Parque San Juan - Peaceful noon in a Merida Yucatan square.
1 / 10

Parque San Juan

4.4
·17k reviews·Mérida, Mexico

A park in Merida known for its vibrant Día de Muertos celebrations and authentic local atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late October/Early November

Día de Muertos celebration

CrowdHigh
Loading map...
Parque San Juan - Peaceful noon in a Merida Yucatan square.

Parque San Juan

Best Time

Late October/Early November

Día de Muertos celebration

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A park in Merida known for its vibrant Día de Muertos celebrations and authentic local atmosphere.

4.4
(17k reviews)

"It's a celebration of life, love, and remembrance that should not be missed!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Your Own Toilet Paper

Porta-potties can run out of supplies during events like Día de Muertos . :toilet:

Embrace the Local Vibe

It's a bit 'rough around the collar' but offers unique grit and authenticity. Great for people-watching . :wave:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Walk of the Souls (Día de Muertos)

Walk of the Souls (Día de Muertos)

Parque San Juan

Immerse yourself in vibrant Día de Muertos traditions with stunning altars, delicious food, and lively music.

Local Gathering Spot

Local Gathering Spot

Parque San Juan

Experience authentic local life, enjoy shade from old trees, and observe daily routines and transport connections.

Face Painting

Face Painting

Parque San Juan (during Día de Muertos)

Embrace the spirit of the holiday by getting transformed into a calavera (sugar skull) for a small fee.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Día de Muertos

If you're visiting for Día de Muertos, expect crowds and vibrant energy. The 'Walk of the Souls' is a major draw, with food, music, and face painting. Arrive early to soak it all in and consider bringing your own toilet paper for the porta-potties, as they can run out.Reddit

Beyond the Celebration: Local Life

Parque San Juan is also a local hub. While it can be a bit 'rough around the collar,' it offers a unique, gritty charm. It's a good spot to relax, meet locals waiting for transport, and enjoy the shade of old trees, distinct from more manicured parks.Reddit

Best Times

When
Late October/Early November
Why
Día de Muertos celebration
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Less crowded, local vibe
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🔨⛓️‍💥 ¡𝐋𝐈𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐒 𝐄𝐋 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗤𝗨𝗘 𝗦𝗔𝗡 𝗝𝗨𝗔𝗡 𝗗𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗦: 𝐍𝐎 𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐀𝐋 𝐔𝐒𝐎 𝐃𝐄 𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐎𝐒 𝐏𝐔́𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐎𝐒❗ ⚽🙌 Abrimos candados y retiramos la plumilla 🚧 que bloqueaba el uso del parque San Juan de Dios y de su losa deportiva, en la urbanización Montecarlo, en respuesta a la denuncia vecinal: acortar.link/3lZ3ms. 💪💯 Aquí se realizaban cobros indebidos por el uso de este espacio público, no lo voy a permitir❌ ¡Seguiremos...
@hernansifuentesbarca
260.3K likes • 2.9M views

Bring Your Own Toilet Paper

Porta-potties can run out of supplies during events like Día de Muertos.Reddit :toilet:

Embrace the Local Vibe

It's a bit 'rough around the collar' but offers unique grit and authenticity. Great for people-watching.Reddit :wave:

#diademuertos #merida #parque
@caro_mariin
28.3K likes • 323.7K views
Parque San Juan, Héroes Parques🏡🍃 San Antonio, Región de Valparaíso 📍 @heroes_parques 🍂 🚗A 9 kms de la autopista del Sol ⏰A 1 hora desde Santiago ⏰a 15 minutos de San Antonio 🌊 ✨Esta es una excelente opción para renovar energías 📝Para afiliados a caja Los Héroes y también para los no afiliados 🗺️ Cuentan con 6 destinos turísticos desde la Región de Coquimbo a la Región de Los Lagos. Parqu...
nutnatura
1.2K likes • 24.4K views

Face Painting Fun

Get your face painted as a calavera for around 25 pesos during Día de Muertos.Reddit :paintbrush:

