All about Parque de la Alemán in Mérida, Mexico (2025 Guide)

Parque de la Alemán is located in the heart of Colonia Miguel Alemán, in front of the church El Sagrado Corazón de Jesús.

The neighborhood and the park, located just a few blocks northeast of the spectacular Gran Parque La Plancha, are named after Miguel Alemán Valdés, a former president of Mexico.

Miguel Alemán Valdés served as the President of Mexico from 1946 to 1952. He was the country’s first civilian president after a long succession of military leaders.

The Miguel Alemán district was built in the middle of the 20th century on the site of the former Hacienda Petcanché. Parque de la Alemán was built a few years later in the 1960s and extends over a block.

What You’ll Find in the Park

Parque de la Alemán includes

• an skating rink,

• a children's playground,

• a fountain,

• a funfair with a few rides and

• a stage for cultural events.

There are also large lawns with shady trees and a few benches. Young children can also play with some concrete animals such as chimpanzees, giraffes, elephants and lions.

The park is accordingly very popular with families, the children can run around in the park, ride the merry-go-round, and there are always food stalls with marquesitas, esquites or ice cream.

The park is always very busy and also popular with joggers, people walking their dogs, fitness classes or skaters. Events are often held in the park, especially at weekends.

Monument to Colonel Cano y Cano

In the northeastern corner of the park stands a monument dedicated to Colonel Juan Crisóstomo Cano y Cano. This monument honors a Yucatecan hero who sacrificed his life in the 1847 Battle of Chapultepec during the Mexican-American War (1846–1848).

Colonel Cano y Cano, a Yucatecan officer, died in the pivotal Battle of Chapultepec. Honored for his bravery alongside the Niños Héroes, this monument commemorates his patriotic sacrifice.

The plaque on the monument reads: "Colonel Juan Crisóstomo Cano y Cano brought glory to his homeland, Yucatán, by knowingly offering his life during the epic battle of Chapultepec on September 13, 1847. He died for his country."

El Sagrado Corazón de Jesús

El Sagrado Corazón de Jesús is located directly across from Parque Alemán. Known for its elegant façade and peaceful atmosphere, the church serves as an important place of worship and community gathering.

The name of the church means "The Sacred Heart of Jesus" and is a Catholic devotion to the heart of Jesus Christ as a symbol of divine love. Its architecture blends traditional and colonial influences.

Mercado Miguel Alemán

Mercado Miguel Alemán is located one block east of Parque de la Alemán. It is a smaller local farmers market. The market operates every day, typically opening early in the morning and staying open until late at night.

It features a diverse selection of goods, ranging from fresh produce and spices to handmade crafts, clothing, jewelry, and household essentials, along with many other items.