Fun Facts about Valladolid in Yucatan, a Small Town in Mexico

Discover the history of the heart of Valladolid  

Valladolid, Yucatán, is a place ofmystery and intrigue, standing out as one of Mexico's magical villages. Its natural environment, architecture, and legends that surroundit, along with the transcendental religious events, keep the beauty ofits interior and environment alive. Amongits colonial buildings, a rich and complex history is hidden, waiting to captivate anyone who visits this beautiful place.  

The legend of the Cenote Zací  

Has a churchpunished 

The church of San Servacio 

A Walk of the Friars 

The Walk of the Friars

The charming city of Valladolid is not just a feast for the eyes with its colonial beauty, but also a cultural delight. One of the most engaging experiences is the Walk of the Friars, a journey that transports visitors through time and history, immersing them in the rich cultural tapestry of the region. 

Every Friday and Saturday, at 8:30 pm, the iconic Frail Walk comes alive with this captivating procession. A group of men dressed in brown robes reminiscent of the ancient Franciscan monks begin the tour carrying censers and candles, recreating the atmosphere of past times. 

Participants can join the march, holding their candles, as they walk towards the imposing Former Convent of San Bernardino of Siena in the Sisal neighborhood. This tour, which connects the main square with the convent, is a visually impactful experience and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the region's history and spirituality. 

Convent of San Bernardino of Siena 

The former convent of San Bernardino de Siena 

The convent of San Bernardino in Siena, founded in 1552 by the Franciscans, is a living testimony to Yucatan's historical and cultural legacy. Its impressive hydraulic wheel, completed in 1613, stands out for its advanced engineering and contributes to local development. Despite the transformations and challenges over the centuries, the convent resisted, even during the Caste War, reflecting its resistance and resilience. 

1978 Father Andrés Lizama Ruiz led successful restoration efforts, revealing centuries-old paintings hidden behind altarpieces. These works, still enigmatic in authorship and purpose, add layers of mystery to their history. 

Today, the convent stands as a testament to the resilience and endurance of Yucatecan history and culture. Its corridors, high ceilings, and sturdy walls invite visitors to explore a journey through time, where every stone and corner tells past stories. As a Yucatan heritage sanctuary, it hopes to be discovered and appreciated by future generations, inspiring respect for its rich cultural heritage. 

Chairs of confidants (history) 

They say that a jealous father who lived in Bokobá designed these chairs. The Lord had a daughter he adored too much, but when she reached a certain age, the young woman fell in love with a boy from the village. 

The jealous father asked them as a condition that they only meet on a park bench, which the couple accepted. 

However, the father realized that traditional benches could encourage physical closeness, so he created a confident chair to allow them to talk closely, looking each other in the eye but always maintaining a considerable distance.     

In 1915, Governor Salvador Alvarado ordered the installation of several of them in the Plaza Grande de Mérida until Valladolid, during a remodeling. Since then, these chairs have become an icon of the city, not only as an architectural curiosity but also as a symbol of love watched and controlled, but no less passionate. The chair of lovers remains a silent witness of the romantic stories and secrets shared in the city's parks. 

Local gastronomy  

Valladolid's typical cuisine distinguishes itself with excellent Yucatecan gastronomy, a fusion of pre-Hispanic heritage and European influence. One of the most emblematic dishes of: 

- Puchero 

- White stuffing 

- Papak-tsul 

- Valladolid black marinade 

- Salpimentado 

- Cochinita pibil 

- Chicken or hen tamales 

- Black stuffing 

- Salbutes 

- Fish in Tikin-Xic 

- Lime soup 

- Poc chuc 

- Mucbipollo - Pib 

- Panuchos 

- Motulean eggs 

- Beans with pork 

- Stuffed cheese 

- Longaniza de Valladolid

You can try these delicious dishes in any cheap kitchen, restaurant, or market.  

After the extinction of the convent in 1867, many of these women established small businesses to make a living, keeping the tradition of Yucatecan pastries alive. In addition to the main dishes, Valladolid's gastronomy also offers antojitos and traditional desserts such as:

- The almond marzipan 

- Egg balls 

- The zapotitos 

- The alfeñique 

- The bizcotelas and roscas nevadas (snowed doughnuts) 

- Anise sweets 

- Dry coconut candy 

- Dried pepita candy and peanut candy 

- Guava paste and soursop paste 

- Syrup candies 

The source "Mestiza"  

This beautiful fountain in the park of Francisco Cantón pays tribute to the rich heritage of the Yucatecan woman, born of the fusion between pre-Hispanic and Spanish culture. This mestizo identity, the sculpture proudly displays the iconic regional attire: the terno, a symbol of tradition and cultural heritage. 

The author behind this work, Manuel Cachón Cimá, sculpted it in 1924 on behalf of the governor of Valladolid, Don José María Iturralde Traconis.    

Although a replica now stands, an obelisk once replaced the current sculpture in honor of the heroes of June 4.

Today, the fountain of "La Mestiza" and the Francisco Canton Park are established as authentic emblems of the city, attracting tourists who want to know and appreciate this beautiful culture.