Mérida Jazz Festival 2026: 40 Artists, Free Shows, Tourism Boost

Mayor Cecilia Patrón Laviada presented the second edition of the Mérida Jazz Festival 2026, an event that positions the city as a cultural and tourist capital capable of offering artistic proposals of international scope and quality experiences for the people of Mérida and visitors.

Following the success of 2025, the festival returns with renewed strength from November 18 to 22 with the participation of 40 musicians and 12 projects from Mexico, the United States, France, the Netherlands, and Cuba. The program includes concerts, master classes, talks, and outreach activities, with free access for all audiences.

At the presentation held at the Olimpo Cultural Center, the mayor highlighted that for five days the city will be a living stage for jazz, with concerts in emblematic spaces such as the La Mejorada and Santa Ana parks, inviting locals and visitors to enjoy Mérida through its urban heritage, its music, and its community life.

"We want high artistic quality to be not a privilege, but a right for all the people of Mérida," she stated, emphasizing that the festival is designed with a sense of social justice and accessibility.

Training and Educational Exchange

In addition to its artistic offerings, the festival focuses on training and educational exchange. In partnership with Universidad Modelo, Universidad de las Artes de Yucatán, Centro Cultural José Martí, and Centro Cultural Olimpo, free masterclasses and discussions will be offered to students, professional musicians, and the general public.

Highlights include meetings with Erick Deutsch and Ben Allison, a composition discussion with local talents such as Gina Osorno, Paco Godoy, and Carlos Rodríguez, the presentation of the book "Músicos de a pie" by Mariano Aparicio, and the launch of the 3SOME album.

The program features a diverse offering ranging from contemporary jazz and fusion to funk, soul, Afro-Cuban music, electronica, and traditional Mexican roots, with a lineup that combines local and international talent, including Mario Esquivel, Carlos Averhoff Jr. / iOba, Conejo Eléctrico, Mexica No Jazz, Emmanuel Mora Organ Trio, and Sy Smith.

Economic and Tourism Impact

The mayor pointed out that using the city as a stage reinforces Mérida's cultural identity and generates a significant tourist and economic impact on hotels, restaurants, transportation, technical production, and equipment rental, which contributes to the circulation of resources in the local economy.

"In Mérida, we understand that culture, education, public space, and the economy must go hand in hand. I invite you to join us from November 18th to 22nd to experience this great gathering together, taking to our streets with rhythm and pride," she declared.

To ensure a safe experience, the Municipal Police will implement an operation to protect attendees, ensure traffic flow, and provide immediate assistance at the festival venues.

The presentation included Flora Zapata Mendiolea, General Coordinator of Social Justice and Human Development; Karla Berrón Cámara, Director of Identity and Culture; Armando Casares Espinosa, Head of the Tourism Unit; Ricardo Martínez, Curator of the Festival; Israel López García, President of CANIRAC Yucatán; and artists Mario Esquivel and Gina Osorno, who provided a musical introduction.

The complete program for the Mérida Jazz Festival 2026 can be found at http://www.merida.gob.mx.