Foodie Paradise

Día de Muertos brings tons of vendors with sweet treats, tacos, and more! :taco:

Parque de Mayo San Juan El Parque de Mayo tiene sus secretos #ensanjuan #sanjuan #argentina🇦🇷 Qué pasó en San Juan Argentina Qué hacer en San Juan Argentina Lugares para visitar en San Juan Argentina Lugares turísticos de San Juan Argentina Lugares secretos de San Juan Argentina #sanjuanargentina #primavera #parque #masoneria #misterios #estatuadelalibertad #masones #secretos #turismo #turi...
ensanjuan_
56 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Your Own Toilet Paper

Porta-potties can run out of supplies during events like Día de Muertos.Reddit :toilet:

Embrace the Local Vibe

It's a bit 'rough around the collar' but offers unique grit and authenticity. Great for people-watching.Reddit :wave:

Face Painting Fun

Get your face painted as a calavera for around 25 pesos during Día de Muertos.Reddit :paintbrush:

Foodie Paradise

Día de Muertos brings tons of vendors with sweet treats, tacos, and more! :taco:

Transport Hub

A good spot to meet locals and wait for combis to nearby towns. Check weekend bus schedules carefully.Reddit :bus:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(17k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Parque San Juan is a park with a dual personality: a vibrant hub during Día de Muertos and a gritty, authentic local gathering spot the rest of the time. Visitors praise the lively atmosphere, delicious food, and cultural immersion during the festival, though some note it can be a bit 'rough around the collar' and facilities like restrooms can be lacking.

"If you're looking for a captivating experience during the Día de Muertos celebration, the Walk of the Souls at Parque de San Juan is an absolute must-see. This annual event offers a beautiful homage to the traditions and customs surrounding this cherished holiday, and it certainly lives up to its reputation as an unforgettable experience.

From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by a vibrant atmosphere filled with colorful displays that pay tribute to those who have passed. The decorations are nothing short of stunning, showcasing intricate altars adorned with marigolds, photographs, and candles, all arranged masterfully to honor loved ones. Each display tells a unique story, merging creativity with the rich tapestry of Mexican culture.

What truly makes the Walk of the Souls exemplary is the dynamic blend of activities available. The food stalls are a culinary delight, offering traditional treats like pan de muerto, tamales, pib, and various street foods that will make your taste buds go wild. Alongside this, the lively music that fills the air, from mariachi bands to traditional folk tunes, adds a joyous backdrop that enhances the overall experience.

They have areas to get your face painted for 25 pessos, allowing visitors to embrace the spirit of the holiday by transforming into calaveras (sugar skulls). It’s not just fun; it’s a way to immerse yourself in the celebration and express the blend of reverence and joy that characterizes Día de Muertos.

Entertainment is beautiful, with performances ranging from comedy to live music to storytelling that enrich the cultural experience, drawing you deeper into the heart of the holiday. The energy is palpable, as families, friends, and visitors come together to celebrate and reflect, making it a truly communal event.

I highly recommend visiting Parque de San Juan during this time of year. The Walk of the Souls is not just an event; it's a beautiful cultural experience that leaves a lasting impression. The vibrant colors, enticing flavors, and rich traditions to be breathtaking. This is a celebration of life, love, and remembrance that should not be missed!"

Esther S

"We came here each night as it was bustling with excitement and fun. Tones of vendors for food... sweet and treats to tacos and more! We sat down all evening and enjoyed people watching. We got serenade and listened to some local favorites. We watched a concert in the corner. They have lots of porta-potties but bring your own toilet paper... many had none! Lots of people selling clothing and trinkets as well!

If you are in the area, take a look at my other listing for places we visited in the area!

Enjoy 😉"

Teresa Pagliuso

"Great place to relax and local to meet people waiting for combies to nearby towns. Food stands are OK, but limited food choices. This is the local alternative to the main plaza a few blocks to the north. Nice fountain. Overall, great place to relax in the shade large, old trees wherep hundereds of grackles roost at night. A few vendors, folks begging, but not aggresive like at the main square. This is a historic location, surrounded by 100+ year old architecture. Historic arched gate to the old walled city on SW corner. No problemos aqui."

