Merida Events: Day of the Dead 2014

27 October 2014 Events 0

This Week... starting October 27, 2014

Hanal Pixan or Day of the Dead: October 31- November 02
The big event this week starts on Friday. Day of the Dead in Merida is celebrated both on the Plaza Grande and along Calle 66, between Park Ermita and the Cemetery, called the Corridor of the Souls (on the evening of October 31, starting about sundown). In Yucatan, this day is called Hanal Pixan... check out our articles about Hanal Pixan and Day of the Dead!

X’matkuil State Fair: November 8 – December 1 These events take place at the X’matkuil fairgrounds. Admission is only $15 pesos and parking is $30 pesos. In addition to theater events, there are so many performance shows that it makes this fair the largest center for nightlife in southeast Mexico.

National Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe: December 12
This is one of the biggest fiestas of the year in Mexico. You can see some of the activities in Merida in Yucatan Living’s Virgin of Guadalupe Video.

Christmas and New Year's Eve
The last two weeks of December and the first five days of January are relatively quiet in Yucatan, but the new year of almost non-stop festivals begins again on January 6 (Three Kings’ Day, aka Epiphany). So do keep watch on Yucatan Living’s Events pages to see what there is to do in Merida whenever you are here.

In The City

New Ongoing Event: Cemetery Walking Tour (Wednesday Nights)
Don Wilbert Sosa, with his extensive knowledge of the history of this cemetery, will walk you through the tombs, mausoleums and roundabouts of famous people who are buried here, telling stories of those men and women who shaped the history of our state. You are cordially invited to come and learn about the various funeral rites that have existed in Merida, from pre-Hispanic to the present, and about the various architectural styles of the mausoleums and tombs.
Location: Cementerio General de la Ciudad (General Cemetery of the City), at the southern end of Calle 66, south of Ermita
Time: 8:00 PM all Wednesdays
Admission: Free

Temporary Exhibition of the National Museum of Egypt
This exhibition will be open only during the Festival of Mayan Culture. There are 25 pieces in the collection. Why Egypt? No idea...
Location: Juan Gamboa Guzman Gallery, Calle 59 x 60 y 58
Time: Opens at 10 AM
Admission Free

Monday (Lunes) October 27, 2014

Gypsy Market Bazaar
Good food, great art, and superb company. What more could anyone ask? Visit the Gypsy Market Bazaar on Facebook.
Location: On the main road Chelem-Chuburna. Crystal Tropical is Graciela’s garden between entrada Sol and Aruba.
Time: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday
Admission: Free but do plan on shopping and supporting the artists and artisans who show their work here.

Tuesday (Martes) October 28, 2014

Tuesday of Trova Grupo Cafe Canela
This is a new group to many of us, so we are excited to see who they are.
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 8:30 PM Tuesday
Admission: Free

Santa Sangre
(Mexico 1989) A young man is confined in a mental hospital. Through a flashback we see that he was traumatized as a child, when he and his family were circus performers: he saw his father cut off the arms of his mother, a religious fanatic and leader of the heretical church of Santa Sangre ("Holy Blood"), and then commit suicide. Back in the present, he escapes and rejoins his surviving and armless mother. Against his will, he "becomes her arms" and the two undertake a grisly campaign of murder and revenge. In English.
Location: Cairo Cinema, Calle 20 #98A x 15 y 17, Colonia Itzimná
Time: 9:00 PM Tuesday
Admission: Free

Wednesday (Miercoles) October 29, 2014

Movie: Stop the Pounding Heart
(USA 2013) The parents, Leanne and Tim, raise their twelve children according to a strict interpretation of the Bible, homeschooling them to limit negative influences. It’s an austere life of prayer, work and religious studies at mealtime, with no sign in the house of such standard communication tools as television, computers or telephones. When their daughter Sara meets Colby, a young rodeo rider, she begins to question her upbringing. In English, with Spanish subtitles.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: 5:00 PM Wednesday
Admission: $35 pesos, $15 pesos students

Merida / Valladolid Combined Chorale Concert
You are cordially invited to attend this combined Merida / Valladolid chorale concert of Latin American music. A complementary reception will follow so that you will have an opportunity to meet the members of the choirs.
Location: Casa de los Venados, Valladolid, Yucatan
Time: 9:00 PM Wednesday
Admission: Free

Movie: When You're Strange.
(USA 2009) A look at the late '60s and early '70s rock band The Doors, including rare exclusive footage. In English.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro, Open Air Cinema
Time: 9:00 PM Wednesday
Admission: $35 pesos, $15 pesos students

