Your Week in Yucatán, Today

Yucatán Today

Yucatán’s local news in under 10 minutes. Only local news, featuring news you can use and a quick summary of recent events–in English. A weekly podcast by Yucatán Today and La Jornada Maya.

  1. 2d ago

    June 5: Your Week in Yucatán, Today

    ☀️Your Week in Yucatán, Today Yucatán’s essential news and upcoming events—all in under 10 minutes. 🚨 THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES: 🌧️ Historic Rain Event: Torrential downpours have completely shattered a historical daily rainfall record in Mérida that had stood untouched since 1951. Read the data 🧹 Mérida Limpia Expansion: In a race against seasonal storms, municipal authorities are expanding cleanup initiatives specifically to prevent street trash from blocking drains and contaminating open water wells. City Infrastructure 🏗️ Urbanization Impact: Environmental experts speak out on how Mérida's explosive concrete development and loss of green space are heavily contributing to severe city flooding. Expert Analysis 🗿 Chichén Itzá Reopens: Tourists are once again being welcomed back into Yucatán’s iconic archaeological wonder following successful negotiations that ended nearly two weeks of continuous vendor protests. Travel Update 🚌 Va y Ven Shutdown Threatened: An escalating financial dispute behind the scenes has raised alarms over a potential full, citywide strike or shutdown of the Va y Ven transit grid. Transit Alert 🎭 UPCOMING EVENTS: 🏳️‍🌈 Saturday, June 6: Yucatán Sexual Diversity March The marquee event of the local Pride calendar hits the streets this Saturday starting at 4:00 PM. Check out the official march route and safety recommendations. Pride Guide 💃 Free Salsa Classes at La Plancha Shake off the rainy week with free salsa dance lessons hosted at the iconic Plazoleta area inside Mérida's favorite central park, Parque La Plancha. Class Schedules 🎸 Sunday, June 14: Smells Like the 90s at Parque Patito Mark your calendar for next weekend! This family-favorite rock tribute band brings the hits of Green Day, AC/DC, and more back to Parque Patito at 5:00 PM. Enjoy plenty of restaurant seating, open spaces, and a bouncy castle for the kids. Event Info 🎱 Drag Bingo Night at MEL Support a local cultural staple and enjoy a hilarious, fast-paced game night with the upcoming Drag Bingo at the Mérida English Library. Register Online 🌱 This week, we talked about the long-tailed blue butterfly. Read La Jornada Maya’s feature by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4e3JYQR  🎧 Your week in Yucatán, Today is brought to you by Yucatán Today and La Jornada Maya. 🚨 We are taking a production hiatus to review our format, look at what stories you engaged with most, and upgrade our setup.  📢  We want to hear from you while we plan our next phase! Take our one-minute survey at https://forms.gle/KnhLGtowtteMYVK38 ☀️ ⁠⁠Yucatán Today⁠⁠ is the Yucatán traveler’s companion; find our travel, culture, and food content at https://www.yucatantoday.com. 📰 ⁠⁠La Jornada Maya⁠⁠ is a print and digital newspaper with the most relevant information from the Yucatán Península, México, and the world. ⁠https://www.lajornadamaya.mx⁠  #Yucatan #Merida #Mexico #YucatanToday #VisitYucatan #ChichenItza #VayVen #Mexico #YucatanToday #Pride2026 #LaPlancha

