Merida Ongoing Events
For information on This Week’s Events in Merida
Please check our Weekly Events Article or our Month-At-A-Glance Calendar
Monday (Lunes)
Kabbalah Course (Mondays) for 20 Mondays starting in July 2014
Discover the science that explains the meaning of life. This course is sponsored by the Kabbalah Mexico Education & Research Institute.
Location: Centro Cultural Jose Marti / Parque de Las Americas; Av. Colon x Calle 20 / Col Garcia Ginerés
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Monday
More Information: Ing. Vicente Kú May or Lic. Jorge Alberto Buenfil Valencia: Phone: 987-3383 or cell: (999) 904-8677
Conversaciones con Amigos (Conversations with Friends)
Practice Spanish or English with friends. Membership not necessary. The library really needs English-speaking participants, as word is getting out that this is a great place to learn English. It also happens to be a great place to learn Spanish, too, and to make some friends outside of the expat community. Come and participate!
Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 #524 x 66 y 68.
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Monday
Admission: Small Donation
Hennessy’s Movie Night
Each week, a new movie. Watch outside with friends while you enjoy dinner or a drink or both.
Location: Hennessy’s Irish Pub / Polo Bar, Paseo Montejo x 61 y 43, Centro Merida
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free
Jehovah’s Witnesses: English Meetings
Location: Calle 50 #231 x 19 y 21, Col. Roma (near Plaza Las Americas).
Time: 7:00 PM, every Monday
Vaqueria
Performances by the Ballet Folklorico de Merida, accompanied by the Orchestra Jaranera. This celebration has its roots in the 18th century, when cattle ranching was the main source of wealth on the Yucatan Peninsula. Ranchers held huge fiestas to show off their wealth during branding time. The dances were adapted by the wives of the cowboys and soon developed into the signature dances of Yucatan.
Preview: Monday's Vaqueria
Location: In front of the Municipal Palace (the building with the clock), Calle 62 x 63
Time: The first note of “Aires Yucatecos” begins at 9:00 PM, every Monday
Admission: Free
Tuesday (Martes)
Merida English Library House Tours
The MEL House Tours are the original tours, and the only ones in Merida where all the proceeds go to benefit the non-profit library. Meet at the Merida English Library at 9 AM for a three hour tour of finished homes, renovated homes, homes-in-process and private homes. Enjoy the tour multiple times, because every time is different! Check the website to see when the tours start in the fall.
Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 between 66 and 68
Dates and Time: 9:00 AM, every Tuesday from October through April
Admission: Members and Guests: $150 pesos, Non-members: $200 pesos
Musical Memories
This weekly dance has been held every Tuesday night since Valentine's Day, 1984. Come out and enjoy the Big Band sounds of the 1940's, performed by members of the wonderful Jaranera Orchestra. Best of all, this is a great place to practice your chachacha and your mambo, or just sit and watch others enjoy dancing under the stars. You can even have dinner at a cocina economica while you watch!
Preview: A Salsa Night in Parque de Santiago
Location: Parque de Santiago, Calle 72 x 59
Time: 8:30 PM, every Tuesday
Admission: Free
French Afternoons at Negrita Cantina
French conversation for all levels, with support by the French Alliance of Merida. This is the place to come and enjoy either learning or practicing new French language skills or, for those for whom French is their native language, to enjoy the familiar sounds of home.
Location: La Negrita Cantina, Calle 62 x 49, Barrio de Santa Ana, Centro
Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, every Tuesday
Admission: $30 pesos, space limited to 15
Chelem: Tuesday Farmer’s Market
Hosted by Artistas de la Playa and Masai Maya Bistro. Fruit, vegetables, baked goods, handicrafts, art, children’s activities, entertainment.
Location: at the left of the 1st tope in Chelem
Time: 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, every Tuesday
Admission: Free but be prepared to shop and eat!
Wholefood Market
Location: on the highway between Chelem and Churburna, beside Natural Thangs Garden Center on Graciella's beautiful property. Available every week, food, as well as jewelry, blankets, trinkets, etc.
