Mérida Bed and Breakfast Association

If you think that Americans are the largest “ex-pat” community in Merida, think again.  Merida is home to many other immigrant groups.  It should come as no surprise to know there are tens of thousands of Yucatecans of Lebanese descent, ancestry or recent immigration.  A fun fact to consider: There are more Cubans in Merida than there are Americans.

But what about Cubans?

Merida is, in fact, the only city in the world where there are competing Cuban communities: Those who are exiled, and those who are residents of Yucatan but in good standing with the Communist regime.

It should come as no surprise that there is tension between both groups since they travel in very different social circles – and it makes for some very intriguing dinner parties when a Cuban Exile encounters a Cuban Communist!

But Merida has always been amenable to Cubans, regardless of beliefs or circumstances.  The founding family of DIARIO DE YUCATAN is comprised of Cubans, and all one needs to do is go to Parque de las Americas to see the “Jose Marti” Library, commemorative plaques of friendship between Havana and Merida donated by the Havana Rotary Club and the Cuban Royal Palms brought over from Havana – before Castro.  In fact, most of the Cuban Royal Palms that dot the city were often gifts by Cubans, and the Consulate of Cuba is one of the more active diplomatic missions in town. 

Miami Cubans are frequent visitors – as tourists and businesspeople – and there are a large number of Yucatecans who trace their families back to Havana.  And of course we can’t forget that both 19^th century Cuban liberator Jose Marti and 20^th century Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro both lived in Merida … once upon a time!

An itinerary of “Cuban Merida” is one of the more riveting ones, simply because it is a discreet history – and present – that lurks behind closed doors.

Meet a Communist Cuban for coffee.  The Asociación de Cubanos residentes en México “José Martí” A.C. (Association of Cuban Residents in Mexico “Jose Marti”), is a nonprofit comprised of Cubans loyal to the Castro regime residing in Mexico.  Click on the image to the left for more information on the activities of their members in town.

For information on Cuban exiles working to peacefully transition to a reconciliation of Cubans everywhere, click on the image to the left.  (Please note that Cuban exiles in Merida do not have a formal website to coordinate their activities, but instead have informal social networking events).

For information on Cubanos Sin Fronteras (a Cuban exile organization opposed to the Castro regime), based in Cancun, please click on the image to the left.

For information on custom-designed city tours of Cuban Merida, including the familiar haunts of Fidel Castro, who spent months in Merida, as well as 19^th century liberator, Jose Marti, click on the image to the left to send an email.  The tours operate three times a month and the fee is $300 pesos.