William Litzinger

What People Like

Vibrant Día de Muertos celebration
Delicious street food
Authentic local atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited food choices (off-season)
Basic restroom facilities
Can feel 'rough around the collar'

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Parque San Juan is located in Merida. You can reach it by local bus or taxi. If you're planning to visit from San Juan Park to Cenote Muyuche on a Sunday, confirm bus schedules as they might differ from weekdays.Reddit

Yes, Parque San Juan serves as a transport hub where locals wait for combis (minibuses) to nearby towns. It's advisable to confirm schedules, especially for weekend travel.Reddit

While not explicitly stated, Parque San Juan is a local park in Merida, and public transport options like buses and combis are generally available within the city for travel between different areas.

The main plaza is a few blocks north of Parque San Juan. You can likely walk it in about 10-15 minutes, or take a short taxi or local bus ride.

Taxis are generally available in Merida. You can hail one on the street or use a ride-sharing app if available in the area.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Based on reviews, Parque San Juan appears to be a public park and likely free to enter. However, during special events like Día de Muertos, there might be costs associated with specific activities or vendors.Reddit

As a public park, it's likely open from early morning to evening. Specific hours might vary, but it's generally accessible for local activities and relaxation.

The 'Walk of the Souls' is a cultural event held at Parque San Juan during Día de Muertos. While the park entry is likely free, there might be costs for food, face painting, or other specific attractions.Reddit

Generally, public parks have standard rules regarding behavior and safety. During events, there might be specific guidelines to follow.

Public parks are typically open until a certain hour in the evening. It's best to check local information for specific closing times, though it's known to be bustling with excitement at night during events.Reddit

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

Parque San Juan is a local park with a fountain and old trees. It's a place to relax, people-watch, and observe local life. During Día de Muertos, it transforms with altars, food stalls, music, and face painting.Reddit

During regular days, it's a place for locals to gather. For families, the Día de Muertos celebration offers face painting and a lively atmosphere.Reddit

During events like Día de Muertos, you'll find numerous vendors selling traditional food (pan de muerto, tacos), drinks, clothing, and trinkets.Reddit

Yes, porta-potties are available, especially during events. However, it's recommended to bring your own toilet paper as they can run out.Reddit

It has a unique, gritty charm and a strong local vibe. During events, it's bustling with excitement and community spirit.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

During the Día de Muertos celebration, expect a wide variety of food stalls offering traditional treats like pan de muerto, tamales, pib, tacos, and other street foods.Reddit On regular days, food choices might be more limited.Reddit

Street food vendors often have diverse offerings. While not guaranteed, you might find options like esquites (corn salad) or fruit cups. It's best to ask vendors directly.

Yes, numerous vendors sell a variety of drinks, from refreshing aguas frescas to sodas and water, especially during events.Reddit

Prices for food and drinks at vendor stalls are generally affordable, typical of street food pricing in Mexico. During special events, prices might be slightly higher but still reasonable.Reddit

While the park itself has food stalls, there are likely local eateries and restaurants in the surrounding Merida neighborhoods. Exploring the area will reveal more dining options.

📸 📸 Photography

During Día de Muertos, the intricately decorated altars and vibrant street scenes are fantastic for photos.Reddit The park's old trees and fountain also offer picturesque moments, especially with the surrounding historic architecture.Reddit

It's generally polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially during cultural events. However, capturing the general atmosphere and street scenes is usually acceptable.

For vibrant event photos, evenings during Día de Muertos are ideal with the festive lights and crowds.Reddit For calmer shots of the park's architecture and trees, early mornings or late afternoons would be best.

The fountain in the park is a central feature. During Día de Muertos, the elaborate altars become the main photographic subjects.Reddit The historic arched gate on the SW corner is also a notable landmark.Reddit

Drone usage in public spaces often requires permits and adherence to local regulations. It's advisable to check with local authorities before flying a drone in the park.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

During the Día de Muertos celebration, Parque San Juan offers a lively and engaging experience for families. The 'Walk of the Souls' features face painting stations where children (and adults!) can get transformed into colorful sugar skulls.Reddit The abundance of food vendors means plenty of kid-friendly options, from sweet treats to tacos.Reddit The festive music and performances add to the excitement, creating a memorable cultural outing.

