Yucatecan dishes.

The Lucas de Gálvez market sits blocks from Mérida’s central plaza and cathedral, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the historic center on foot.

For many vendors, the escalator’s opening represents hope for increased business after years of construction disruption and the challenges of the pandemic.