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, every Tuesday
Admission: Free but be prepared to shop and eat!
Merida Men's Club
This is a multi-national English-speaking group whose members live in or near Merida, Yucatan. They meet for coffee, breakfast and friendly conversation. Speakers are invited to address the group on topics of interest. No dues. No officers. No bylaws.
Location: Main Restaurant at the Hyatt Hotel, Calle 60 x Av. Colon
Time: 8:00 AM to about 9:30 AM, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays and 5th Tuesday if there is one.
Admission: Donation plus buffet is $130 pesos. Bring a friend!
Donations Support: Chicxulub Food Bank and Kids Breakfast Program of Cholul.
Additional Information: Roger Bowie at 924-6792 or Dan Ninburg at 928-2878.
AA Steps Meetings in English
Time: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, every Tuesday
Location: Calle 53 #524 x 66 y 68, Centro
Admission: Donation
Contact: www.meridaenglishlibrary.com or (999) 924-8401
Curry Night at Hennessy's
Home made curry dishes cooked by the man himself, Sean Hennessy. Reservations almost certainly required.
Location: Hennessy's Restaurant on Paseo de Montejo
Dates and Time: 8:30 PM, every Tuesday
Admission: $250 pesos for all you can eat.
Wednesday (Miércoles)
Al-Anon Meeting in English
Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 #524 x 66 y 68
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 PM, every Wednesday
Admission: Donation
Movie or Documentary
Each week, a new and interesting movie. Check our weekly events listing for the movie this week! Or check their website.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: 9:00 PM, every Wednesday
Admission: $30 pesos, $15 pesos students
Thursday (Jueves)
To Remember is to Live
This is a dance that begins early and ends at a reasonable hour. Music is provided by the Jaranera Orchestra, with their signature Big Band sound. It was originally intended as an entertainment venue for older dancers, but lots of other folks use it as yet another opportunity to perfect their dance steps.
Location: Parque Zoologico del Centenario (The Zoo), Calle 59 x Avenida Itzaes
Time: 4:00 PM, every Thursday
Admission: Free
AA Discussion Meetings in English
Location: Calle 53 #524 x 66 y 68, Centro
Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, every Thursday
Admission: Donation
Contact: www.meridaenglishlibrary.com or (999) 924-8401
Movie at Cairo Cinema Cafe
2 movies are shown. Check our weekly events listing for the titles or check their website.
Location: Cairo Cinema, Calle 20 #98A x 15 y 17 Colonia Itzimná
Time: 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, every Thursday
Admission: $30 pesos, includes popcorn and $50 pesos for both movies.
Serenata Yucateca (Yucatecan Serenade)
This is the defining serenade of Merida and has been performed every Thursday night for over 40 years. Parque Santa Lucia, home to the Altar to Trova is the center of Merida's romantic heart. If you are a visitor, make sure to see this particular serenade. It is well worth becoming a part of your first memory of Merida.
Preview: Trova and Merida with Los Juglares
Location: Parque de Santa Lucia, Calle 60 x 55
Time: 9:00 PM, every Thursday
Admission: Free
Movie or Documentary
Each week, a new and interesting movie. Check our weekly events listing for the movie this week! Or check their website
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: 9:00 PM, every Thursday
Admission: $30 pesos, $15 pesos students
AA Meeting in English
Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 #524 x 66 y 68
Time: 7:00 PM, every Thursday
Friday (Viernes)
Denis Lafoy’s TGIF
This is the party sponsored by Yucatan Trails Travel Agency and held in Hennessy's Bar on all First Friday nights. It is a time to visit with old friends and make new ones.Botanas (snacks) are provided.
Location: Hennessy’s Restaurant, Paseo Montejo #486 x 41 y 43, across the street from the Anthropology Museum
Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, first Friday of the month
Admission: Free (cash bar)
Weekly Language Exchange
Every Friday in Hotel Campestre there is a language exchange. The comfortable setting is very peaceful, on the terrace, with great coffee. If you want to meet new friends, practice foreign languages, and have great time, please do come and join this group. There is someone new at every meeting, so don't be afraid to come alone. Find out more at this meet-up group, Merida Language Exchange Meetup.
