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Mérida's Lost Places
There are many buildings, places and squares in Mérida that have been abandoned for years. These "Lost Places" have their own special charm.
Mérida
2023
21
Estacionamiento Público La Casona (Calle 60, No. 429) - a parking lot in the historic city center - was closed long ago...
...and nature is reclaiming its place.
A look through the iron fence reveals that also the buildings in the inner courtyard are crumbling...
...and some trees have found a new unusual place for sunbathing.
But nevertheless and as is common throughout México, all entrances are well secured.
Are piñatas still made here? A piñata, often made of papier-mâché, is a decorated container, filled with candy, and then broken as part of a celebration.
Unfortunately, these small, picturesque colonial houses have been falling into disrepair for many years. Although they are in a prime location close to Paseo de Montejo.
The former Hotel Montejo Palace - also on Paseo de Montejo - has been empty for over 10 years and has had curious public squabbles. This was expressed in banners in front of the hotel indicating fraud, non-payment of rent and a criminal case against the hotel operator, followed by banners by the hotel operator that this would be a denial and that they themselves had filed a lawsuit.... As can be seen, this did not end well.
If a building has a garden, its condition provides the first clue whether the building is still inhabited.
The muggy climate with high humidity in Mérida supports the slow decay.
Mérida is a very colorful city.
But if buildings aren't inhabited or maintained for a longer period of time, the paint is the first to go.
The high humidity then quickly becomes noticeable on wooden doors and windows.
Casa Molina Duarte is an long-time abandoned mansion at Paseo de Montejo.
Even though those large properties on Paseo de Montejo are worth millions of dollars, running costs can be a problem for owners. Or - maybe - there are legal problems...
The car was once a barn find at Hacienda Ruta de Peón, has been beautifuly restored and is now used for weddings and similar occasions.
But there are also more adventurous transport options in Mérida.
Well, this place isn't deserted, but the couple in the window would also be a nice addition to every forgotten beauty.
These brightly colored skeletons represent the departed souls in the circle of life and are part of the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), a holiday in México, traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2. Also widely known are the sugar skulls ("Calaveras") as iconic representations of the Day of the Dead.
That's not a Lost Place either but some things would do credit to any Lost Place, don't they?
So, the beauty and the beast. Old and new. Life and dead. History and modern times. Experiencing this side by side is part of normal life in Mérida.
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