Merida, Yucatan — Trash has found an unexpected adversary in Merida: a group of foreign women who, armed with a cart, tongs, and a desire to help, dedicate part of their time to cleaning the streets of the Yucatan capital.
One of them was recently spotted walking several blocks through the historic center pushing a cart labeled “Yo amo Mérida limpia” (I love a clean Merida) while collecting litter along the way. Witnesses said the woman walked at least five blocks picking up trash, an activity neighbors say is part of her daily routine.
The scene drew attention because, while hundreds of people pass through the center daily and many leave waste on public streets, it was a person who chose Merida as her home who decided to tackle the problem affecting the city’s image.
This is not an isolated case. For some time, a group of foreign women living in Merida, along with long-term visitors, has organized volunteer cleanup sessions to remove trash from streets, parks, and public spaces. Their main meeting point is the intersection of Calle 43 and Paseo de Montejo, where every Sunday at 8 a.m. they begin their rounds collecting discarded waste.
Initially focused on Paseo de Montejo, one of the city’s most iconic and visited areas, they have expanded their efforts to other public spaces, including the surroundings of the Salvador Alvarado Stadium and various streets in the historic center.
Dressed in light clothing, hats, and caps, and using tools to pick up waste without touching it, they face not only the trash but also the high temperatures typical of the Yucatan capital.
Rather than simply pointing out the problem or criticizing the lack of civic culture, these volunteers decided to act, convinced that small actions can help preserve the beauty of a city known for its cleanliness and quality of life.
In addition to collecting waste, they invite more citizens — both locals and foreigners — to join the Sunday cleanups, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of keeping public spaces clean.
Their work also sends a message to the community: Merida’s cleanliness depends not only on authorities but also on the commitment of those who live in and enjoy the city daily.
