I’ve learned a lot about living in Yucatán’s coastal communities thanks to the annual Progreso Home Tours.
Living in the Centro, I had a narrow idea about living in a beach town. But most people aren’t living their daily lives in beachfront houses, with all the pros and cons that come with it. Homes in Progreso are diverse in style and scale.
The Progreso Home Tour is just once a year and is a rare chance to glimpse into our neighbors’ private spaces. It’s also a hugely social occasion. You’re likely to meet new friends along the way.
The 2024 Progreso Home Tour on Saturday, March 2, is your chance to see what residents there have done to renovate old homes into modern marvels or build new homes from the ground up. Visitors will learn more about what building materials work best here in Yucatán and see some lovely private art collections. Once you’re done viewing the homes, return to the completely rebuilt Crocodiles Restaurant to have a bite, visit friends and participate in a raffle featuring items donated by local artists and businesses. All the details are here.
The event benefits the non-profit association Progreso Apoyo Program AC and features seven homes east of the Malecón. You can drive yourself with maps provided at the event or take one of the special taxis available for a small fee.
Can’t make it to the Home Tour this year? You can still support education in our community by participating in the 2024 Progreso Home Tour Online Auction. There are some amazing items available for purchase, including gift certificates for local excursions on land or on the water, certificates for meals from Progreso and Mérida restaurants, and some lovely art donated by local artists. Register for the Online Auction now to receive a information by email when the auction opens on Feb. 28.
The Progreso Apoyo Program AC provides scholarships to students living in Progreso, Chicxulub and Flamboyanes to help them stay in school.
The group’s volunteers are helping 80 students and, through their Higher Education Program, 21 students who have been with the program for the past five years are graduating from high school this year. They all have plans to attend college, university, or a trade school. Funds raised through the Progreso Home Tour will help these students continue their education. They will be the first ones in their family to graduate from college and be prepared for a meaningful job or career.
Tickets for the Progreso Home Tour (300 pesos) must be purchased in advance. Tickets are available at the following locations at the beach:
- Barloventos Restaurant on Calle 80 between Calle 21 and 25 in Progreso
- The Monday Market at Natural Thangs in Chelem – 9 a.m. to noon
- The Tuesday Crater Market in Chicxulub at Viejo Bar and Restaurant – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- The Wednesday Market at Crocodiles Restaurant in Progreso – 9 a.m. to noon
Tickets are sold online via PayPal. For a payment link, send a WhatsApp message to 999-433-3851 or email info@progresohometour.com.
But don’t wait too long because tickets are limited and going fast. The last day for ticket sales is Wednesday, Feb. 28.
