All about Parroquia de San Sebastián in Mérida (2025)

I first stumbled into Barrio San Sebastián one hot August afternoon, not knowing what to expect. To my surprise, I ended up in the middle of a lively neighborhood festival – with music, food stalls, and people dancing right in front of a old church.

Parroquia de San Sebastián, a little southwest of the center, was for a long time only a small hermitage and was one of the first churches built by the Spaniards after the conquest of the city in the 16th century.

The old parish of Our Lady of the Assumption was built on top of a Mayan temple to make the adaptation of the new religion easier for the indigenous people.

The current appearance of the church dates back to the end of the 18th century, with additions taking place even after that. At that time, San Sebastián also became the new patron saint.

Today, the church, together with Parque de San Sebastián and Mercado San Sebastián, forms the center of the neighborhood of the same name. If you are interested, you can also find historical photos of the church in the Media Library of INAH.

Colonial-era Architecture

Parroquia de San Sebastián is a nice example of colonial-era religious architecture, blending traditional Yucatecan materials with Spanish influences. Built with locally sourced limestone, the church has a robust and somewhat austere façade.

The exterior showcases simple yet elegant details, with a partially white-trimmed front that contrasts with the rough stone walls, a common feature in colonial churches of the Yucatán Peninsula.

One of its most recognizable elements is the three-tiered bell gable, a characteristic detail often found in mission-style churches. The entrance is a modest arched doorway, framed by clean white lines, giving it a balanced and symmetrical appearance.

The huge bell tower, positioned to the right, is topped with a small cupola and a cross, reinforcing the traditional aesthetic.

Inside the Church

Inside, the church has a bright and airy feel, thanks to its high vaulted ceilings, cream-colored walls, and large arched columns that lead the eye towards the altar, where a statue of the Virgin Mary stands in a niche flanked by angelic figures.

The neoclassical interior design, with its decorative pilasters and delicate chandeliers, contrasts with the rustic simplicity of the exterior. Wooden pews, chandeliers, and ceiling fans reflect the adaptation of old churches to the warm Yucatecan climate.

The holy Saint Sebastián

San Sebastián is a Christian saint and martyr who is widely venerated in Catholic tradition. He was a Roman soldier in the 3rd century and is best known for his steadfast faith, despite persecution under Emperor Diocletian.

According to legend, he survived being shot with arrows but was later executed. In Mexico, as in many other Catholic countries, San Sebastián is revered as a protector against plagues and diseases.

His feast day, celebrated on January 20, is observed in several Mexican towns and villages with religious ceremonies and local festivities.

Festivities

Every year in August, festivities are held. And although it is called the Feast of St. Sebastian, the celebrations are in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption. The celebrations begin in early August and last just under fifteen days, sometimes a little longer.

Parque de San Sebastián

Parque de San Sebastián is a small, quiet square just southwest of the city center, located in front of the historic Parroquia de San Sebastián.

The park features a few large trees, a central fountain, shaded benches, and Mérida’s white love chairs. Together with the church and the nearby Mercado San Sebastián, it forms the heart of one of the city’s oldest and most traditional neighborhoods.

Mercado San Sebastián

Mercado San Sebastián is a small neighborhood market with simple, budget-friendly eateries, mostly catering to locals.

While it forms part of the historic San Sebastián district alongside the church and park, the market itself has lost importance over the years and is not necessarily worth a trip on its own.

However, if you are nearby, you can stop by to try traditional Yucatecan dishes like tacos or huevos motuleños in an authentic setting.

Online Ressources

In addition to the website of the church (see above), you can also find Parroquia de San Sebastián on Facebook.

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

The picture was modified (resized, image improvements)