Thursday (Jueves) October 30, 2014

Movie: From Gulf to Gulf to Gulf
(India 2013) A boat has many powers: to gather a society in its making, to distribute goods, to carry people and ideas across places that, it seems to us, are more different than ever before. From Gulf to Gulf to Gulf is a result of four years of dialogue, friendship and exchange between CAMP, an Indian art collective, and a group of sailors from the Gulf of Kutch. In Arabic with Spanish subtitles.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: 5:00 PM Thursday
Admission: $35 pesos, $15 pesos students

Movie: M, the Murderer
(Germany 1931). Director: Fritz Lang. Peter Lorre stars as a serial child killer. When is the last time you saw a Peter Lorre movie?
Location: Videosala of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 7:00 PM Thursday
Admission: Free

Music: Rock Route
This performance is under the direction of Thomas Martin. Sounds like rock 'n roll!
Location: Central Patio of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 8:00 PM Thursday
Admission: $50 pesos

Chamber Orchestra Presents Two New Groups
You are cordially invited to attend the concert debut of two professional artistic groups of Vienna Music & Art Academy Yucatán: The Vocal Octet "Franz Joseph Haydn" directed by Maestro. Miguel Angel Medina y Mena and the Fritz Kreisler Chamber Orchestra directed by Maestro José Luis Chan Sabido.
Location: in Cathedral Idelfonso (Merida's main cathedral), Calle 62 x 61
Time: 9:00 PM Thursday
Admission: Free

Movie: Five Broken Cameras
(France 2011) This shocking documentary film shows the life of Emad, a Palestinian farmer, who in 2005 set out to document some of the major acts of resistance that his people held against the advance of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. He used five cameras, which give rise to the title of the film, nominated for an Oscar in 2012. In Hebrew with Subtitles in Spanish.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: 9:00 PM Thursday
Admission: $35 pesos, $15 pesos students

The Man Who Lived In A Shoe
(Mexico 2013) This is the true story of a man, Jose Luis "El Guero" Robles Gil. It is also a story of reality versus imagination, love and madness, plus the opening and closing of the eyes: of a life poised almost at the border of fantasy. It is the story of a man who lived in a shoe, and the story of the woman who accompanied him, once upon a time. In Spanish.
Location: Cairo Cinema, Calle 20 #98A x 15 y 17, Colonia Itzimná
Time: 9:00 PM Thursday
Admission: Free

Friday (Viernes) October 31 , 2014

Hanal Pixan in Merida’s Centro
Location: Plaza Grande
10:00 AM: opening ceremony and journey through the sample of altars
5:30 PM: Concert: Los Maya Internacional (wonderful performers!)
18:30 PM: Mock funeral procession from Plaza Grande to Parque de Santa Ana
Location: Parque de Santa Ana
Spectacular Show "Dellrio Theater" artistic program
5:30 PM: Concert: Trio Trovanova
6:30 PM: Dzereco and Nohoch
7:00 PM: "Theatrical Delirium"
8:00 PM: folk dancing with the Night Club Orchestra

Movie: La Jaula de Oro (The Golden Cage)
(Mexico 2013) A road movie about teenage Guatemalan immigrants and their journey to the U.S. In Spanish with English subtitles.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro,
Time: 5:00 PM Friday
Admission: $35 pesos, $15 pesos students

Paseo de Las Animas (Corridor of the Souls)
Activities, music and much more to celebrate Day of the Dead or Hanal Pixan, as we call it in Yucatan.
Location: From San Juan Park to The Cemetery
Time: 6:00 PM til midnight, Friday
Admission: Free

Halloween Chili Cook Off, Cake Bake Off and Costume Party
This is a benefit for No Mas Perritos spay and neuter community program. There will be prizes for the best chili, best costume and best cake.
Location: At the Bull Pen in Chelem
Time: 6:30 PM
Admission: $100 pesos for everyone

Movie: Fausto
(United States, 1926). Director: F.W. Murnau. Starring: Gosta Ekman, Emil Jannings, and Camilla Horn. The demon Mephisto wagers with God that he can corrupt a mortal man’s soul.
Location: Videosala of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 7:00 PM Friday
Admission: Free

Dance: Solos for Joining
When loneliness provides an opportunity for meeting. This is a performance by the Contemporary Free Dance Company.
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 8:00 PM Saturday ( Fridays and Saturdays October 17 through November 22)
Admission: $50 pesos, Students and INAPAM: $25 pesos

Mini Marathon of Horror
3 horror movies from Canada, USA and France. Popcorn included and prize for best Halloween costume.
Location: Cairo Cinema, Calle 20 #98A x 15 y 17, Colonia Itzimná
Time: 8:00 PM Friday
Admission:$100 pesos

