Suburban sprawl approaches Progreso’s beautiful Hacienda San Ignacio

Suburban sprawl approaches Progreso’s beautiful Hacienda San Ignacio

Hacienda San Ignacio dates to the 19th century during the days of Yucatán’s grand henequen boom. One of the hacienda’s most distinct features is its enormous neo-Gothic-inspired chapel dedicated to Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order.  According to legend, the chapel is protected by Saint Ignacio himself, who is said to…

Uayma’s famous church gets a new lease on life thanks to its caretaker’s ‘leap of faith’

Uayma’s famous church gets a new lease on life thanks to its caretaker’s ‘leap of faith’

Failing to get help from Yucatán’s state government, the caretaker of Uayma’s former Santo Domingo de Guzmán convent directly petitioned Mexico’s president for aid. It worked. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced on national television that the former convent would be restored using resources belonging to the Mayan Train fund.  “I found out the president…

Paraíso: One of Yucatán’s best-kept archaeological secrets

Paraíso: One of Yucatán’s best-kept archaeological secrets

Because of its remote location, most in Yucatán have never even heard of Paraíso — let alone visited. The village of Paraíso has only about 500 inhabitants and is part of the municipality of Maxcanú. At the most western point of this unassuming community is the chapel of Santa Bárbara. As you approach the small…

Church in Temozón gets a much-needed restoration after powerful storm

Church in Temozón gets a much-needed restoration after powerful storm

Reconstruction of San Agustín Church in Temozón is nearly complete. The 18th-century church collapsed in 2018 during an exceedingly heavy rainy season.  Weeks before its collapse, concerned locals had reported that the structure’s vault had begun to show signs of weakening.  Mexico’s national institute for anthropology and history (INAH) began reconstruction work in February 2020.  …

It is not right that the Church to tell politicians how to govern, say activists

It is not right that the Church to tell politicians how to govern, say activists

LGBTQ activists presented a complaint to state officials over comments made by Archbishop of Yucatán, Gustavo Rodríguez Vega. According to the written complaint, Archbishop Rodríguez Vega said that lawmakers in Yucatán should prioritize family values and uphold the institution of marriage, despite the clamering of a “noisy minority.” “The archbishop refuses to acknowledge that Mexico’s…

Mexico’s new cardinal is a friend to indigenous people, but hostile to gay rights

Mexico’s new cardinal is a friend to indigenous people, but hostile to gay rights

The Pope’s choice to lead the Catholic church in Mexico is a staunch supporter of indigenous communities and impoverished migrants. But Cardinal Felipe Arizmendi is not generally considered a progressive figure. As a bishop, Arizmendi railed against “loose morals” and the spread of “homosexualism” and “debauchery.” He has protested court rulings allowing same-sex adoption and…

Guadalupe sanctuary in Merida will be quiet on the Day of the Virgin

Guadalupe sanctuary in Merida will be quiet on the Day of the Virgin

As the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe approaches, the Archdiocese of Yucatán has called off the festivities that normally attract thousands to a sanctuary dedicated to Mexico’s patron saint. It will be a strange time during one of the most holy days on the Catholic calendar. Church doors at the Santuario de Nuestra Señora…

Peto’s unique church gets ready to celebrate 220 years
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Peto’s unique church gets ready to celebrate 220 years

Peto, Yucatán — New Year’s Day will also be a day of celebration as residents celebrate the 220th anniversary of their unique church. Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, or Our Lady of the Assumption, dates to Jan. 1, 1799, which is also the date the faithful organize a festival for the municipality’s patron saint, the Virgen…

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