Location: Hotel Campestre, Calle 1d No. 248 x 36 y Prol. Montejo, Fracc. Campestre, www.meridacampestre.com/
Time: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, every Friday
Admission: Free
Movie or Documentary
Each week, a new and interesting movie. Check our weekly events listing for the movie this week! Or check their website.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: 9:00 PM, every Friday
Admission: $30 pesos, $15 pesos students
Movie at Cairo Cinema Cafe
2 movies. Check our weekly events listing for the titles or check their website.
Location: Cairo Cinema, Calle 20 #98A x 15 y 17 Colonia Itzimná
Time: 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, every Friday
Admission: $30 pesos, includes popcorn and $50 pesos for both movies.
MEL-O-Nights
This is a chance for the locals to meet the ‘extranjeros’ in a casual setting in the gardens at MEL. There is a cash bar and great botanas (snacks). Please join us for this sociable evening… meeting old friends and making new ones! If you want to know more, call the Library at 999-924-8401.
Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 #524 x 66 y 68
Time: 7:30 PM, every Third Friday
Admission: Free
Merida Jewish Circle Weekly Services
Friday morning shacharit services, some social events. For information and a weekly email with candle lighting times and more, write Alan or Ken at ComunidadJudiadeMerida@gmail.com.
Location: To be sent by e-mail
Time: To be sent by e-mail
Admission: Free
Saturday (Sabado)
Tours of the Cathedral in English
The tour includes the choir loft, the north belltower, parts of the roof and more! This news is very exciting because these spaces were previously off limits. We often forget that we live with the second oldest Cathedral in the New World, the Cathedral of San Ildefonso. Merida’s cathedral is built on top of the Mayan city of T’ho. Many of the stones used in the construction of the cathedral and other old structures in Merida were taken from the temples of this ancient city. Some of us pass the Cathedral every day and hardly take notice of it anymore. These tours will be a way for English speakers to learn more about the Cathedral and better appreciate its role in the history of Yucatan.
Time: The tour in English is on Saturdays at 10:00 AM. The tour in Spanish is on Saturdays at 4:00 PM.
Admission: $50 pesos per person with tickets available inside the main doors of the Cathedral.
Operas at the Movies
Operas are presented on the first Saturday of every month. This has become one of the most well attended events in the City and we hope to see everyone there!
Location: Movie theatre at the Mundo Maya Museum by Siglo XXI
Time: Brief opera talk 11:30 AM, Opera begins 12:00 PM, every Saturday
Admission: Free
Movie or Documentary
Each week, a new and interesting movie. Check our weekly events listing for the movie this week! Or check their website.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: 9:00 PM, every Saturday
Admission: $30 pesos, $15 pesos students
International Women’s Club Breakfast
The IWC holds a non-host breakfast that is open to both members and to potential members. You can read about the IWC here and check their calendar.
Location: Tecnologica Turistica Total, Calle 57 #492 x 56 y 58 in Merida centro
Time: 9:30 AM to Noon, last Saturday of every month except December, July & August
Admission: Free
Slow Foods Farmer’s Market
Organic produce, organic eggs, organic coffee, miscellaneous organic goods, cut flowers and potted plants, artisanal cheeses, ethnic foods homemade baked goods, homemade pasta, sauces, dips, preserves, organic honey, organic meats and much more! A great place to meet fellow expatriates as well.
