Yucatán’s Culture Thrives Amid Gentrification

Mérida, Yucatán — The arrival of migrants from other regions to Yucatán does not threaten local cultural identity but has instead reinforced it, as evidenced by deeply rooted traditions such as Hanal Pixán, according to anthropologist Gina Villagómez Valdés, a Doctor of Social Anthropology.

Urban Transformation and Cultural Preservation

The urban landscape has evolved with new cultural consumption trends, including restaurants, spas, cafés, specialty stores, taverns, and various businesses. Villagómez Valdés notes that beyond economic benefits, the influx of new capital has led to the restoration of historic homes in Mérida’s city center and traditional neighborhoods like Itzimná and García Ginerés.

“Without these investors, the city’s historic center would be in ruins. Like it or not, these new developments foster community rather than destroy it,” she said. However, she acknowledges that while there are competitive advantages for the city, resistance to outsiders remains.

“The issue lies in clinging to the idealized Mérida of the past, which no longer exists. Whether we like it or not, rejection and confrontation between neighbors benefit no one.”

Challenges of Growth

The migration wave has also brought challenges, including rising housing costs, increased traffic, power outages due to higher demand, and water shortages. Additionally, some newcomers have engaged in criminal activities, harassing local residents.

“From my perspective, our city is more beautiful but also more chaotic. Yet, our identity remains intact,” Villagómez Valdés stated.

No Evidence of Displacement

Regarding strict definitions of gentrification, Villagómez Valdés argues that migrants have not displaced locals from their neighborhoods. Instead, many residents abandoned historic areas due to the high costs of restoring old homes.

“New subdivisions and residential zones were more attractive than dividing or repairing grandparents’ old houses. Bank financing facilitated this shift. So, the term ‘gentrification’ is relative, considering locals weren’t displaced—they simply found better opportunities outside central neighborhoods.”

Cultural Identity Endures

She emphasizes that Yucatecan cultural identity remains strong. Locals retain their accent, continue to favor traditional dishes like cochinita pibil and frijol con puerco over foreign cuisine, and actively participate in events like Paseo de las Ánimas and Carnival.

“What has disappeared is the neighborhood community—the camaraderie of neighbors sitting outside in the evening, supporting each other, and sharing traditions like Holy Week or Hanal Pixán.”

Vanishing Landmarks

“Parks, cinemas, and street vendors that defined our childhood and youth are gone. But this Merida identity faded with our parents’ and grandparents’ generations. No one took it from us—it simply evolved over time.”

Tourism and Tradition

Villagómez Valdés dismisses concerns that festivals like Paseo de las Ánimas or Carnival will lose their local significance as they become tourist attractions.

“In recent years, Hanal Pixán hasn’t faded in the face of Halloween—it has grown stronger due to local pride and institutional support. There’s no more Halloween than Hanal Pixán. Carnival remains ours, culturally uncontaminated.”

Traditional gastronomy also persists. “Sunday tortas de cochinita remain a statewide tradition, as do frijol con puerco and pibes for Day of the Dead.”

Fashion and Language

Local speech remains unchanged, while fashion has adapted. “Guayaberas are now a global trend among youth, with modern designs and colors, as are Mayan embroideries in women’s dresses.”

However, external influences like northern Mexican music among Yucatecan teens reflect globalization’s impact.

Greater Threats Than Gentrification

Villagómez Valdés identifies drugs as a critical issue. “Crystal meth use has surged, particularly in eastern Yucatán—a problem stemming from national insecurity, not gentrification.”

Preserving Identity

To safeguard cultural identity, she stresses family transmission of values and institutional support: “Funding for the city’s cultural department must not be cut. The state government should also promote cultural programs in municipalities.”

Rising Migration and Xenophobia

Villagómez Valdés warns against xenophobia. “Confrontation with migrants isn’t the solution. Migration to Yucatán will only increase. Many Mexicans from other states feel like foreigners here, failing to grasp that Yucatecos see ourselves as distinct.”

Despite tensions, she notes that most locals and migrants have built bridges for peaceful coexistence.

“The majority have found ways to live together without erasing or altering their identities.”