    10 min
  2. May 22: Your Week in Yucatán, Today

    May 22

    May 22: Your Week in Yucatán, Today

    ☀️Your Week in Yucatán, Today Yucatán’s essential news and upcoming events—all in under 10 minutes. 🚨This Week's Top Stories: 🗿 Chichén Itzá Standoff: Tension and uncertainty gripped Yucatán’s premier archaeological site after local Maya artisans and vendors temporarily took control of the area. https://bit.ly/4tTUb85  🐕 Mérida Dog Altercation: A high-profile pet incident in the city went viral this week. https://bit.ly/4fC7yGD   🚌 Va y Ven Wildcat Strike: Commuters were caught by surprise on Thursday after bus operators staged a sudden wildcat strike. https://bit.ly/3PYMv6J  🚧 Mérida–Progreso Highway Closures: Major, long-term travel delays are hitting the highway starting Monday, May 25. https://bit.ly/4tIGuJ7  ⭐ Historic Michelin Star Inclusions: In a monumental night for regional gastronomy, Yucatán made its historic debut in the 2026 Michelin Guide Mexico. https://yuc.today/4uXAOvP  🎭 Upcoming highlights: 🌙 The Weekend Is Here: La Noche Blanca! https://merida.gob.mx/nocheblanca/  🌱 Saturday, May 30: U Yits Ka’an Pop-Up Market ​​https://yuc.today/4tSelzt  🧚 May 29–31 & June 5–7: Shakespeare at UNAYShowtimes & Tickets 🎆 Wednesday, June 3: The First Spark in Valladolid. https://yuc.today/4fwJ6Xa   🌱 This week, we talked about the castleback orb weaver spider. Read La Jornada Maya’s feature by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4v7Qn4r 🎧 Your week in Yucatán, Today is brought to you by Yucatán Today and La Jornada Maya. 📢 We want to hear from you! Please go to yucatantoday.com/survey and let us know what you think about this podcast. ☀️ ⁠⁠Yucatán Today⁠⁠ is the Yucatán traveler’s companion; find our travel, culture, and food content at https://www.yucatantoday.com. 📰 ⁠⁠La Jornada Maya⁠⁠ is a print and digital newspaper with the most relevant information from the Yucatán Península, México, and the world. ⁠https://www.lajornadamaya.mx⁠  📺 Check out our Spanish-language podcast, “Yucatán, Today!”⁠ ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0W9k8PIo9n5s07gDlKvcnZ⁠⁠ #Yucatan #Merida #Mexico #YucatanToday #VisitYucatan

    10 min
  3. May 15

    May 15: Your Week in Yucatán, Today

    ☀️Your Week in Yucatán, Today Yucatán’s essential news and upcoming events—all in under 10 minutes. 🚨This Week's Top Stories: 🏎️ Mérida–Progreso Highway Crash: A tragic high-speed collision linked to illegal drag racing (arrancones) has left two young men dead this week. https://bit.ly/4dchVQ3  🔥 Fires Amid Heatwave: The relentless May heat wave continues to spark emergencies, with Mérida witnessing at least two major fires over the last few days. https://bit.ly/4vaNEHx  https://bit.ly/4nv0LAD 🌳 Massive Conservation Funding: In an incredible win for local biodiversity, eleven protected natural areas in Yucatán are receiving a historic 12-million-dollar funding package. https://bit.ly/4nwEzGg  🐂 Tixkokob Fair Regulation: A landmark federal ruling has officially banned the use of sharp or injurious weapons during the traditional bullfights at the upcoming Tixkokob fair. https://bit.ly/4uwFr0p 🌈 Record Pride Mobilization: Yucatán is preparing for its largest wave of LGBTQ+ visibility yet, with a record 15 Pride marches scheduled across the state. The story: https://bit.ly/4dL0ohV Your guide to Pride in Mérida: https://yuc.today/4nyWJHm  🎭 Upcoming highlights: 🐷 Saturday, May 16: Chicharra FestivalHead to the Magical Neighborhood of Xcalachén from 12 - 5 pm for the highly anticipated eighth edition of this delicious local food festival! Festival Details: https://yuc.today/4nzudFJ A beginner's guide to Chicharra: https://yuc.today/240916en 🎸 Sunday, May 17: Family Rock at Parque PatitoEnjoy an afternoon of classic rock hits from Green Day, AC/DC, and Guns N' Roses with the band Smells Like the 90s. Free admission, a relaxed family atmosphere, and a bouncy castle for the kids. Event Info 🏛️ Monday, May 18: International Museum DayTake advantage of special activities and free events at incredible museums spanning Mérida, Valladolid, Progreso, and Chicxulub. Check out our guide to Yucatán's museums, galleries, and cultural centers: https://yuc.today/museums 🌙 Looking Ahead: La Noche Blanca (May 22–23)Get ready for Mérida's signature cultural festival next weekend, transforming five kilometers of the city with over 200 events and 1,000 artists stretching from La Ermita up to the Monumento a la Patria. https://merida.gob.mx/nocheblanca/ 🌱 This week, we talked about the American avocet. Read La Jornada Maya’s feature by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4uPNS6v   🎧 Your week in Yucatán, Today is brought to you by Yucatán Today and La Jornada Maya. 📢 We want to hear from you! Please go to yucatantoday.com/survey and let us know what you think about this podcast. ☀️ ⁠⁠Yucatán Today⁠⁠ is your Yucatán companion guide; find our travel, culture, and food content at https://www.yucatantoday.com 📰 ⁠⁠La Jornada Maya⁠⁠ is a print and digital newspaper with the most relevant information from the Yucatán Península, México, and the world. https://www.lajornadamaya.mx⁠  📺 Check out our Spanish-language podcast, “Yucatán, Today!”⁠ ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0W9k8PIo9n5s07gDlKvcnZ⁠⁠

