Mérida is the capital city of the Mexican state of Yucatán. It is located in the northwest part of the state.

Attractions

Mérida is nicknamed "The White city" both for a common color of its buildings and the fact that the residents keep the city particularly clean. The city is full of exquisite art galleries as well as the inevitable tourist shops. The main thoroughfare, Paseo de Montejo, is lined with original sculpture by up-and-coming local and foreign artists, as part of an exhibit.
Mérida and the state of Yucatán are somewhat isolated from the rest of the country, and it shows in many things. The surviving remnants of the Mayan culture can be seen everyday, in speech, dress, and in both written and oral histories. It is especially apparent in holidays like Hanal Pixan, a Mayan/Catholic Day of the Dead celebration. It falls on November 1 and 2 (one day for adults, and one for children) and is commemorated by elaborate altars dedicated to dead relatives. It is a compromise between the two religions with crucifixes mingled with skull decorations and food sacrifices/offerings.