Merida, Yucatan — Backed up with live Big Band music, popular performer Paco de Maria headlined Saturday night’s Christmas tree lighting on the edge of the Paseo de Montejo.
Traffic was diverted for the thousands of audience members, including scores of families with young children, who packed the Remate for the festivities.
Paco de Maria is a Mexican singer who is known for his Big Band musical style, which translated well to traditional Christmas songs. For about 10 years, the performer has specialized in jazz, bossa nova and standards from legends including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Bobby Darin.
Mayor Renán Barrera Concha, accompanied by his family and about 15 children, pressed the button that powered on 7,000 Christmas lights.
Fireworks followed, as did the music concert. Paco de Maria sang “Jingle Bells” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” among other classics.
Saturdays are always festive at the Remate, where weekly Noche Mexicana song-and-dance revues are performed around the same time.
With information from Diario de Yucatan
