For 31 Years, the Kermés Tradition Continues at Yucatán Seminary

The Yucatán Seminary in Itzimná, is gearing up for the 31st edition of its traditional kermés on Sunday, Oct. 26, bringing together families from across the state for a day of food, music, and community support for the training of future priests.

The event at the seminary’s main campus will run from 8 a.m. through the afternoon. It offers a glimpse into seminary life while raising crucial funds to support the institution’s operations.

Father José David González Vadillo said the gathering has both a family and vocational purpose. It gives people a chance to connect with seminarians and priests while learning about the seminary.

“It’s a space of participation and fellowship for all ages,” González Vadillo said. “We’ve been preparing for several months and we look forward to welcoming families, sharing the joy of vocation, and enjoying this experience together.”

Understanding the Kermés Tradition

For those unfamiliar with the term, a kermés is a traditional outdoor festival with roots in 14th-century Belgium. The word comes from the Dutch “kerkmisse,” combining “kerk” (church) and “mis” (mass).

In Mexico, Catholic churches and schools commonly host these festivals as fundraisers. They feature games, traditional food, live music, and family entertainment. The tradition has become deeply woven into Mexican Catholic culture, particularly popular from late summer through fall.

A Historic Institution

The Seminario de Yucatán traces its origins to 1751, when Bishop Francisco Tejada Díez de Velasco founded the Seminario Conciliar de San Ildefonso in downtown Mérida. The institution educated generations of Yucatecan clergy and elites, teaching Latin, philosophy, theology, rhetoric, music, and singing.

The seminary closed in 1861 due to Mexico’s Reform Laws, which separated church and state. It reopened in later years and today operates as the Seminario Conciliar de Nuestra Señora del Rosario y San Ildefonso, training around 130 young men between the ages of 15 and 25 for the priesthood.

The institution currently has 50 instructors and serves a Catholic community of roughly 260 priests across Yucatán, 90 of whom are diocesan priests serving local parishes.

What to Expect

This year’s festival will feature around 55 food stands offering traditional Yucatecan dishes. Mechanical rides like trampolines and a mechanical bull will keep kids entertained.

Musical performances throughout the day will include a children’s trova group and other acts. A soccer tournament will take place in two categories — children and adults — with special activities for teens and altar servers from local parishes.

Four masses will be held at different times, presided over by church authorities including Auxiliary Bishop Mario Medina at 9 a.m., Father Rector Ricardo Atoche at 10:30 a.m., Archbishop Gustavo Rodríguez Vega at noon, and Auxiliary Bishop Pedro Mena Díaz at 1:30 p.m.

Why It Matters

Teresita de Jesús Anguas Zapata, who represents the seminary’s administrative area, stressed the event’s financial importance. Last year’s kermés raised 1,213,401 pesos (about $60,000).

The seminary’s monthly operating costs run around 850,000 pesos ($42,000), covering utilities, operations, and maintenance. That makes the annual kermés a critical source of funding.

“This activity is fundamental because it helps cover part of the seminary’s expenses,” Anguas Zapata said. “Beyond being a traditional celebration, the seminary’s kermés represents an encounter of faith, community, and hope, where every contribution, no matter how small, helps train future priests.”

The event mirrors similar Catholic festivals held across Mérida throughout the year, which bring together religious devotion, cultural celebration, and community fundraising.

If You Go

What: Seminario de Yucatán 31st Annual Kermés
When: Saturday, Oct. 26, starting at 8 a.m.
Where: Seminario Mayor, Itzimná neighborhood, C. 18 78-x 17, Itzimná, 97100
Cost: Varies by food stand and activity
Highlights: 55 food stands, mechanical rides, live music, soccer tournament, and four masses
Mass times: 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m.