All about Parque Hidalgo in Mérida, Mexico (2025 Guide)

Parque Hildalgo or Parque de los Hidalgos is a small park - or square - with some benches and a few shady trees right in the historic center next to the church Iglesia de Jesus and one block from Plaza Grande.

The park was an important part of Francisco Montejo's original city design, and it's still a great spot to visit today. In the evenings, you'll often find a lively night market in the square. It's a nice place to pick up handmade jewelry and other artisan crafts.

And if you haven't already, take a seat on one of the white "Kissing Chairs". Park Hidalgo is also the site of the old Grand Hotel de Mérida and Hotel Caribe Mérida.

Free Wi-Fi is available, as is typical at most places. The Iglesia de Jesus is located right next to the park, with Parque a la Maternidad (Mother's Park) situated on the opposite side of the church Iglesia de Jesus.

Monumento a Manuel Cepeda Peraza

A large part of the square is occupied by the "Monumento a Manuel Cepeda Peraza" - a statue of the infamous 19th century hero, General Manuel Cepeda.

General Manuel Cepeda is a prominent historical figure in Yucatán, known for his role in the region’s military and political history during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

He played a key part in various conflicts and efforts to maintain order in the state, particularly during the turbulent times of the Caste War.

Grand Hotel de Mérida

At the Parque de Hidalgo you will also find the venerable Grand Hotel de Mérida in a beautiful neoclassical building. It's worth taking a look inside because of the historic lobby.

The lovely colonial building also has a Starbucks and an ice cream parlor, Helados Santa Clara. The ice cream is absolutely delicious, though it's not the cheapest option around.

There’s also another café and bistro across the square on the other side, making it a perfect place to take a break when the heat in Mérida gets a little too much (which, let's face it, is pretty much all the time).

Iglesia de Jesus

The Iglesia de Jesus is located right next to the Parque de Hidalgo and is a must-see in Mérida. If you’re at the park and the church is open, be sure to take a look inside.

Originally built in 1618, the church was expanded in the late 17th century in the Baroque style and is known for its stunning interior, including beautifully detailed frescoes and a striking dome that lets in natural light.

The church follows a traditional cross-shaped design, and while its exterior is quite simple, the interior is filled with intricate details that make it one of the most impressive churches in the city.

La Bella Epoca Building

Another building near Hidalgo Park worth mentioning (and making for a great photo opportunity) is the blue La Bella Epoca building on Calle 60, just a short walk to the north of the park.

This historic building, with its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, was originally built in the early 20th century and has since become one of Mérida's most photographed landmarks.

The blue color stands out against the colonial backdrop of the city, and its design details, including beautiful ironwork and large windows, reflect the elegance of the era. While the building is primarily residential, it's a great example of Mérida's architectural heritage.

The Secrets of the Park

Calle 60, which borders the park on one side, is a popular and colorful shopping street in Mérida. It's always bustling with activity, offering a mix of local shops and vibrant culture.

On the other hand, there’s an eerie side to this area that’s been part of local lore since at least 1840. Reports tell of the ghostly voice of a young woman heard at sunset near Parque Hidalgo, speaking in an ancient Yucatec Mayan dialect with a soft, melodic tone.

The Maya believed this voice belonged to an aluxo'ob, a mischievous spirit they considered evil. These spirits were thought to live in caves, under stones, or in fields, and because of the voice, the area around the park was avoided for many years.

In the evenings, the park is filled with the sounds of birds, and some locals believe they drown out the spirit's voice to protect the living.

When American actress Katharine Hepburn visited Mérida in May 1939, she also reported hearing the mysterious voice. She guessed it might have been the "Mayan fairy."

In the 1950s, purification ceremonies aimed to free the young woman's spirit. A shaman claimed she was a virgin sacrificed to Chaac, the Mayan rain god, in 584 AD, and that her soul remained trapped until her fate was revealed.

In December 2011, municipal workers stumbled upon an ancient Maya burial site beneath the park. The remains, predating the arrival of the Spanish by several centuries, caused quite a stir when they were discovered.

The site was immediately closed off for archaeologists to investigate, leading to speculation that these could be the remains of the sacrificial virgin.

Since the excavation, many spiritualists from around the world have visited Mérida, hoping to connect with the soul believed to haunt this place. However, the spirit has fallen silent since the tomb was uncovered.

No one really knows why, but if you visit the park in the evening, sit on one of the benches, close your eyes, and listen closely - you might just hear something unexpected.