All about Xcalachén Street Art in Mérida, Mexico

Unknown to many, Mérida has a very vibrant street art scene, especially in the neighbarhood Xcalachén outside the city center. Xcalachén is a neighborhood in the southern part of Mérida.

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.

Grafittis in Xcalachén

Xcalachén is a the most famous neighborhood in Mérida, where you can find a lot of street art. However, the many Grafittis did not just happen. It was an idea of the administration to bring more people to the area (in 2017, the fair "Feria de la Chicharra" was also launched for this purpose).

Therefore, local graffiti artists were hired to paint the facades of houses and stores with the consent of the respective owners. The works are mostly inspired by Mayan culture.

But there is also, for example, a work depicting Pedro Infante, the icon of Mexican cinema, who died in a plane crash near the city. A good starting point in Xalachén is the corner of Calle 95 and Calle 62a and then towards Calle 66.

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.

At Plaza Grande in the Palacio de Gobierno, for example, you'll find classic murals inside the building depicting history since the Spanish Conquistadors. One of the most famous early classical muralists was Diego Rivera, the husband of Frida Kahlo.

But back to street art: today's street art is heavily influenced by traditional Mexican folk art, but also by European influences that came about through the colonization period.

In contrast to thoughtless graffiti - which unfortunately also exists in parts of the city - it is widely appreciated art.

Fiesta de Chichara

Xcalachén is known for one more thing: At Xcalachén the Fiesta de Chichara is held twice a year. Chicharra - deep fried pork skins - is also popular in some parts of the US and elsewhere. It is a traditional dish in Mérida and the Xcalachén neighborhood is said to have the best.

Since there were slaughterhouses nearby, the area became a popular meeting place for lovers of this delicacy. Nowadays, however, the demand (and thus the supply) for the greasy and not very healthy food has greatly diminished.

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

The picture was modified (image improvements and resizing)