Mérida, Yucatán — Rain, rain go away, the ninth edition of the Noche Blanca is a week away.
Free events are planned in different venues all across Mérida on Saturday, Dec. 2.
This year, 147 events will be held in 65 venues, spread across 31 galleries, seven parks and other sites in which about 600 artists will be presented.
Noche Blanca has become one of the most important cultural events in the city, attended last time by more than 350,000 people who enjoy art and entertainment.
Organizers hope for clear skies, especially since last June’s was challenged by heavy rains. A few outdoor events were postponed, including two outdoor concerts and a fashion show.
One of the most highly anticipated shows, at least among the teen set, was of pop star Mario Bautista, was canceled because of the downpour. He is back on the schedule this time.
There is music for the grown-ups, too. Maité Hontelé, a Dutch trumpeter, will perform at Santa Ana Park; another musician Verónica Valerio, will strum her harp in Santa Lucía park.
The singer and musician Francisco Céspedes will be presented for the second time in the Plaza Grande.
Also expected are shows by the avant-garde dance company Teoría de la Gravedad, the bad los Golden Years, Yucatecan composer and song stylists María San Felipe, María Teresa Gómez and Paco Marín.
Art galleries will stay open until past midnight, many with special receptions for new exhibits.
Participating venues
Galleries: Galería de Arte Municipal de Mérida, Galerías del Centro Cultural Olimpo, Galería 37, Soho Galleries, La Sala Art & Design Gallery, Nahualli, Casa de los Artistas, Galería Púrpura, Galería Boutique Colores 33, Galería Terracota Arte Actual, Centro Cultural Casa Jure & Galería Santana, Centro Cultural La Cúpula, Taller y Galería El Caimito, El Horno Gráfico. Taller de estampa e impresión en relieve, Le Cirque Galería de Arte, La Eskalera, Anónimo, Calle Estampa. Taller de grabado, Centro Cultural La Libélula Azul, El Zapote, Galería Estudio Juan Pablo Bavio, El tendejón del arte, Galería Mesoamericana, El Garage del Arte, Galería Mérida, Galería Universitaria CAHAD, Art 44 Mart, Hotel Posada Toledo and La Pantera Negra.
Museums: Planetario, Museo of the City of Mérida, MACAY, Casa de la Cultura Banamex, Museo de la Canción Yucateca, Ferrocarriles, Palacio Cantón, Memorial Museum for Korean Immigration, Centro Cultural Casa Frederic Catherwood, Gallery Juan Gamboa Guzmán and Museo de Historia Natural.
Parks: Plaza Grande, Remate Paseo Montejo, San Juan, Santa Lucía, Santiago, Santa Ana and Mejorada.
Theaters: Auditorio del Olimpo, Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Fantasio.
Alternative forums: Rubén Chacón, Tapanco, Tumáka’t, Casa Teatro Tanicho, Centro de Integración Juvenil and La Camarita.
Street performers: Clown Por la Paz, Quinto elemento: Danzas polinesias, La escarpa del arte, Flamenco, Copia Danza Contemporánea, Trío Latino and Mensajes por la Paz.
