All about Parque de Santa Lucía in Mérida, Mexico

Parque de Santa Lucía is a charming oasis in the heart of Mérida, steeped in history and local tradition. Built in 1542, it holds the distinction of being one of the city’s oldest parks, standing alongside the iconic Plaza Grande just three blocks away.

The park is surrounded by neo-colonial style houses and a small church (Iglesia de Santa Lucía). The park is framed by neo-colonial style houses, many of which host charming small restaurants with outdoor seating, offering you a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

With its prime location in the heart of the city and its charming atmosphere, Santa Lucía Park has naturally become one of Mérida’s most beloved spots. Of course there is also free Wi-Fi in the park.

I recommend taking some time to immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of the park. To make your visit even more memorable, experience one of the open-air dance events that bring the park to life and connect you to the cultural heart of the region.

The open-air dance event

The most anticipated night of the week in Mérida is Thursday, when the enchanting Yucatecan Serenade takes center stage. Starting at 9:00 pm, this open-air dance event creates a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, tradition, and community.

I remember it clearly, as if it were just yesterday. It was on a Thursday many years ago when I first found myself in Mérida. As I wandered through the city, I happened to pass by the park during the dance event. That was the moment Mérida truly captivated me, its vibrant energy and unique charm leaving a lasting impression.

The weekly event is one of the reasons why it is the favorite park in Mérida by many and especially when live music is played, it is quite crowded. Try grabbing a table at one of the many fabulous restaurants and enjoy different bands, singers and dancers.

The event lasts about an hour. Already since 1965, the event takes place every week in the Parque de Santa Lucia. If you want a seat, you should come as early as possible (best two hours before the start of the show) or make a reservation.

The big Love Chairs in the park

The famous Love Chairs in Mérida are a charming symbol of the city’s culture and romance. These unique, white, two-seater chairs, known locally as "sillas tú y yo," are designed with a slight curve, allowing two people to sit facing each other comfortably, fostering conversation and connection.

You will find them scattered throughout the city, especially in parks and plazas, inviting you to take a moment to relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Mérida.

There is an oversized version of these iconic chairs in the Parque de Santa Lucía. If you look closely, you'll notice how they tower over the green park benches nearby. The oversized Love Chairs are a favorite spot for capturing photos.

The Love Chairs also have an interesting history rooted in Mérida’s traditions. They were originally designed to allow couples to sit close while still respecting the conservative values of the past.

Restaurants

There are restaurants in almost every building around the park. At the entrance to the park on the right-hand side is La Tratto Santa Lucía, an Italian restaurant. To the left of La Tratto is Bryan's In The Park, which serves Mexican cuisine.

The international cuisine continues, next up is Avec Amour, a restaurant serving French cuisine. In the corner, you will find Cafe Ki'Xocolatl, followed by La Recova Santa Lucía and Rosa Sur 32.

Apoala restaurant sits at the heart of the U-shaped building and is one of the most renowned dining spots in the park. It’s popular for good reason. If you are looking to experience a mix of traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist, I recommend stopping by for a meal.

Iglesia de Santa Lucía

Tucked away beside Parque de Santa Lucía, the Iglesia de Santa Lucía sits in a tranquil courtyard. Its presence is subtle, almost concealed by the dense shade of the tall trees that surround it. If you don’t look carefully, you might easily walk past without noticing it.

Built in 1575, this church holds the distinction of being one of the oldest in Mérida. Its deep red façade immediately draws the eye, standing out against the greenery, though its overall design is simple and understated, much like many other historic churches.

The courtyard, peaceful as it appears today, has a somber past. The southern section of the church’s atrium once served as Mérida’s first cemetery, in use until 1821. It was here that the enslaved and mixed-race populations of the city were buried, making this shaded area a space with profound historical significance.

History of the Park

Today, the park is a popular meeting place with restaurants, music, dancing and entertainment, such as the open-air dance event. However, many people also visit Mérida because of the city's turbulent history and Parque de Santa Luciá is undoubtedly part of this eventful past.

The park has a rich history dating back to the founding of the present-day city of Mérida. During colonization, this place witnessed bloody battles between the Maya and the Spanish conquistadors.

The construction of the site and the resettlement of the indigenous inhabitants of Santa Lucía triggered unrest very early on. The Mayan cemetery that was located there was demolished without ever explaining why or where the dead were to be reburied. This was seen as an act of desecration and further exacerbated the conflict.

Between April and June of 1867, Santa Lucia witnessed some of the final bloody battles that marked the end of the conquistadors' era, leaving a lasting imprint on the region’s history.

Today's neo-colonial style buildings were built in the 19th century. After further restoration and remodelling, the park's current appearance dates back to 2010, so it's not that old.

The Obelisk

The huge obelisk in the centre of the park is dedicated to Sebastián Molas (1819 - 1853). He was a Mexican officer. The capped top of the obelsik is intended to symbolise his short life. The monument, erected in 1878, is also a symbol of local history.

Colonel Sebastián Molas played a decisive role during the so-called Caste War (1847-1901), a bloody Mayan uprising against colonial rule and exploitation by the white elites.

Molas initially fought on the side of the government forces to defend the interests of the Mexican government and suppress the Maya rebellion. His nickname was "Lion of the East", by which he was known in the eastern region of Yucatan, where he carried out his military campaigns.

However, he later switched sides and joined the rebellion. He participated in leading the federalist troops of Yucateca against the centralist government forces during the wars that followed Yucatán's secession from Mexico. As a result, he was captured, sentenced to death for high treason and executed.

The memorial plaque initially had the inscription: "Here rest the mortal remains of Colonel Sebastián Molas, hero of the Caste War". Years later, the inscription was changed to: "To Colonel D. Sebastián Molas, martyr of federalism in Yucatan. 1819-1853".