Mérida Influencer Sparks Backlash With Jokes About Campeche

The latest flashpoint in the friendly but persistent rivalry between Yucatán and Campeche erupted this week when a Mérida influencer’s mocking comments about her neighbors sparked widespread outrage and forced a restaurant chain to issue a public apology.

The controversy began when Elisa “La Yuca,” a social media personality from Mérida, posted a promotional video from Campeche’s historic malecón waterfront. Her disparaging remarks included “everyone here talks like they have a taco stuck in their throat,” and “the sea moves slowly, like the people.” Within hours, the video ignited fury among Campeche residents who flooded social media demanding an apology.

Social media users across the Peninsula continue discussing the incident, with many calling for greater cultural sensitivity in promotional content. Some commenters noted this represents a pattern of Yucatecan personalities making disparaging remarks about their neighbors.

Of course, the comments made directly on the posts that were taken down are no longer visible to the public. However, screenshots had already been preserved by critics.

La Parrilla Mexican Grill, the restaurant featured in the promotional content, quickly issued an official statement distancing itself completely from the influencer’s comments.

La Parrilla, founded in Cancún in 1975, operates multiple locations across the Yucatán Peninsula including Mérida, Campeche and Playa del Carmen.

The Peninsular Rivalry

The three Peninsula states share Maya heritage, similar cuisines, and regional dress, but maintain distinct identities shaped by their separate paths to statehood. Yucatán often positions itself as the cultural and economic center of the Peninsula. At the same time, Campeche takes pride in its colonial port city heritage and status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While typically good-natured, the regional rivalry occasionally surfaces in public discourse. Yucatecos often view their state as the Peninsula’s cultural heart, while Campechanos take pride in their colonial heritage and economic contributions through the oil industry. These differences usually manifest in lighthearted jokes and cultural competition rather than serious animosity. However, Elisa “La Yuca’s” comments crossed the line for many.

The incident mirrors a 2025 controversy involving Yucatecan comedian Tila María Sesto, who during a television interview with host Marco Antonio Regil referred to Campeche residents as bobos (fools) and “not so bright.” That comment also generated significant backlash despite being delivered in a comedic context.

The tensions have deep roots. Campeche declared independence from Yucatán in 1857 following a civil war, with economic disputes playing a major role. During an earlier period of Yucatecan independence from Mexico, Mérida’s trade with Havana flourished while Campeche’s commerce with Mexico City was severed. Campeche’s desire to rejoin Mexico created friction with Mérida that persists in cultural memory today. The Yucatán Peninsula has a complex history of regional identity and political divisions that occasionally surface in modern cultural discourse.

Yucatán Influencers

The controversy highlights broader challenges in Mexico’s rapidly growing influencer marketing sector. The industry has experienced 34% year-over-year growth, with Mexican audiences placing high trust in creator recommendations. However, experts warn that ignoring regional differences and treating Mexico as culturally homogeneous represents a major pitfall for brands and creators.

Mexican social media users value authenticity, cultural relevance and humor, with content acknowledging local traditions and regional differences performing significantly better than generic campaigns. The La Parrilla incident demonstrates how quickly promotional content can backfire when it crosses cultural sensitivity lines.

Campeche, located about 122 miles (196 kilometers) southeast of Mérida, maintains distinct cultural traditions and regional pride. Despite being one of Mexico’s least populous states, Campeche plays a crucial economic role, producing 37% of the country’s oil and gas. The state capital, also called Campeche, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

The restaurant chain’s quick response reflects growing awareness among Mexican businesses about the reputational risks of influencer partnerships. Influencer marketing in Mexico is community-driven and emotionally rich, with creators using humor and regional dialects to enhance relatability. When that humor crosses into mockery of regional identity, the backlash can be swift and severe.

Neither Elisa “La Yuca” nor representatives from La Parrilla Mexican Grill responded to requests for additional comment. The influencer’s social media accounts show she has continued posting regular content since the controversy, though none referencing the Campeche incident.

The malecón in Campeche, usually a peaceful spot for strolls and photos, remains a beloved gathering place for locals and tourists who want to explore the historic port city’s colonial architecture and waterfront views.