Tag: History
Yucatán’s phantom island and the conspiracy theory behind its disappearance
La Bermeja is a "pahntom Island" that supposedly existed off the north coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico.
The long and often overlooked history of Africa’s profound imprint on...
Peoples of African origin have been in Mérida since colonization first began.
Yucatán’s flag flies legally for the first time in over 180...
Flying the flag recently became legal after an amendment to Article 116 of Mexico's constitution passed in the federal legislature.
Coyoacán — art, cuisine and relaxation in the heart of Mexico...
The Villa of Coyoacán in CDMX has a fascinating history stretching back all the way to the 7th century
Video: ‘Uncovered’ Episode 5, A conversation with Pete of Ancient Americas
On Episode 5 of “Uncovered,” we dive in to the history and archaeology of Mesoamerica and beyond with Pete of the Ancient Americas YouTube channel.
After a tragic and beautiful history, a complicated US-Mexico relationship
As the US and Mexico celebrate 200 years of diplomatic relations, we look at the history of this complicated relationship
Thinking about Mexican Pink, the bold color that’s here to stay
Mexican Pink, as it’s often called, isn’t a mere trend. It's a tradition that goes back farther than many realize.
Artist Ramón Valdiosera inspired the...
On your way to El Cuyo or Las Coloradas? You can’t...
Though the town is very small, it makes for a worthwhile stop on the way to El Cuyo, the ruins of Kulubá, or Las Coloradas.
Mexican Independence celebrations are ready to kick off
Mexican Independence Day celebrations kick off this evening in Mérida's Centro.
The death-defying ancient ritual of Mexico’s dancing flyers
Despite what some visitors believe, the tradition of the dancing flyers practiced in several parts of Mexico is not merely a tourist attraction, but rather an ancient fertility ritual.
Cave in Yucatán reveals fascinating new clues about life of ancient...
A group of Yucatecan speleologists have encountered a previously unknown cave system near Ticul.
What are those creepy statues on the side of the highway?...
Elephants, iguanas and a Maya princess peer beyond the overgrown bush of a large fenced-off lot with no signs explaining their existence. We hazard some guesses.
The ‘Aztec Eagles’ and Mexico’s surprising roles in World War II
Perhaps Mexico's most notable contribution to the war effort came in the form of the Escuadrón 201, also known as the Aztec Eagles
After 4-month pause, Valladolid’s video mapping show is back
Four months ago, a strong gust of wind and power surge damaged Valladolid’s video mapping show projectors.
Mexico demands return of the crown of Aztec Emperor Moctezuma II
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has called for Austria to repatriate the artifact known as “el Penacho de Moctezuma.”
Mérida’s Monumento a la Patria — a temple to unity, history,...
El Monumento a la Patria is without a doubt one of Mérida's most recognizable landmarks. Even visitors passing through the city for only a day, or even a few hours, likely stop by and visit this iconic monument.
The story of the “many Méridas”
Many people living in Mérida, Yucatán are vaguely aware that the city shares its name with other communities around the world. But the specifics surrounding how and why Yucatán’s capital got its name are unknown to most.
A look at the life of John Reed, the “gringo loco”...
In Mexico, Reed is remembered as “that crazy gringo” who witnessed the Mexican Revolution and befriended Pancho Villa.
Monday closures to mark the Mexican Revolution
Many workers will get Monday off to celebrate the 111th anniversary of the outbreak of the Mexican revolution.
New design announced to replace Mexico City’s controversial Columbus statue
A replica of a prehispanic sculpture of a woman will replace Mexico City’s controversial Columbus statue.
Uayma is an architectural gem in Yucatán’s east
The town is well known for its beautifully adorned 17th-century church but is not frequented by many tourists.
Pacheco: Mérida’s most powerful art collection turns 50
The work of Yucatán's most celebrated muralist, Fernando Castro Pacheco (1918-2013), housed in Mérida's Palacio de Gobierno, turned 50 on Independence Day.
Mérida’s monument to the Montejo, an icon of history or bigotry?
Just over a decade ago, a statue of Francisco de Montejo, known as El Adelantado (the one that came first) and his son, Francisco de Montejo, el Mozo were erected on Mérida’s Remate, the starting point of Avenida Paseo de Montejo.
The fall of the Aztec Empire: A 500-year-old open wound
At some point in early 1520, Aztec emperor Moctezuma must have had a eureka moment and understood that the bearded guests he had kindly hosted for months in the best palaces of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital, were not the gods he had been faithfully waiting for.