    10 min
  4. May 8: Your Week in Yucatán, Today

    May 8

    May 8: Your Week in Yucatán, Today

    ☀️Your Week in Yucatán, Today Yucatán’s essential news and upcoming events—all in under 10 minutes. 🚨This Week's Top Stories: 🌶️ Habanero Science: A new antibiotic derived from the habanero pepper is showing promise against dangerous resistant superbugs.  https://bit.ly/4cWcGnl ⚡ Energy Update: Yucatán moves closer to energy sufficiency, though authorities warn that power outages are still expected to continue. https://bit.ly/49AhvQZ https://bit.ly/4cWe6ya  🔥 Fire Risk: Officials warn that May remains a high-risk month for fires across the state; stay vigilant and report smoke immediately.  🐂 Village Fairs: Recent incidents at traditional fairs in Chumayel and Maxcanú have left several injured, while Citilcum celebrates a decade of cruelty-free festivities. https://bit.ly/4dhfGtz https://bit.ly/3RrYCcJ  📅 School Calendar: The SEP has announced a major adjustment to the 2025–2026 school year, significantly extending summer break. https://bit.ly/4neSFMp 🎭 Upcoming highlights: ⚾ Leones de Yucatán: Baseball season is on! Catch home games in Mérida during the weekends of May 8, 15, and 22, plus a midweek series starting May 26. https://www.leones.mx/calendario/  🌮 Salbut Festival (May 17): Savor a classic at the San Sebastián market in Mérida (8 am – 8 pm). https://www.facebook.com/laferiadelsalbut  🎨 Vivencias del Mayab: New exhibition by Renán Tutzin at the Peón Contreras Theater alley gallery (May 8–23).  https://yuc.today/4cZu6PV  🌙 Noche Blanca: Only two weeks away! La Víspera begins Friday, May 22, with the main event on Saturday, May 23. https://merida.gob.mx/nocheblanca/  🌱 This week, we talked about the slender brown scorpion. Read La Jornada Maya’s feature by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3P5QiyQ  🎧 Your week in Yucatán, Today is brought to you by Yucatán Today and La Jornada Maya. 📢 We want to hear from you! Please go to yucatantoday.com/survey and let us know what you think about this podcast. ☀️ ⁠⁠Yucatán Today⁠⁠ is the Yucatán traveler’s companion; find our travel, culture, and food content at https://www.yucatantoday.com. 📰 ⁠⁠La Jornada Maya⁠⁠ is a print and digital newspaper with the most relevant information from the Yucatán Península, México, and the world. ⁠https://www.lajornadamaya.mx⁠  📺 Check out our Spanish-language podcast, “Yucatán, Today!”⁠ ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0W9k8PIo9n5s07gDlKvcnZ⁠⁠ #Yucatan #Merida #Mexico #YucatanToday #VisitYucatan