Movie: Heli
(Mexico 2013) Heli must try and protect his young family when his 12-year-old sister inadvertently involves them in the brutal drug world. He must battle against the drug cartel that have been angered as well as the corrupt police force. In Spanish.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro, Open Air Cinema.
Time: 9:00 PM Friday
Admission: $35 pesos, $15 pesos students

Saturday (Sabado) November 01, 2014

Holiday: Day of the Dead

Second Annual Seaside Rotary Golf Classic Saturday, November 1
This is Seaside Rotary’s major fundraiser with all event proceeds going to support charitable programs and initiatives in the Playa del Carmen community. The tournament will be a non-handicap scramble” with a luncheon and Gala Prize ceremony following. Do visit their website to see some of the amazing prizes that have been donated by the sponsors.
Location: Grand Coral Rivera Maya Golf Club in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo: carretera federal cancun tulum, 77712 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Time: 8:00 AM Saturday
Registration Fee: $1500 pesos/ Golfer, $1200 pesos/ FMG Member, 20% Discount for Foursomes. You may pay with your PayPal, debit or credit card.
Register Online at Seaside Rotary Golf Classic.

Cook It Raw Hanal Pixan Party
This is a cocktail party for the chefs and artist who are participating in the 3rd and final session of Cook it Raw in Yucatan. The chefs who are coming are Albert Adria from Barcelona, Amanda Cohen from New York, J P McMahon from Galway, Jeremiah Langhorne from Charleston, Will Horowitz from New York, Justin Leboe from Calgary, Spike Gjerde from Baltimore. There will be drinks from Illegal Mezcal from New York and El Negrita/Fundacion Mezcaleria & Apoala from Merida. The event will be filmed for Munchies at vice.com There will also be an exhibition of art including the works of Marcela Diaz, Joseph Kurhajec, Guillermo Olguin Mitchell and Silvia Barbotto curated by John Powell and Josue Ramos to celebrate Hanal Pixan. Tickets available at La Fundacion de los Artistas in advance or at the door.
Location: La Fundacion de los Artistas, Calle 55 #520 x 64 y 62
Time: 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Saturday
Admission: $700 pesos (includes drinks and light food)

Movie: Lessons from the Darkness
(Germany 1992) An apocalyptic vision featuring the oilwell fires in Kuwait after the Gulf-War, as a whole world burst into flames. This film is stylized as science fiction, as there is not a single shot in which you can recognize our planet. In German with Spanish subtitles.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: 5:00 PM Saturday
Admission: $35 pesos, $15 pesos students

Dance: Solos for Joining Fridays and Saturdays October 17 through November 22
When loneliness provides an opportunity for meeting. This is a performance by the Contemporary Free Dance Company.
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 8:00 PM Saturday
Admission: $50 pesos, Students and INAPAM: $25 pesos

Movie: The Artist is Present
(USA 2012) Seductive, fearless, provocative, Marina Abramović has redefined the concept of art for over forty years. Using her own body as a vehicle, going beyond the limits to risk her own life in the process, she has created performances that have challenged us, shocked and moved. In English with Spanish subtitles.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro, Open Air Cinema.
Time: 9:00 PM Saturday
Admission: $35 pesos, $15 pesos students

Sunday (Domingo) ,November 02 2014

Merida Gallery Tour 2014
Design your own tour of 12 participating art galleries in Centro, Merida. Begin anywhere on the following list. The participating galleries include:
1. Galeria Merida, Calle 59 #452A x 52 y 54, Centro (Mejorada)
2. Juan Pablo Bavio: Estudio-Galeria, Calle 59 # 536 x 66 y 68, Centro (Santiago)
3. Anonimo: Venta de Arte, Calle 57 # 552 x 66 y 68, Centro (Santiago)
4. Centro Cultural y Artistico La Bodega, Calle 70 # 470 x 55 y 55A, Centro (Santiago)
5. Galeria Le Cirque, Calle 55A # 538 x 68 y 70, Centro (Santiago)
6. Galeria La Eskalera, Calle 70 # 474B x 57 y 59, Centro (Santiago)
7. Luis Coral: Estudio-Galeria, Calle 72 # 555 Depto. 2 x 57 y 55, Centro (Santiago)
8. Posada Ecochic La Pantera Negra, Calle 67 # 547B x 68 y 70, Centro (San Juan)
9. Galeria Amapola, Calle 66 # 604 x 75 y 77, Centro (Ermita)
10. Tendejon del Arte, Calle 62 # 570 x 71 y 73, Centro (San Juan)
11. Galeria in La Kech, Calle 60 # 595A x 73 y 75, Centro (San Juan)
12. Calle Estampa, Calle 60 # 582A x 73 y 75, Centro (San Juan)
This tour is supported by the City Council of Merida. This will be repeated again on the first Sunday in December.
Location: Self-guided tour of art galleries in Centro
Time: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Sunday
Admission: Free + complimentary refreshments provided by gallery owners

