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Story and photos by Dave O. Dodge, Jan. 29, 2015.
Temple of the Seven Dolls on the outskirts of Mérida.
If you are a lover of House Hunters International, then you already know about the charm and elegance that’s made the historic city of Mérida so popular.
Though this city is the capital of the state of Yucatán, Mexico, it has often been overlooked by travelers in favor of its neighboring hot spot, Cancun. But, historic Mérida is the polar opposite of the all-inclusive “hotel zone” and tourist scene that sits just 190 miles to the east (on the Caribbean side of the peninsula).
Mérida, a Spanish colonial city that was founded in 1542, is considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in all of North, South and Central America.
Located on the northwest part the state, about 25 miles inland from the calming waters of the Gulf of Mexico, this destination is on most travel connoisseurs’ top-10 list.
The entire city is like a symphony of sights and culture, each playing a part in a well-orchestrated performance with a cast of locals and foreigners that are gay, straight, young and old.
Seeing La Ciudad
Somewhere along the line Mérida acquired the nicknamed “The White City” (La Ciudad Blanca), which could be for the prominent use of the color on many of its historic buildings and homes or, more importantly, for being clean. In fact, Méridians pride themselves on the cleanliness of this city.
With just under a million residents, 60 percent of which are indigenous Mayans, Mérida is the largest city of the Yucatán Peninsula and is also is considered the country’s safest city. Because of its isolation from the rest of the country, though, the culture here is much different than most travelers’ idea of Mexico.
Visiting Mérida is like taking a step back in time, complete with a history lesson. Upon their arrival, the Spanish conquistadors were in search of gold and other natural resources, but found an entire civilization with its own language, temples, rituals and calendar.
Today, Mérida is all about, art, cuisine, tradition and acceptance, which makes it a perfect destination for the gays.
A History Lesson
Flamingos along the estuary in Celestún.
The city’s key historic neighborhood, known as Centro, is the third-largest concentration of colonial architecture next to Mexico City and Havana. At the Zócalo (officially Plaza de la Independencia), visitors will find many points of interest within the perfectly square tree-lined park that serves as the cultural heart of this vibrant city.
Here you can indulge your senses as a constant stream of people passes you by. By day, the street vendors serve up favorite local flavors and by night the cafes and restaurants expand their market share by setting up tables in the streets (once closed) and offer el-fresco dining in the year-round tropical air. As the sun sets and the stars come out, the historic buildings on every corner in the Zocalo light up like a virtual architectural design show.
La Catedral de San Ildefonso is the most prominent structure and can be seen throughout this district. Built by the Spanish with stones taken from the ancient temples of T’ho (also the name of the city that once existed in the building’s current footprint), this place of Catholic worship is an example of Moorish and Renaissance styles that were popular back in Spain in the late 1500s. Visitors are welcome to bask in the massive columns, arch rooflines and ornate details – this building is a must-see.
The Natural Reaction
While the Mexican Mérida is often compared to its Spanish cousin (about 240 miles north of the Iberian Peninsula), the similarities are numbered. Beyond the city itself, Yucatán has many hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
Here, the Mayan civilization, with countless archeological sites, can be a daunting task to understand – but it’s more than worth your time and effort. Catherwood Travels are based close to downtown and can help the Indiana Jones in you learn the secret rituals of the Mayans and help you understand what you are seeing. Never underestimate the power of a tour guide, because the good ones will seamlessly teach, inspire and have you longing for more.
And, because it’s impossible to not notice the natural beauty of the Yucatán surrounding you, make a point to soak up some sun. Just 20 minutes to the north, quiet beaches of Progreso greet the very relaxing waves of warm gulf waters. A 60-mile drive west will get you to the sleepy fishing village of Celestún, which is home to the largest breeding ground of the American Flamingo. During the winter months upwards of 35,000 flamingos, along with hundreds of other birds, make their home in the mangrove forests along this shallow estuary where natural fresh water springs feed into the salt water creating a diverse habitant.
Business and Pleasure
There is nothing the trendy, educated and fashionable LGBT community member would miss here. The American-inspired stores increasingly rival that of Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, just head to the mall at Plaza Altabrisa or the department store giant, Liverpool, for first-class retail therapy.
After just one visit, many LGBT travelers return home, to calculate how they can make this paradise a permanent home (and many have). The dollar continues to grow stronger, and it goes much further when you are restoring a that’s older than most structures back in the US. And, with a lower cost of living and a high lifestyle standard, retiring to the Yucatán is a very popular trend as well.
Mérida is an up and coming destination for the experienced traveler in search of the perfect blend of luxury, authenticity and culture. Mo matter what brings you to this region of Mexico – the Mayan Ruins, a cruise ship that docks for just a day or even a gay wedding – you’ll be glad your travels led you here.
Get a Room
Before I travel anywhere I like to check out my options for gay-owned and gay-friendly establishments, and Mérida currently has several options (and more coming soon). For details, visit purpleroofs.com and keep in mind that making mention of the site might give you a slight discount, too.
Casa Del Maya Bed & Breakfast (casadelmaya.com) is one of my favorites. The hosts are two charming American guys, Steve and Jordy, and they have been open for just over two years. Their beautifully restored colonial-style home has authentic touches that will inspire your inner Mayan.
