VALLADOLID
Valladolid is, without doubt, the most important city in Eastern Yucatan. In ancient Mexico, the town of Zaci was already an important population center of the Maya civilization. Zaci stood at the crossroads of the caminos blancos, the elevated road system the Maya built to connect their cities. These roads brought pilgrims and traders from Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, Coba or Yaxunah.
The Eastern Maya, land of the Itzaes, is a region where two thirds of the residents are native Yucatec Maya speakers, where one finds the largest number of cenotes in the area, and where traditional customs characterize the worldview and lives of its inhabitants.
Valladolid, Capital of the Eastern Maya, is a city of foremost importance, founded by Francisco “The Nephew” Montejo, has become a focal point for explorers and adventurers who set out to know the great Maya culture.
Its appeal to travelers reflects its great historical heritage from the remote past, its Colonial legacy, and its contemporary role: Maya City, Colonial City of the Spaniards, City of Mexicans, and the cradle of the revolutionary ideology of the 20th century.
For all these reasons, Valladolid is the capital of the Eastern Maya, in addition to the city’s contributions to the Yucatecan cuisine, and its preservation of local customs and traditions. But above all, it is the festive spirit and hospitable nature of its inhabitants, which is why
Valladolid has become not only Capital of the Eastern Maya, and, proudly, a Magical Town of Mexico. Valladolid is the ideal city to visit and enjoy all the natural, archaeological and cultural offerings of eastern Yucatan.
FOUNDATION OF VALLADOLID
It was established by appointment of Francisco de Montejo, The Nephew on the outskirts of Lake Chouac-Ha (“long water”). The place of settlement was changed on May 28, 1543, because the land was not good, due to infertile grounds and unhealthy damp weather, as many of the inhabitants had become ill. It was decided then to move the city to a piece of land where the Mayan Site of Zaci were, a word that means “white hawk”, as you can see today
represented on the coat of arms of the city.
Valladolid acquired the category of “city” on December 13, 1823, it is the main town of the municipality of the same name, and is known as a place where peace and quietness is perceived, as the result of the hospitality and respect from the inhabitants.
VALLADOLID, INHERITED FROM THE COLONIAL ERA
Two significant events in the history of Mexico took place here: the Caste War in 1847 and the first spark of the Mexican Revolution in 1910. It is known today as The Sultan of the East, a title given due to the architectural beauty of its ancient colonial buildings like the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, data from the XVI century,
and the Cathedral of St. Servacio, historical buildings in use data from the baroque to the early XVIII century , City Hall, the Temple of San Juan de Dios, Santa Ana, San Roque Museum, Santa Lucia, La Candelaria, the loom of “Aurora” and Central Park “Francisco Canton Rosado,” among others, but also by the cultural legacy of men and
women.
MAIN PARK FRANCISCO CANTON ROSADO
During the early times of the foundation, there was in Valladolid a square construction of 100 m. in the middle, which held a Mayan pyramid in the for worship, which was demolished by the conquerors, who used the same stones to build the parish church. It was inaugurated in 1900, as evidenced by the existing graved plates on the four main doorways, during the government period of General Francisco Canton Rosado.
La Mestiza fountain is located in the center of the park, and is the perfect place for souvenir picture taken, when visiting the beautiful colonial city of Valladolid. The statue is proudly wearing the regional Yucatecan dress, holding a pitcher of water, from which flows water and it is across from the impresive Church of St. Servacio. La Mestiza was built in 1924 by sculptor Manuel Chacon Cima, by appointment of Don Jose Maria Iturralde y Traconis, distinguished citizen from Valladolid, who at that time was the State governor.
Today the fountain, and Zocalo or Central Park are icons of Valladolid, local people and visitors gather around these areas along with tourists who arrive to the destination. It is located in the Historical downtown area, surrounded by the main streets 39, 40,41 and 42.
HOUSE OF CULTURE
It is a property of arcaded porch supported by cylindrical stone columns, both on the first and second story. The spaces on the lower and upper level are framed with stone and multiline lintel. Horse carriages are available for a ride in the neighborhood. At the top level, the spaces are not framed, while the corridor is bordered by a wrought iron railing with wooden handrail. Inside there are some parts framed with stone and wood. It has tile, stone and wooden floors. And in the courtyard there is an arcade with the same architectural features displayed on the facade.
The Municipal Culture Department is located in the same building as the City Hall, in the Historic Center; visiting hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 14:00 hrs and 15:00 to 21:00 hrs and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 12:00 hrs.
SAN ROQUE MUSEUM
In 1575 following instructions of Don Diego Sarmiento de Figueroa, City Mayor at that time, was founded the Hospital Del Santo Nombre de Jesus, in what later became the Convent of San Roque. In 1634 Don Francisco Ruiz, priest and vicar of Valladolid, left by testament a donation of four thousand pesos, to support with the revenues four beds. In 1645 was one of the best hospitals in the province. No trace of the hospital is left, but the Church of San Roque, remains standing as its construction began after many years. Here were buried Fernando Hipolito Osorno and Pedro Gabriel Covarrubias, protagonists of the historical event known as “The Crime of the Mayors of Valladolid”; the leaders of the armed movement were also shot in 1910.
The same building was chosen by Governor Jose Maria Iturralde Traconis to host the first power plant of the city. Today it holds a small collection of regional art and appliances used for the exploitation of gum. It works as a museum of regional art since June 4, 1985. Located on 41 street and 38. Admission is free and can be visited from Monday through Saturday
from 9:00 to 21:00 hrs. and on Sunday from 9:00 to 18:00 hrs.
ESPAÑOL
