Parque San Juan
A park in Merida known for its vibrant Día de Muertos celebrations and authentic local atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Día de Muertos celebration
Parque San Juan
Best Time
Día de Muertos celebration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A park in Merida known for its vibrant Día de Muertos celebrations and authentic local atmosphere.
"It's a celebration of life, love, and remembrance that should not be missed!"
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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Parque San Juan
Experience authentic local life, enjoy shade from old trees, and observe daily routines and transport connections.
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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Día de Muertos
Beyond the Celebration: Local Life
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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:Face Painting Fun
Get your face painted as a calavera for around 25 pesos during Día de Muertos.
:paintbrush:Foodie Paradise
Día de Muertos brings tons of vendors with sweet treats, tacos, and more! :taco:
Tips
from all over the internet
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:Face Painting Fun
Get your face painted as a calavera for around 25 pesos during Día de Muertos.
: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.
:bus:What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 📍 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.
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.
During events like Día de Muertos, you'll find numerous vendors selling traditional food (pan de muerto, tacos), drinks, clothing, and trinkets.
Yes, porta-potties are available, especially during events. However, it's recommended to bring your own toilet paper as they can run out.
It has a unique, gritty charm and a strong local vibe. During events, it's bustling with excitement and community spirit.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
On regular days, food choices might be more limited.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.
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.
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.
The park's old trees and fountain also offer picturesque moments, especially with the surrounding historic architecture.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.
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.
The historic arched gate on the SW corner is also a notable landmark.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
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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. 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
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Día de Muertos at Parque San Juan
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. 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.
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.
Parque San Juan: A Local's Perspective
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. 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.
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.
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