The so-called Magical Towns of Yucatan are small towns within this state that have kept their history, legends, cultures and traditional charm alive despite the years.
Yucatán is a state that has great artistic, human and cultural wealth, thanks to the preservation of its historical tradition.
At present, the Magic Towns have become outstanding tourist destinations in the country, because they are located very close to other tourist sites par excellence.
The idea of the magical towns was conceived to restore the cultural value of certain local communities that had lost their historical-cultural attributes, to improve them and highlight their symbolic identity.
You may also be interested in the archaeological zones of Yucatan or its customs and traditions.
The 2 magical towns of Yucatán
In the state of Yucatán there are two official magical towns: Izamal and Valladolid.
1- Izamal
Izamal represents the reflection of its people through time and modernity, thanks to its pre-Hispanic features from the colonial period.
Many refer to this as the yellow city, because of its prominent colonial streets and because almost the entire place is painted yellow.
However, many people are unaware that it also has the name "City of the three cultures" because three historical periods coexist in it.
The first highlights the greatness of the Mayans with their monumental pyramids and archaeological traces. From the second period, the walled convent of Nuestra Señora de Izamal stands out, marked by an outstanding Spanish influence.
And the third period refers to cultural colonialism, which can be seen in its streets, churches, squares and houses, with a single uniform color that provides a unique visual rhythm.
The state of Yucatán was founded in the middle of the 16th century on the remains of the ancient Mayan city.
It was erected by the priest Zamná in pre-Hispanic times, during the 14th century. Since then it has been a ceremonial center.
Its most important monument is the Conventual Complex of Our Lady of Izamal, built on the ancient ruins of a Mayan shrine that had the name Pap-hol-chac.
2- Valladolid
The city of Valladolid, in Yucatán, is considered a heroic city due to the historical events that occurred in the area several centuries ago.
Examples of this are the Caste War, in 1847; and the first rebellion that started the Mexican Revolution, in 1910.
Valladolid has three cenotes: Zací, Xkeken and Dzitnup. Its natural attractions and gastronomy make it the ideal place for visitors looking for a mix between culture and variety.
It is also known as the capital of the eastern Mayan. It was named Magical Town of Mexico in August 2012. It is the second city in Yucatan with the highest hotel occupancy due to its tourist activities.
The main architectural monuments that stand out for their tourist attraction are the Chapel of San Andrés, the Cathedral of San Servacio, the Telar, the municipal palace, the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, the Temple of Candelaria, the Temple of San Roque and the chapel of San Antonio de Padua.
Valladolid is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and visited colonial cities in the state of Yucatan.
References
- Bigné, Enrique. (2001). Marketing of Tourist Destinations. ESIC Editorial, Spain.
- Oriente Maya Executive (nd). Retrieved on November 1, 2017. From Diagnosis of competitiveness and sustainability of the magical towns.
- Statistics from the local Tourist Office (2012). Oriente Maya executive project.
- SEDESOL (1999). Regulatory system of urban equipment. Health and social assistance.
- National Information System for statistics and geography. (sf). Retrieved on November 1, 2017. From the National Accounts System of Mexico. INEGI.