Cook It Raw Hanal Pixan Party
This is a meal prepared by the chefs who are participating in the 3rd and final session of Cook it Raw in Yucatan. The chefs who are coming are Albert Adria from Barcelona, Amanda Cohen from New York, J P McMahon from Galway, Jeremiah Langhorne from Charleston, Will Horowitz from New York, Justin Leboe from Calgary, Spike Gjerde from Baltimore. There will be drinks from Illegal Mezcal from New York and El Negrita/Fundacion Mezcaleria & Apoala from Merida. The event will be filmed for Munchies at vice.com There will also be an exhibition of art including the works of Marcela Diaz, Joseph Kurhajec, Guillermo Olguin Mitchell and Silvia Barbotto curated by John Powell and Josue Ramos to celebrate Hanal Pixan. Tickets available at La Fundacion de los Artistas in advance or at the door.
Location: La Fundacion de los Artistas, Calle 55 #520 x 64 y 62
Time: 3:00 PM Sunday
Admission: $1400 pesos (includes drinks and food)

Monday (Lunes) November 03, 2014

No Events Planned for Today

Coming Soon

Symphony Orchestra of Yucatan Friday, November 7, Sunday, November 9
Temporada XXII: Program 5
For this performance, the regular director, Juan Carlos Lomonaco, will be on hand, with Jesus Medina as Guest Director. Music will feature concerts for Harp.
Location: Teatro Jose Peon Contreras
Time: Friday: 9:00 PM, Sunday: 12:30 PM, must be seated at least 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the performance.
Admission: Tickets available at the box office.

Opera Yucatan, A.C. Begins Fifth Season With Mozart’s Don Giovanni : November 8
This organization was created as a non-profit civil association to promote the art of opera in Yucatan. Their objectives are purely educational and cultural.
Location: Sala Mayamax in Gran Museo del Mundo Maya.
Time: 11:30 Opera Talk, 12:00 PM Video begins
Admission: Free

Music: Romantics November 6
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo
Time: 8:30 PM
Admission: $50 pesos

Hotel Zamna: The Magic of the Movies Saturday, November 8
This event includes a three course dinner followed by one of the famous Zamna quizzes.
Location: Hotel Zamna, Calle 53 #547, Barrio de Santiago, Merida Centro
Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM, dinner served at 7:30 PM
Admission: Tickets are $150 pesos and are available from hotel reception.
More Information: call (999) 924-0103

November Tuesday of Trova
4 | Trío Inspiración
11 | Trío K’aay Ta’an
18 | Trío Ensueño
25 | Trío Los Galanes
Location: Videosala of the Olimpo
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free

VI Annual Merida Showcase of Homes Sunday, November 9
This event is a major fundraiser for Fundacion BAI A.C. (Brazos Abiertos Yucatan). It is a self-guided tour of seven of the most beautiful homes in Merida’s Historical Centro. These restored colonial homes represent the work of seven of the best architects in Yucatan and each is a “must see” treasure. Brazos Abiertos works to provide education and be a catalyst for change in order to prevent HIV/AIDS, and to help stop the stigma that the virus still carries in many circles. They provide free classes and free counseling. All proceeds will be used for their programs in Yucatan. Yucatan Living is one of the sponsors of this very worthy and well-run event.
Location: Starting point: Hennessy’s Irish Pub on Paseo de Montejo x Calle 41 y 43, Centro.
Time: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Admission: Tickets: General: $300 pesos, Students: $150 pesos. Tickets include a complimentary drink at the end at either Hennesseys or Casa de las Torres, and a complimentary drink at Cantina La Negrita during the tour. Tickets are currently on sale at Hennessy’s Irish Pub, Cantina La Negrita, Restaurante Unico, Robert Abuda Salon, or by phone at (999) 292-8436. For more information, visit Fundacion BAI A.C. online.

