NOUNS OF MERIDA: PERSONS, PLACES, THINGS

THIS POST: THINGS

SUBJECT: THE MONUMENTS OF MERIDA

Simply defined, a monument is a structure, such as a building or sculpture, erected as a memorial to a person, place, or event, usually of some historical importance.

Merida, and Mexico in general, enjoys a savory heritage filled with famous characters and exciting events. Being a very proud people, the Mexican’s never hesitate to embrace their heroes and the events that shaped the history of their country. They love their flag and fly it proudly at every opportunity, and they absolutely love their monuments! And I absolutely love their espirit de corps!

In Merida, you can find a monument almost everywhere you look! And they keep erecting them as I type and as you read! I don’t know of too many glorietas, or “round-abouts/turn-abouts” here in Merida that are devoid of a monument. For those that are, I’m sure there must be plans in the making to construct one! And I say the more the merrier! It’s a great reminder of where we’ve been, and why we are here. I wish the US had the same patriotic inclinations, but there are just too many groups who would find too many politically incorrect connotations in any monument, and the courts would be even fuller than they are now with trivial law suits. (That statement sounds almost political, and I don’t blog “political”!)

The most famous monument in Merida, and the most visited and photographed, is the Monumento a la Patria (Monument to the Fatherland), located on the Paseo de Montejo. Visited by thousands of locals and tourists every year, it is a huge structure and often is the center stage or backdrop of numerous events here in Merida. It is revered by all who visit it and it stands quite stately guarding the traffic that passes it by. It’s one of the absolute nicest monuments you will ever witness anywhere.

(Note: Click on any picture to enlarge.)

Merida’s monuments come in all shapes and sizes. Some are quite large and even intimidating, while others are small and inconspicuous. Here are a few examples:

I don’t know what each monument is supposed to represent, but I do know that each one has its own unique character and unsurpassed charm.

This monument was erected to honor the memory of Pedro Infante, a famous Mexican singer and actor. He was born in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, November 18, 1917, and died in Merida on April 15, 1957, as a result of an airplane accident.

The International Lions Club even snuck in for a commemorative monument!

This monument honors the local Mayan/Yucatecan dance the “Jarana” which is performed quite often throughout the city by various dance groups.

This monument commemorates and celebrates motherhood.



Some monuments are merely fountains while others are intricate displays of Mayan history. At Parque de las Americas (Park of the Americas), almost every structure there can be considered a monument to the Mayan people.

This was a monument to Miguel Canto, but unfortunately, he’s been “busted” and he now adorns someone’s garden or he’s been melted down for his bronze content. I hope he can get his head back on straight and he gets repaired!

Here’s a few photos of a work in progress and the finalized project. Indeed, a very nice addition to the Paseo de Montejo. It commemorates Francisco de Montejo and his son. This was one glorieta that was devoid of a monument, but no longer!

Each monument tells a story and holds cherished memories for the citizens of Merida. Viisitors to these monuments are struck by the feeling that this must have been an important person, or a very noteworthy event, and I often ponder the historical significance. It would be a “monumental task” to research each and every monument, but it may prove to be a worthwhile adventure that I may undertake one day!