All about Monumento a la Patria in Mérida (2025 Guide)

I must’ve driven past that monument dozens of times and walked by it more than once – but the first time I really stopped and really took it was during a Sunday Biciruta ride, when I rolled up on my bike and decided to take a break there.

The Monumento a la Patria sits right at the northern tip of Paseo de Montejo, right in the middle of a roundabout – and without a doubt, it’s one of Mérida’s most iconic landmarks.

On the south-facing end of the monument, stands a large feminine figure with indigenous features complete with pre-Hispanic clothing and jewellery. At night, the monument is illuminated and offers another special sight.

The huge monument rises over 50 meters above the Paseo de Montejo. Paseo de Montejo also ends at the Monumento a la Patria and merges into the Prolongación Paseo de Montejo.

The 300 relief figures show you the history of Mexico from the founding of Tenochtitlan to the middle of the 20th century. It took 12 years to create and was mainly realised by the Colombian artist Romulo Rozo.

The monument was inaugurated in 1956 on the occasion of the centenary of the beginning of Mexico's war of independence against Spanish rule. The monument has 31 columns representing the 28 states, 2 territories and 1 federal district.

The Monument’s Maya Warrior Figure

The large figure at the front of the Monumento a la Patria represents a powerful Maya warrior. With a stoic expression and strong posture, the figure embodies resilience and leadership.

The intricate carvings on the chest and arms, along with the jade-like jewelry, highlight the significance of Maya nobility. Above the head, a feathered serpent or jaguar head crowns the figure, symbolizing divine protection and strength.

This central statue serves as a guardian of the monument, reinforcing the deep connection between Mexico’s history and its indigenous roots. Above it, the Mexican flag waves proudly (at least when it's windy).

Historic Engravings on the Monument

On the left side of the Monumento a la Patria, you will find four engravings of special significance, as they depict key moments in Mexican history.

From left to right:

1. The first text references the Mexican Revolution of 1910, which led to profound political and land reforms.

2. It also commemorates the Constitution of 1917, which established critical articles on land rights, labor laws, and education.

3. The third engraving depicts the oil expropriation of 1938, a key moment in Mexico’s economic sovereignty and the nationalization of foreign-owned oil companies.

4. Additionally, the Declaration of War in 1940 refers to Mexico’s role in World War II, and the Literacy Law of 1942 underscores efforts to expand education nationwide.

The engraving "Reforma Artículo Tercero" is centrally positioned above the others. It refers to the reform of Article 3 of the Mexican Constitution, which established free, secular, and compulsory education.

Northern Side of the Monument

The north side of the monument depicts Lake Texcoco. The Ceiba tree is shown as a relief in the center. The Ceiba tree held mythological significance for the ancient Maya as the World Tree, connecting the celestial, terrestrial, and underworld realms.

The Ceiba tree symbolized creation, life, and a connection to the spirit world. In Maya mythology, it stood at the center of the universe, linking the heavens, earth, and underworld.

Eagle and Snake – Meaning and Myth

On the north side of the monument is also a smaller statue with an eagle and snake, which are part of the Mexican coat of arms. The eagle motif comes from the legend of the nomadic Aztecs, who were guided by their gods to build their new capital, Tenochtitlán.

According to the legend, the site would be marked by an eagle perched on a cactus, devouring a snake. It is also about the founding myth of Mexico - the battle between good and evil.

The Demon Bird Vucub-Caquix

Let's round things off with a little ghost story, something that can't be missing in Mérida.

Directly north-east of the Monumento a la Patria is the Villa Donata, a mansion built by Pedro de Regil, which is now home to the gourmet restaurant Kuuk.

The Maya believe that these two buildings stand above a hidden entrance to the underworld and that Vucub-Caquix guards the entrance from the unbelievers.

Vucub-Caquix is a malevolent demon bird from Mayan mythology. It is half vulture and half condor. Vucub-Caquix is described as a powerful bird pretending to be the sun and moon of the twilight world in between the former creation and the present one.

Many say they’ve seen the demon bird’s spirit between Monumento a la Patria and Villa Donata. Some even report animals vanishing, likely snatched by Vucub-Caquix from roads or trees.

In 1962, a young mother claimed to have been attacked by a huge bird that swooped down, grabbed one of her young sons with its claws and disappeared with him. The boy has remained missing to this day.

The Monumento a la Patria and the restaurant Kuuk are very popular destinations in Mérida. If you are on the Paseo de Montejo in this area, look up occasionally and watch out for the demon bird.