Merida - "The White City"

Many people in the States and around the world have heard of Merida, Mexico. Many of them have also heard that it is called the "White City." Why is it called this, though? There are many theories behind this fact and each theory has its particular adherents. Each theory also has a basis in fact, as well.

One popular theory has is that Merida is called the White City because of the fact that the streets and parks are cleaned on a daily basis. It is a fact that Merida is one of the cleanest cities in Mexico, if not the world. With the spectacular beauty unladen with dirt, debris and litter, the city's buildings, streets and public places seem to sparkle in contrast with other cities.

Yet another theory has it that beautiful Merida is called the White City because of the pale colored buildings that make up the bulk of the city. This also has a basis in reality. The majority of the buildings in Merida, especially Old Town, are made of pale stone, much of it taken from the ancient ruins of Mayan T'ho, upon which Merida was originally built. This makes Merida both beautiful and the longest continually inhabited city in the Americas.

A third theory holds that it is both former items, in addition to the fact that the inhabitants of Merida dress in white or pale colored clothing. There is a grain of truth to this theory as well. Much traditional dress for the area was white, with subdued embroidery or garnish, lending the citizens a bright look.

There is no sure way to tell which theory is the original reason for the city's nickname. It implies majestic splendor, which Merida has in abundance. It also implies cleanliness and purity, which Merida offers to all of its citizens and visitors. The name "White City" also implies that the residents are different from those you will find in other cities around the world. This is also true, though the Yucatecans throughout the peninsula are a warm and welcoming people that will share a beer, a hearty laugh or their family meal with you.

Whatever the reason, the name "White City" has stuck with Merida. In all probability, it was a combination of many different reasons that the city came to be known by this name. There may not have been a single reason behind this, but a group of reasons; a combination of all the popular theories on the naming question. No matter what the reason, Merida is a different place from other cities in Mexico. It is a unique combination of Mexican and Mayan with a great deal of European influence thrown in. Recently named as the American Capital of Culture, Merida reflects the many influences that went into making up the city. You can still feel a great many of those influences in the city streets, today. Mayan dress and traditions vie and combine with Mexican and European elements for a unique fusion of cultures found nowhere else in the world.