    10 min
  5. April 24: Your Week in Yucatán, Today

    Apr 24

    April 24: Your Week in Yucatán, Today

    ☀️Your Week in Yucatán, Today Yucatán’s essential news and upcoming events—all in under 10 minutes. 🚨 This Week's Top Stories: 🛢️ Progreso Oil Leak: Authorities say the leak was fully contained by Monday. https://bit.ly/3QGVNEl  💧 Water Rights: The legal battle for water in Yucatán intensifies. https://bit.ly/4cMn6Vm  🏛️ Chichén Itzá Update: Backpacks are no longer allowed inside the site. https://bit.ly/4sVbtS6  ☀️ April Heatwave: Stay hydrated and take precautions! https://bit.ly/4u522QM  🗓️ Holiday Note: Friday, April 24 is Municipal Employee Day in Mérida; expect closures in local government offices. https://bit.ly/4vV6L9F  🗓️ International Workers’ Day: Friday, May 1 is a big holiday in México; expect closures pretty much everywhere.  🎭 Upcoming highlights: 🌽 U Yiits Ka’an: Explore the flavors of the land at this organic market in the Altabrisa area. Market Info 🎈 Children’s Day Activities: Celebrate the kids with a week of events hosted by the Ayuntamiento de Mérida. Full Schedule  👐 Sixth Artisanal Fair for Women’s Rights: Over 90 female entrepreneurs await on April 30th. More info / Google Maps 🎬 Sci-Fi Classic: Catch a special screening of Donnie Darko in Mérida’s Gran Museo del Mundo Maya. More details 🎻 Hans Zimmer by Candlelight: A stunning musical tribute to one of cinema's greatest composers. Tickets 🌱 This week, we talked about the scarlet macaw. Read La Jornada Maya’s feature by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4sWlxKC     🎧 Your week in Yucatán, Today is brought to you by Yucatán Today and La Jornada Maya. 📢 We want to hear from you! Please go to yucatantoday.com/survey and let us know what you think about this podcast. ☀️ ⁠⁠Yucatán Today⁠⁠ is the Yucatán traveler’s companion; find our travel, culture, and food content at https://www.yucatantoday.com. 📰 ⁠⁠La Jornada Maya⁠⁠ is a print and digital newspaper with the most relevant information from the Yucatán Península, México, and the world. ⁠https://www.lajornadamaya.mx⁠  📺 Check out our Spanish-language podcast, “Yucatán, Today!”⁠ ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0W9k8PIo9n5s07gDlKvcnZ⁠⁠ #Yucatan #Merida #Mexico #YucatanToday #VisitYucatan