Location: Avenida Reforma (Calle 72) x Avenida Colon, García Ginéres
Time: 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM, every Saturday
Admission: Free
Mérida Mens Club
No dues and no officers - just great camaraderie, wonderful speakers, and loads of information about subjects of general and local interest. The Merida Men’s Club is a multi-national, English-speaking group that meets for coffee, breakfast and friendly conversation. For more information, contact Dan Ninburg (928-3866) or Roger Bowie (924-6792). You can also contact Dan via e-mail at: bushninburg yahoo com
Location: Different locations
Time: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, last Saturday of every month
Admission: Free (bring a friend)
Noche Mexicana
Each Saturday night, there is a performance on an outdoor stage at the beginning of Paseo de Montejo, often from a musical or dance group from another part of Mexico. Chairs are set up for the audience, but there is often standing room only. Booths selling food and handicrafts are set up in the park. The purpose of this performance is to bring all of Mexico to Merida and to our tourists from all over the world.
Location: At the beginning of Paseo de Montejo, at the Remate (corner of Calle 47)
Time: 8:00 PM, every Saturday
Admission: Free
En El Corazón de Mérida (In the Heart of Merida)
Live music, including jazz, salsa and trova, held on various stages around the Plaza Grande. Many of the streets leading to the Plaza are closed to all but foot traffic, and the restaurants and bars put their chairs and tables outside in the streets. This is a night designed for that Saturday night date, but they’ve got all of the shops open for business too.
Location: Plaza Grande, Calle 61 at Calle 60
Time: 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM, every Saturday
Admission: Free
Movie at Cairo Cinema Cafe
2 movies. Check our weekly events listing for the titles or check their website.
Location: Cairo Cinema, Calle 20 #98A x 15 y 17 Colonia Itzimná
Time: 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, every Saturday
Admission: $30 pesos, includes popcorn and $50 pesos for both movies.
Sunday (Domingo)
Bici-Ruta
The Bici-Ruta begins early, at 8:00 AM, though we see them setting up as early as 7:00 AM. It ends at 12:30 PM. The route usually begins at Ermita de Santa Isabel, with stops at Monumento a la Patria, Paseo de Montejo x 33 y Ave. Cupules, Paseo de Montejo x 29, Paseo de Montejo x Ave. del deportista, and Paseo de Montejo x 42. Along the way, participants can participate in health education programs, music and dancing, art and sculpture classes, soccer games and more. If anyone wants to pick up a chess game, one can be found on the sidewalk outside the Museum of Anthropology on Paseo de Montejo at 9:00 AM. There is a complete listing of activities (they change weekly) on the Bici-Ruta website.
Location: Begins at Parque de la Ermita, runs through the Plaza Grande and ends at the glorietta on Prolongacion Paseo de Montejo (by Burger King), also in Ciudad Caucel around Animaya/
Time: 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM, every Sunday
Admission: Free
Merida En Domingo
Sunday downtown is a spectacular tradition in Merida. Start at the center of the city, where booths are set up all the Plaza Grande. Inside the plaza, you can find huipiles, guayaberas, honey, dolls, bags, tee-shirts and more. Everything is made for sale by the local people of Yucatan. The outer ring of booths sell food, such as marquesitas, tacos, cochinita, ice cream (try the coconut), fruit, drinks, etc. If the crowd starts to get to you, wander up Calle 60 to Santa Lucia Park, at Calle 55, where you can also find antiques, old books and other curiosities. At that lovely park, there is also live music, lots of dancing, and more great food.
Location: in the Centro Historico: Plaza Grande, Parque Santa Lucia (Cale 60 x 55) and MACAY Museum (Calle 60 x 61 y 63).
Time: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, every Sunday
Admission: Free
Movie at Cairo Cinema Cafe
2 movies. Check our weekly events listing for the titles or check their website.
Location: Cairo Cinema, Calle 20 #98A x 15 y 17 Colonia Itzimná
Time: 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, every Sunday
Admission: $30 pesos, includes popcorn and $50 pesos for both movies.
Sunday Art on Paseo de Montejo
Every Sunday there are artists displaying and selling their fine art along Paseo Montejo. There are usually 20 or more artists showing their paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints and more. This is your chance to meet the artists, see what’s new and maybe pick up something great for those big empty walls in your new renovated home in Merida or that house by the beach.
