All about Xcalachén Street Art in Mérida (2025 Guide)

Unknown to many, Mérida has a thriving street art scene, particularly in Xcalachén, a neighborhood in the southern part of the city just outside the downtown area.

This isn’t exactly a tourist hotspot – there’s not a ton to “see” in the classic sense. But if you’re into photography like I am, it’s a great place to go on a little photo safari. The best graffiti? That’s for you to discover… I’m not giving away all the secrets 😊

Fun Fact: Xcalachén, means "twin well" in Mayan, as such a well was probably found during excavations of the colonial period. Today, however, this fountain no longer exists.

The Grafittis in Xcalachén

In 2017, as part of an initiative to revitalize the area and attract more visitors, local authorities collaborated with residents to transform the neighborhood's facades into canvases for urban art.

This effort coincided with the launch of the "Feria de la Chicharra," a festival celebrating traditional fried pork skin, further enhancing the area's cultural appeal (see below).

With the consent of homeowners, numerous murals were created, many of which draw inspiration from Mayan culture, depicting elements of local flora, fauna, and legends.

Notably, the neighborhood features artwork honoring Pedro Infante, the iconic Mexican actor and singer who tragically died in a plane crash near Mérida.

If you want to explore Xcalachén's street art, start at the intersection of Calle 95 and Calle 64A. From there, make your way towards Calle 66, where you’ll find a variety of murals that bring the neighborhood’s rich culture to life.

The Art of Mural Painting

The art of mural painting began in Mexico in the 1920s. Public buildings have long been used for social or political messages. What you see today is shaped by traditional Mexican folk art, blended with European influences that arrived during the colonial period.

Unlike random graffiti, which you will unfortunately find in some parts of Mérida, this is widely recognized as meaningful and appreciated artwork. If you take the time to explore, you will notice the skill, symbolism, and cultural references woven into each mural.

Fiesta de Chicharra in Xcalachén

Xcalachén is also known for its connection to one of Mérida’s most traditional dishes. Twice a year, the neighborhood hosts the Fiesta de Chicharra, a festival dedicated to deep fried pork skin.

Chicharra is popular in many places, but Xcalachén is said to serve the best in Mérida. The area’s reputation dates back to when nearby slaughterhouses made it a local hub for this crispy specialty.

Over the years, demand has declined as eating habits have changed, and fewer places serve it today. However, if you want to try an authentic local dish, this is a place to do it.

Murals in the Palacio de Gobierno

If you are interested in historical murals, I recommend visiting the Palacio de Gobierno, home to some of Mérida’s most well-known artworks.

Inside, you will find large murals painted by Fernando Castro Pacheco between 1971 and 1974, located on the main staircase and under the arcades of the inner courtyard.

One of the most famous early classical muralists was Diego Rivera, the husband of Frida Kahlo. Castro Pacheco was a student of Diego Rivera, used his art to capture the region’s struggles and cultural identity in a powerful and thought-provoking way.

His works depict key moments in Yucatán’s history, from the ancient Maya civilization and the Spanish conquest to the Mayan rebellion and Mexico’s fight for independence.

Image Source (main image): ©travel4brews.com, flickr, CC BY 2.0, Link

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