All about Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol in Mérida (2025)

Once I realized that Mérida is made up of lots of distinct barrios, each with its own little center and unique vibe, Santiago was one of the first that really stuck with me.

Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol is the heart of the Santiago neighborhood in Mérida and dates back to the 17th century. A stone inscription above the main entrance suggests the church was completed in 1637 – either way, it’s one of the oldest in Mérida.

On the left side of the nave, there’s a small chapel with a plaque saying the first mass in Mérida was held here. The church is located next Parque de Santiago, the nice small neighborhood park and the food market Mercado de Santiago.

While the rest of the building feels kind of fortress-like to me – as is often the case with churches in Mérida – I’ve always found the front façade pretty charming, with its curved arches and seven bells hanging in open niches.

The Santiago Neighborhood

Barrio de Santiago is one of the most beautiful districts in Mérida, located slightly west of the city center. The church, a small park, and a market are all in the same block, forming the heart of the neighborhood.

Nearby are many restaurants, bistros, bars and stores. Directly across from the park is a school and on the north side of the block you will find a Cinemex movie theater.

There is also a small Akí Express supermarket on Calle 72 opposite the park and an Oxxo convenience store right next door. If you are traveling by car, you will find a relatively large number of parking spaces here, especially compared to other places.

Parque de Santiago: History & Local Life

Parque de Santiago is a historic square dating back to the city's founding in 1542. Originally home to much of the indigenous Mayan population, the area remains deeply connected to Mérida’s cultural roots.

The park itself features shade trees, a central fountain, and free city-provided Wi-Fi. Surrounding the square, you will find restaurants, bistros, bars, and grocery stores, with vendor stalls set up on weekends. A parking lot and a taxi stand are also available.

Every Tuesday, the park hosts an event called "Musical Remembrances". The Municipal Orchestra performs a selection of Latin and American big-band tunes from the 1940s.

Have you explored the amazing weekly events in Mérida yet? Don’t miss them!

Mercado de Santiago

The covered Mercado de Santiago features stalls selling fresh produce, meat, fish, spices, flowers, and handicrafts, along with food vendors offering Yucatecan dishes like tacos, tamales, and tortas.

Known for its cleanliness and organized layout, the market is housed in a distinctive light blue building and offers goods at prices typically lower than stores.

Who Was Santiago Apóstol?

But let’s now turn to the question of where the church gets its name from and who the Apostle Santiago (in English: St. James) was.

Santiago was one of the first disciples of Jesus together with his younger brother John. This is why St. James is also known as "the elder". He is one of the most famous saints in Mexico.

On July 25, the day of his feast, processions and masses are held in many cities. His grave in Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain is the destination of the 800 km long Way of St. James.

A Unique Relic

Finally, a mention of a unique relic: the heart of one of Yucatán's earliest bishops, Fray Luis de Piña y Mazo, who passed away in 1795, is enshrined within the walls of St. James Church.

A stone tablet, inscribed in Old Castilian, can be found embedded in the northern facade of the sanctuary, serving as a poignant reminder of this solemn interment.

Fray Luis de Piña y Mazo played a significant role in the religious and cultural development of Yucatan during the colonial period. As one of the first bishops in the region, his contributions to the church and society are widely recognized.

The presence of his heart in St. James Church symbolizes the enduring legacy of his spiritual leadership and influence in shaping the history of Yucatan.

Image Source (church): ©Mario Morales Rubí, flickr, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

The picture was modified (image improvements, size)