All about Parque de San Sebastián in Mérida (2025 Guide)

I happened to wander into Barrio San Sebastián on a hot August afternoon, without realizing what was going on. Turns out, I walked straight into a vibrant local festival – full of music, food stands, and people dancing right in front of an old church.

Parque de San Sebastián, located just southwest of Mérida’s city center, is one of the oldest parks in the historic district. That said, it’s actually more of a small square situated directly across from the Parroquia de San Sebastián (St. Sebastian’s Church).

The park features just a handful of large trees gathered around a central circular fountain. Of course, you’ll also find the typical park benches - nicely shaded by the surrounding trees. The iconic white sillas tú y yo (love chairs) of Mérida are here as well.

The church and the park together occupy half a city block, while the other half is home to a sports complex. Around the park, you’ll find a few food stalls and restaurants offering local dishes.

Interestingly, this is the only park in Mérida I know of where you actually have to walk up a few steps to reach it, as it sits slightly elevated. There’s also a small ramp available for wheelchair users.

Is It Worth Visiting?

Let me be honest: I wouldn’t visit just for the park alone (which actually applies to all the small parks in Mérida). But the San Sebastián neighborhood itself is definitely worth exploring. It’s one of Mérida’s oldest and most traditional quarters.

The real highlight is the Parroquia de San Sebastián – a fairly large and impressive 17th-century church that’s truly beautiful and absolutely worth a look.

The San Sebastían Neighbarhood

Along with Parque de San Sebastián and the nearby Mercado San Sebastián, the Parroquia de San Sebastián forms the cultural and social heart of one of Mérida’s oldest neighborhoods.

The church itself began as a small hermitage and is one of the earliest religious buildings the Spanish constructed after the conquest in the 16th century.

It’s still very much a local gathering place today, and if you're lucky, you might catch a community event or celebration happening in or around the plaza.

Just a block away on Calle 77, you'll find Mercado San Sebastián, a local food market that’s full of life. While it may not be the prettiest market in Mérida, it makes up for it with authentic flavors and unbeatable prices.

Locals come here for everyday shopping, and the small food stands (called comidas económicas) are a great spot to try classic Yucatecan dishes like panuchos, relleno negro, or cochinita pibil - often for just a few pesos.

Insider tip: Most stalls get really busy in the morning, so I always try to come early – that’s when the food is freshest and the local vibe is at its best. Don’t expect menus or anyone speaking English, but honestly, that’s exactly what I love about it.

The San Sebastián area is great if you want to explore Mérida beyond the usual tourist spots. It’s walkable, full of charm, and still feels very local. Bring your camera, take your time, and enjoy a break on one of the shady benches.

Festivities in San Sebastián

Every August, the San Sebastián neighborhood bursts into color and sound with its annual festivities - a lively celebration filled with traditional music, folkloric dances, fireworks, and plenty of street food.

Interestingly, even though it’s called Fiesta de San Sebastián, the celebration is actually in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption. It usually starts in early August and runs for nearly two weeks – sometimes a bit longer, depending on local involvement.

If you're in Mérida then, it’s worth stopping by. The vibe is local, lively, and family-friendly, with parades, live music, and food stands around the church and park – a great way to see a more authentic side of the city.

A Travel Tip

Mérida has festivals happening almost year-round, so it’s always worth checking the calendar before your trip. Locals love to celebrate, and there's usually something going on - from neighborhood fiestas to larger cultural events.

To see what’s coming up during your stay, take a look at the current Festivals in Mérida.

Image Source: ©Misael Lavadores, wiki commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

The picture was modified (resized, image improvements)