On regular days, the park provides a space for children to play and families to relax under the shade of the old trees. While it might not have dedicated playgrounds, the open space and fountain offer simple enjoyment. It's also a practical spot for families to observe local life and potentially catch transport to other destinations.Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Parque San Juan is an excellent destination for budget travelers. Entry to the park itself is likely free, and during the Día de Muertos event, many activities are affordable. Face painting costs around 25 pesos,Reddit and street food offers a wide range of inexpensive dining options.Reddit

The park also serves as a transportation hub for combis (minibuses), which are a very economical way to travel to nearby towns compared to taxis or organized tours.Reddit It's a great place to experience local culture and atmosphere without spending a lot of money, making it a valuable stop for those watching their expenses.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Parque San Juan offers diverse opportunities, especially during the Día de Muertos 'Walk of the Souls.' The vibrant, intricately decorated altars, the bustling crowds, and the festive atmosphere provide rich subjects for capturing cultural moments.Reddit The evening hours, with event lighting, can be particularly dramatic.

Beyond the festival, the park's mature trees, central fountain, and surrounding historic architecture offer more traditional photographic subjects. The unique, gritty charm mentioned in reviews can also translate into compelling urban photography. Capturing the local life and the transport hub aspect adds another layer to your portfolio.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of Día de Muertos at Parque San Juan

Parque San Juan truly comes alive during the Día de Muertos celebrations, transforming into the 'Walk of the Souls.' This event is a profound cultural experience, showcasing the deep-rooted traditions of honoring the departed. Visitors are greeted by a breathtaking display of intricate altars, adorned with marigolds, candles, and personal mementos, each telling a unique story of remembrance.Reddit The air buzzes with energy, a blend of solemnity and joyous celebration.

The culinary offerings during this time are a major highlight. Food stalls overflow with traditional delicacies like pan de muerto (bread of the dead), savory tamales, and regional specialties. Alongside the delicious food, live music, from mariachi bands to folk performers, fills the park, creating a festive and immersive atmosphere.Reddit For those wanting to participate actively, face painting stations offer the chance to transform into vibrant calaveras (sugar skulls) for a small fee, adding a playful element to the reverence.Reddit

Beyond the visual and culinary delights, the 'Walk of the Souls' offers a rich tapestry of entertainment, including comedy acts, live music performances, and storytelling sessions that delve into the heart of Mexican culture and the significance of Día de Muertos. It's a communal event where families, friends, and visitors gather to celebrate life, love, and remembrance, making it an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression.Reddit

Parque San Juan: A Local's Perspective

Beyond its festive events, Parque San Juan serves as a vital community space for the residents of Merida. While some reviews describe it as 'a bit rough around the collar,' this grit is part of its unique charm and authenticity.Reddit It's a place where locals gather to relax under the shade of large, old trees, hundreds of which are known to host roosting grackles in the evening. The park features a nice fountain and serves as a convenient spot for people to meet and wait for combis (minibuses) to nearby towns.Reddit

Unlike more manicured city parks, Parque San Juan offers a different kind of experience – one that feels more grounded and less tourist-centric. It's a place to observe daily life, a local alternative to the main plaza, offering a more relaxed and less aggressive atmosphere, even with a few vendors and occasional beggars.Reddit The park is surrounded by over 100-year-old architecture, and a historic arched gate on the southwest corner marks an entrance to the old walled city, adding a layer of historical significance to the space.Reddit

For travelers seeking an authentic glimpse into local life, Parque San Juan provides just that. It's a place to unwind, connect with the community, and appreciate a park that, while perhaps not conventionally beautiful, possesses a distinct character and uniqueness. It's a space that reflects the everyday rhythm of Merida, offering a genuine experience away from the more polished tourist attractions.Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2