Yucatan’s Great Maya World Museum to Host Traditional Vaquería Afternoon With Free Admission

Mérida, Yucatán — The Great Maya World Museum will host a traditional vaquería celebration on April 25 featuring jarana music and dance, with free admission for all visitors. The Yucatan Culture and Arts Department organized the event to mark International Dance Day.

The “Tarde de Vaquería” will feature performances by the Real Orquesta Yucateca, led by Arturo Turriza, and the Orquesta Jaranera del Mayab, directed by Carlos Uc Tepal. Hundreds of dancers from municipalities across Yucatan will participate, wearing traditional embroidered ternos, guayaberas, and filipinas.

The celebration begins at 4 p.m. with a parade of dancers across the museum’s front plaza, accompanied by the Orquesta Jaranera del Mayab performing “La Angaripola.” Following opening ceremonies, the Real Orquesta Yucateca will take the stage. The Tizimín-based orchestra formed in 2018 with young musicians dedicated to preserving Yucatecan cultural traditions.

The event will also serve as the launch platform for the orchestra’s new album, “La fiesta de Yucatán,” featuring special guests including Joss Novelo of Las Trovadoras del Mayab, singer-songwriter Felipe de la Cruz, and vaquería host Julio Ortiz. Fireworks displays will complement the musical performances.

Culture officials said the celebration aims to honor International Dance Day while showcasing Yucatan’s living cultural heritage and strengthening the Great Maya World Museum’s role as a center for regional cultural expression.