Location: Paseo de Montejo in front of VIPS (on the southeast corner of Avenida Colon, across from WalMart)
Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, every Sunday
Admission: Free
English Church Services
All denominations welcome.
Location: The church, Presbyterian Iglesia Jesus, is located in Progreso on the corner of Calle 35 and Calle 80. Traveling from Merida to Progreso, cross over the Chixculub Telchac highway (passing Aurrera Bodega supermarket on the right). Take a left onto Calle 35, cross over Calle 80 and the church is on the left side on the corner of Calle 35 and 82.
Time: Service is at 8:30 AM, every Sunday.
For further information: Call or email bilingual Pastor David Correa (969) 935-1678 or email iglesiajesus@prodigy.net.mx.
Cathedral Mass in English
The Mass includes all Protestant denominations and Catholics. Two priests, alternating weekly, are sharing the provision of services. Some of those attending mass in English go to breakfast after the service and everyone is welcome to join in.
Location: In the North facing chapel to the left of the big altar in the main Cathedral on the Plaza Grande.
Time: 9:00 AM, every Sunday
Merida: Jehovah's Witnesses English Services
Location: Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Calle 50 #231 x 19 y 21, Colonia Roma (near Plaza Las Americas)
Time: 9:00 AM, every Sunday
Admission: Public is welcome, No collections. See jw.org for more information.
For information on This Week’s One-Time Events in Merida
please check our Weekly Events Calendar
If you know of a regular ongoing event in Merida and the surrounding area that you think should be included here, please email us at info@yucatanliving.com
Comments
Khaki Scott 10 years ago
Elizabeth,
The heat and humidity in Yucatan are much like South Georgia, but without the bone chilling cold in the winter. If you want to look back at Merida's weather history, go to Weather Underground's historical data and search for MID (our airport code). http://www.wunderground.com/history/?cm_ven=PPCgoogle&cm_cat=genweather&cm_pla=genweath&cm_ite=history
Please do relax... Yucatan is safe. You will be just fine in Merida and can live without fear.
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Working Gringos 10 years ago
Hola, Elizabeth! As a woman, and a mother of a teenager (well, she WAS a teenager when we moved to Merida...), I can tell you that you will feel incredibly safe in Merida. And throughout the Yucatan, with maybe the exception of Cancun because there you might run into a bunch of drunken tourists. Anyway, in Merida, you can walk the streets during the day or at night without fear. Secondly, about the heat. During certain times of the year, yes, it is hot. But most places of business have air conditioning, and many (most?) homes have air conditioning, at least in the bedrooms. Fans everywhere. If you have lived in Georgia in the summer and where you are now, I don't think you will have a problem. The weather in Merida is like the weather in New Orleans. It is tolerable. And, as you say, you just need to change your lifestyle a bit to accommodate it... don't work hard or walk fast during the hot times of the day, take a cold shower or a dip in the pool if you get overheated. At least you don't have to wear long dresses with long sleeves like women used to do in the 19th Century! Now THAT was probably unbearable! I think you will love Merida, especially in January (probably the best time of year to be here!). Bienvenidos!
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Elizabeth Moreno 10 years ago
This website is so, so helpful! Thank you for all the detailed and interesting information you've provided for people who have never been to Merida. :)
I have a couple of general questions. My husband and I (and our two fur-babies) are planning to move to Merida in January, 2015 for his work. We are both very, very excited because we've been living in Colima, Mexico for the last 5 years, and things are getting a little tense here because of the situation in Michoacan.
First of all, I've heard a lot about how safe Merida is. Based on your experiences living there, would you agree? I have had a couple of nerve-wrecking experiences walking the streets of Colima (in the daytime, nonetheless) as a young woman, and I'm hoping to move to a place where I might feel a bit more 'at home'.