    10 min
  6. April 10: Your Week in Yucatán, Today

    Apr 10

    April 10: Your Week in Yucatán, Today

    ☀️Your Week in Yucatán Today Yucatán’s essential news and upcoming events—usually under 10 minutes. 🚨This Week's Top Stories: 🐍 Snake Awareness: High temperatures are pushing snakes into urban areas. One case in Tizimín highlights the importance of keeping yards clear and being vigilant.  https://bit.ly/4svGcot    🦟 Also: Get to know Yucatán’s less glamorous, but mostly harmless, nocturnal neighbors. http://yuc.today/240804en  🔥 Fire in Dzununcán: Seven families south of Mérida have lost their homes to a devastating fire. 🏥 Hospital Future: Concerns are mounting over the continued operation of a critical free pediatric hospital in the capital. https://bit.ly/4sohpCM   ☀️ Heatwave Warning: A major April heatwave is set to hit México. Stay hydrated and limit outdoor activity during peak hours. https://bit.ly/4t2MfC9  🐢 Sea Turtle Season: Nesting has begun! Help protect these species by avoiding beach bonfires and keeping pets on leashes near the dunes. https://bit.ly/3QeWHHY Report turtle sightings to Línea Tortuguín: ☎️ 999 502 7825 ✈️ Va y Ven Update: Note that the Mérida Airport route will see significant operational changes starting Tuesday.  https://bit.ly/4c1RZWH   🚌Find out more about Yucatán’s Va y Ven transportation system: https://yuc.today/47V4Asb  🎭 Upcoming highlights: 🎭 Juan Balam: Experience indigenous theater at its finest in Xocén (Valladolid) on Apr 11, 12, 18, and 19. https://yuc.today/4oG7jfb   🍺 Mérida Beer Fest (Apr 17–18): Two days of live music and artisanal brews at Centro Ba'Axal. Event info: https://yuc.today/41YiG8J Artisanal beer guide: https://yuc.today/4dFdXjw  🍃 Tekax Chaya Festival (Apr 18–19): Celebrate the Maya superfood at the second edition of this delicious festival! Read about the star ingredient: http://yuc.today/251108en   🌱 This week, we talked about the  anhinga. Read La Jornada Maya’s feature by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4sqwuUm    🎧 Your week in Yucatán, Today is brought to you by Yucatán Today and La Jornada Maya. 📢 We want to hear from you! Please go to yucatantoday.com/survey and let us know what you think about this podcast. ☀️ ⁠⁠Yucatán Today⁠⁠ is the Yucatán traveler’s companion; find our travel, culture, and food content at https://www.yucatantoday.com. 📰 ⁠⁠La Jornada Maya⁠⁠ is a print and digital newspaper with the most relevant information from the Yucatán Península, México, and the world. ⁠https://www.lajornadamaya.mx⁠  📺 Check out our Spanish-language podcast, “Yucatán, Today!”⁠ ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0W9k8PIo9n5s07gDlKvcnZ⁠⁠

    11 min
  7. March 27: Your Week in Yucatán, Today

    Mar 27

    March 27: Your Week in Yucatán, Today

    ☀️Your Week in Yucatán Today Yucatán’s essential news and upcoming events—all in under 10 minutes. 🚨This Week's Top Stories: 💧 Water Grid Alert: Authorities report that Mérida’s water infrastructure is nearing its breaking point. Read the details 🪰 Screwworm Vigilance: Following a fatal case in Mérida, residents are urged to monitor open wounds. If you suspect an infection, contact Senasica immediately: Tel: 800 751 2100 / WhatsApp: 55 3996 4462 https://bit.ly/41wMr04  🚒 Dramatic Rescue: Firefighters successfully completed a high-altitude vertical rescue in García Ginerés this week.  ⚖️ Vehicle Fraud: A viral claim of police theft was debunked as a legal repossession. Always verify a vehicle's status on REPUVE before purchasing.  🏛️ Chichén Itzá: The site officially opens its new visitor center this Friday, March 27. 🎭 Upcoming highlights: 🍯 Honey and Bee Festival: Visit San Ignacio Tesip (Mar 28–30) to support 15 local exhibitors and learn about bee conservation. More info ⛪ Good Friday Preparation: Note that many government offices and banks in Yucatán will be closed next Thursday and Friday for Holy Week. ✝️Special Feature: Learn about the Good Friday tradition of the Kuuch Kruus in Maní. Read here 📖 Plan your next Yucatán outing: Get the April issue of Yucatán Today (Cenotes Special) here: https://yuc.today/ABR26    🌱 This week, we talked about the  flannel moth caterpillar. Read La Jornada Maya’s feature by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4rXRdys   🎧 Your week in Yucatán, Today is brought to you by Yucatán Today and La Jornada Maya. 📢 We want to hear from you! Please go to yucatantoday.com/survey and let us know what you think about this podcast. ☀️ ⁠⁠Yucatán Today⁠⁠ is the Yucatán traveler’s companion; find our travel, culture, and food content at https://www.yucatantoday.com. 📰 ⁠⁠La Jornada Maya⁠⁠ is a print and digital newspaper with the most relevant information from the Yucatán Península, México, and the world. ⁠https://www.lajornadamaya.mx⁠  📺 Check out our Spanish-language podcast, “Yucatán, Today!”⁠ ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0W9k8PIo9n5s07gDlKvcnZ⁠⁠

    11 min

About

Yucatán’s local news in under 10 minutes. Only local news, featuring news you can use and a quick summary of recent events–in English. A weekly podcast by Yucatán Today and La Jornada Maya.