Founded by the Spanish in 1542 on the site of the ancient Maya city of Ti’ho, Mérida is the capital of the Yucatán state of Mexico, close to its northern coast. It is sometimes called La Ciudad Blanca, the White City, because many of the structures are made of limestone. Food vendors and artisan booths fill the central Plaza Grande. Stately colonial buildings line the streets.
Arriving after a long drive, we didn’t have much time to explore the city. However, our visit was well timed to see the spectacular weekly performance of the ancient Maya ball game, Pok Ta Pok, on Saturday evenings in front of the Catedral de San Ildefonso.
In colorful dress, headdress, body paint, loincloth, and conch jewelry, barefoot players vie to hit a flaming ball through a high stone hoop. Imagine this exciting spectacle taking place in one of the ball courts preserved in Mexico’s Mayan ruins. Yucatán Today magazine refers to the game as “a metaphor that represented the constant struggle between the forces of good and evil, as well as the cycle of life and death.” Listen to the cheers of the crowd as the ball of fire threads the hoop!
Mexico: Mexico City, Teotehuacán, Tlahuac, Puebla, Cholula, Oaxaca, Monte Alban, Crossing Oaxaca, Sumidero Canyon, San Cristobal, Chamula, Agua Azul, Palenque, Campeche, Mérida, Uxmal, Chichen Itzá, Playa del Carmen
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Ruth Rosenfeld 
Thank you so much, dear Ruth, for sharing another interesting article, well documented and accompanied by fabulous photos😘
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Thank you so much, dear Ruth, for sharing another interesting article, well documented and accompanied by fabulous photos
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My sincere thanks to you for following my stories and photos, Luisa.
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You’re more than welcome 🙏
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It would have been great to see the ballgame, but did they explain why it’s flaming and why they are using their hands? My understanding was that the ball couldn’t touch the hands.
We didn’t love Merida, and I’m not even sure why. It didn’t seem to have as much of a personality as other Mexican cities, but maybe if we saw the ball game we may have changed our minds 😊Maggie
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This seems to be a variation on Pelota. If they did explain, it was in Spanish and I didn’t catch it. I wasn’t there long enough to get a feel for the city, but I agree, it didn’t seem to have the same charm.
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I love your photo collection of all the doors – they’re beautiful. This looks like a fascinating place to visit and the flaming ball looks interesting!
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Thanks, Hannah! For some reason, I always find doors interesting. The ball game was so exciting!
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My parents visited Merida several years ago, and from their photos, it looked to be a pretty and colorful place. I’ve heard of the Pok ta pok game, and what a unique one to have experienced while in Mexico! Thanks for sharing, Ruth 🙂
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I didn’t spend enough time to get a feel for the city, but the game was awesome!
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Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful travels with us. I enjoy the vicarious experience!
Barbara Rosenfeld
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Thank you, Barbara, for following my stories and photos!
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Poc Ta Poc looks like a game of hot potato on steroids. I can see its appeal.
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That’s a great description! 😄
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Beautiful captures of the colourful colonial buildings in Merida. Glad the timing worked out well and you were able to see the Maya ball game.
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Thank you! I was traveling with a tour and I’m sure they time the stop in Merida to see the game.
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It looks an elegant city and what an amazing sight that game is!
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It was definitely a highlight of this Mexico journey!
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If that’s the only thing you saw in Merida, you would have done well. How amazing!
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I didn’t see much more, but it was well worth the visit!
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Mérida would serve as a great base for exploring nearby attractions, including the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and the cenotes in the region. I love the city’s blend of Mayan and 16th-century Spanish colonial styles, along with its vibrant colours that oozes a unique and captivating atmosphere. Thanks for sharing, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva
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Due to its location, it would be a good base, but I was not as taken with the city itself. I didn’t mind passing through, but was thrilled to be there for the historic game.
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🥰🥰🥰
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