Second of all, I've read a few horror stories on different blogs written by visitors to Merida about the "Hellish" temperatures. I'm just wondering how bad the heat really is, realistically? Where we live in Colima it gets pretty hot during the middle of the day. Most people go indoors and rest during the hours of 2-4, but it's certainly not unbearable. It simply requires a moderate lifestyle change. Most of us (prob at least 90%) live without air conditioners, although fans are a must. The humidity in my home state of Georgia is VERY high, so I'm also used to that. Could you give me a realistic assessment of the weather in Merida? Is it really that bad, or can it be considered tolerable given a moderate lifestyle change?
Thanks for your advice. I'm really looking forward to getting to know your city of Merida a little better come January!! :)
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Working Gringos 11 years ago
Hi Brendan, the Ongoing Events are kept as up to date as we can keep them. All the things you mentioned are still going on, as is the art exhibit on Paseo Montejo on Sundays. Not everyone does everything or knows everything, so it doesn't surprise me that they don't know about some things. But then, things change all the time in Merida and it is hard for us to keep up. I would suggest you put together an itinerary but use it more as a "serving suggestion" than a "requirement". The culture of the Yucatan is such that it is important to leave time and space in your days to allow for relaxation and serendipity. If you schedule yourself too tightly, you'll miss some of the subtle or chance things that are part of the magic. The San Sebastian fair is during the summertime... but sometimes it goes up at other times of year too. I can't tell you the exact dates... you just have to go and see. The tianguis at Santa Ana is usually around Christmas, but they have things like that there at other times of year too... again, just go and see. You'll have a great time no matter what :-)
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Brendan Kelly 11 years ago
First off, I love this site. Plan to be in town with kids (probably a Saturday/Sunday/Monday type of deal) so this info, plus the details on the neighborhoods is amazing! One question, and it may be a silly one - but I cannot tell how old this blog entry is. Are the Saturday and Sunday events still happening every weekend? We are especially interested in the En El Corazón de Mérida (Saturday), Merida En Domingo (sunday, obviously), and Sunday Art on Paseo de Montejo.
I see Noche Mexicana mentioned on every site. And the Domingo events, too - but when I have mentioned the "Paseo art market" and the "heart of Merida" on other sites.....folks (mainly locals, expats or recent visitors) don't seem to know what I am referencing. Maybe because they are just a part of every weekend its not even seen as an "event?" But as I try to build a nice itinerary, can I be pretty assured these are still happening?
Also...how do I find out when San Sebastian ("known for its fairs") has one of these events? Also, I read on your site " there is usually a three-day tianguis (trade fair) at Parque Santa Ana." It was a Christmas shopping article. So is that just a seasonal thing? I couldn't tell when that was held or if it was ongoing.
Again - unbelievable site. Thanks so much! Cannot wait.
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Khaki Scott 11 years ago
and the Merida Writers' Group (http://hamacapress.com/meridawriters/ )
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Working Gringos 11 years ago
Two good places to start would be the Merida English Library (http://www.meridaenglishlibrary.com) and In Other Words (http://www.inotherwordsmerida.com/).
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Ettie 11 years ago
My husband and I had such a great time in Merida last year that we're coming again for ten days (February 13-22). I'm a novelist and the editor of a literary journal in Boston. I'm interested in learning more about the English language literary community on Merida, including folks teaching English literature in local colleges. Can any of you help me make those connections?
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Glynnis Lessing 11 years ago
About Taoist Tai Chi, I too learned that style in Chicago and would LOVE to find even one other person to practice it with. Here I am a year later, responding to Elaine Mohr's post looking for Taoist Tai Chi in Merida. We are there every winter Jan/Feb. coming early Jan. 2013. I will look into your great suggestions above but if Elaine M. lives there, or is in Merida annually, I would love to connect with her or any other Taoist Tai Chi practicers! Thanks for being the great website you are, Yucatan Living!
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Working Gringos 11 years ago
Stacy, this refers to the main cathedral on the Plaza Grande in the center of Merida. As far as I know, it is the only church called "Catedral" in Merida.
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stacy 11 years ago
Is this church that has services in English in centro? Does anyone know the actual name of the Cathedral and street?
Location: In the North facing chapel to the left of the big altar in the Cathedral
Time: 9:00 AM Every Sunday
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