VI Anniversary: SoHo Galleries' Back to Cuba Exhibition Friday, November 14
Meet the artist: Jorge Jacas Vivanco, enjoy the works of Sandra Dooley Medina, toast the artists with Cuban drinks, and enjoy the gourmet delights made by Anita, the Sausage Lady.
Location: SoHo Galleries, Calle 60 #400-A x 43 y 41
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free

ARTE a MANO AANY Expo - November 14, 15, & 16
This year’s exciting show represents over 70 masters of the finest in Yucatecan art and handcrafted treasures.
Location: CONACO, Av. Itzaes # 273 x 31 y 33, Three blocks from Clinica de Merida
Time: Preview on Nov. 14 at 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 7 PM
Admission: TBA

Chamber Orchestra of Merida November 23
This performance is under the direction of Russel Montanez Coronado. This small orchestra is one of the best of its size that we have ever heard.
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo
Time: 6:00 PM
Admission: Free

Yucadanz: Monthly Contra Dance in Merida - First Dance: Saturday, November 22
When is a square dance not square? You're just going to love this new dance in town. Contra dance is a community “barn dance”, where everyone socializes and dances with everyone else. We love their energy and hope that everyone will give contra dance a whirl. Everyone is welcome!
Location: Tumaka't Dance Studio, Calle 51 #475-A x 52 y 54 (blue building, middle of block), Centro
Time: Beginner Class in Spanish: 7:00 PM, Beginner Class in English: 7:30 PM, Contra dance: 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Admission: Bring your own refreshments and water, no alcohol at the dance. $50-$100 pesos donation requested. Proceeds benefit Tumaka't, a nonprofit arts group, and to establish a fund for live music. Read this great page on the Yucadanz website!
Additional Dates:
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Saturday, April 11, 2015

Miraculous Medal Race - November 23
This running event is open to the general public and is being held as a benefit for the Chelem Chapel. The course is approximately 14 miles long. Prizes to be announced. Categories include: free, master, submaster, male and female veterans, and veterans plus wheel chair. There will also be additional events, such as 5K hikes, walks. This event is under the direction of the Institute of Sport (IDEY).
Location: Chelem, Progreso, Yucatan (start and finish at the church)
Time: TBA
Admission: $100 pesos

Fourth National and International Jose Jacinto Cuevas Piano Competition: November 21-29
Competition is tough here, but the best of the best come to Merida and they are all winners in our book! You can find out more at their website here.
Location: Teatro Felipe Carrillo Puerto
Time: Opening Ceremony: Friday, Nov. 21, 2014, 8:00 PM.
First stage of competition: Saturday, Nov. 22, 10:00 AM. Additional competitions will be announced throughout the week, with the awards ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014. No times have been announced, as yet, for any of the events except the opening ceremony and first stage of competition.
Admission: Free

Bird-a-thon Xocch’ich: November 21 through 23
The biggest birdwatching competition on the Yucatan Peninsula. More Information as it becomes available. Mark your calendars!

Live, Love, Laugh
A full day of fun, interactive presentations, demonstrations and workshops by several holistic health practitioners. The universe is energy. You live in and use energy in everything you do from your thoughts, your movements and in your emotional and spiritual life. Our goal is to help you use this energy to get the best out of your life. Presenters will include Barbara Harris, Astrea Geertsema, Elizabeth Arnott, Julie Chickadel-Cardena and Nancy Hokenson.
Date: November 23
Location: Flow Holistic Center, Calle 79 #191 A, Montes de Ame, Merida
Tickets : $350 pesos. You can purchase your tickets at Flow Center or contact Barb Harris 999 193 4669 or email Barbarajoanharris@gmail.com or from one of the facilitators.

Benefit: The Oasis Red Ribbon Charity Ball - Nov. 29, 2014
This lavish event will open the festive season on the terrace of one of Merida’s most spectacular homes. The event will be a be a fundraiser for Oasis San Juan de Dios AC, a shelter for people affected by HIV/AIDS who have no resources and no family to care for them. Live music and dancing will follow the scrumptious dessert bar. A raffle and live auction will add to the merry-making.
Location: At a private residence in Merida, TBA
Time: TBA
Admission: $1,000 pesos per person. Limit 150 people. A buffet dinner and a full open bar (all drinks are included in the ticket price).

VI Full Moon Jazz Festival February 6
This event is the major fundraiser for Telchac Education. This program continues to sponsor children in school in the Telchac area and they are thriving. Three fabulous bands, dancing, the food court and full bar await you on the beach Many thanks to all of the sponsors and to everyone who participates in this Jazz Festival.
Location: Villas Wayak, km 25.5 Progreso - Telchac Road
Time: This is an all day and into the night event
Admission: Free but please come prepared to purchase food and drinks, and - we hope - to make a donation and/or sponsor a child in the Telchac Education Program.

Have an event you want to promote? Email us at info@yucatanliving.com and we'll be happy to list it in our Events listing and our Month-at-a-Glance Calendar!