Owners Ana and Mariana welcome the LGBT community into their home, Casa Ana (casaana.com), a bed & breakfast that offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of Mérida centro. With only five exquisitely decorated rooms, this is a quiet sanctuary that books up fast. Here, breakfast and dinner are served on the terrace throughout the week.
Ochenta y Dos (facebook.com/ochentaydos) is rumored to be opening this summer and will offer a boutique feel to a luxury urban bed & breakfast. This former city hacienda was built more than 100 years ago and was completely demolished and is being painstakingly rebuilt with smart-home technology. A different twist for the gay traveler.
Out and About
There is so much to do and to see in the city of Mérida and the surrounding countryside. There are deserted beaches less than 40 minutes away and Mayan ruins within the city limits. Still, organized tours and excursions are by far the most rewarding, because they take care of all the driving and the talking.
Dzibilchaltún, a 25-acre Mayan archeological site about 10 miles to the north, was once home to more than 40,000 Mayans. Today there are numerous structures to explore, and if you’re there on the equinox (March 21 or Sept. 21) the sun shines perfectly through the doorway of the Temple of the Seven Dolls – now that’s design. localgringo.com/mexico
Celestún is a tiny fishing village about 60 miles west of Mérida with a big attraction: During fall and winter months the American Flamingo migrates to the mangroves along the estuary where you can hire a boat to float along the watery ways. After a couple hours of bird watching, head to the beach for the best tasting shrimp served under a thatched roof. yucatantoday.com/en/topics/celestun
Cenotes are the result of the giant comet that killed the dinosaurs many moons ago, and these are giant sinkholes in the limestone bedrock that are filled with crystal clear water. There are hundreds of them around the Yucatán and for a small fee (or sometimes free) you can take a dip. yucatansecrets.com/cenotes
The Dinah
Club Skirts presents The Dinah — the annual music festival and pool party weekend and the largest lesbian event worldwide — is taking over Palm Springs from September 21st through the 25th.
Now celebrating its 31st year, the star-studded weekend will kick off a five-day party known to draw in upwards of 15,000 women from around the world.
This year, for the first time ever, the event will take place in Palm Springs’ most iconic hotel, The Margaritaville — formerly The Riviera — famous in the ’60s for its role as celebrity central, drawing the likes of Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Sammy Davis Jr., and Sonny and Cher.
Mariah Hanson
Photo courtesy of The Dinah
“I think it is definitely a rite of passage and a bucket list item,” said Mariah Hanson, ”and it’s a beacon in a way. I think that what we create there is so magical and so inspiring that you hear about it and you want to be a part of it because it’s life-changing.”
Hanson explained that the magic is intentional. She said along with her staff, they set to produce an event that is diverse, welcoming, and life-changing.
“We create a world for five days where people are united by the common theme of just acceptance and diversity and living in a world you want to live in,” Hanson said.
Hanson said she is proud to offer what she says is one of the “most diverse, inclusive, celebratory events.” She said The Dinah recognizes that our community is very diverse, and she wants everyone to feel welcome.
The festival includes various performances by nationally-renowned recording artists, massive pool parties with world-famous DJs and go-go dancers, red carpet events with celebrity guests and musicians, and meet-and-greets with lesbian celebrities.
The Dinah pool party
Photo courtesy of The Dinah
While in previous years, the Dinah events centered mostly on pool parties, the Dinah of the past decade has flawlessly amped up the pool parties, while also simultaneously becoming an enormous music festival, drawing in huge superstar artists over recent years, such as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Chaka Khan, Meghan Trainor, Iggy Azalea, Eve, Salt ‘N Pepa and more, many of them while they were just on the cusp of hitting the big-time.
Hanson explained that she has a formula, a set of ever-changing criteria, that she uses to book acts. She has a knack for finding artists to perform at the Dinah who is on the cusp of enormous stardom.
“My favorite example is Lizzo, who headlined the Sunday afternoon pool party in 2017,” said Hanson. “Nobody really knew who she was, and she’s a major star now. No one will ever see her in that small of a venue.”
Hanson has another incredible all-female entertainment line-up again this year.
“I’m excited to offer the lineup we have. I think it’s powerful. It’s almost all queer except Taylor Dane, but she’s welcome because she’s so cool!” said Hanson.
Taylor Dane, 80s pop icon, is taking over the stage at Friday night’s Black & White Ball and is bringing her full band for a special Dinah performance. The GRAMMY-nominated powerhouse’s groundbreaking debut single "Tell It to My Heart" turned her into an overnight star in 1987. She followed the smash hit with 17 Top 20 singles including “Love Will Lead You Back.” Co-headlining Friday night is a breakout hip-hop artist, Haviah Mighty, who is poised to follow the footsteps of Lady Gaga, Bebe Rexha, Iggy Azalea, and Lizzo. She is the first Black woman to win the Polaris Music Prize.
On Saturday night’s Hollywood Party, Fletcher, one of the most electrifying queer artists to burst onto the scene, takes center stage. The GLAAD-nominated artist has a slew of hit singles including “Undrunk”, “Bitter”, “girls girls girls”, and “Cherry.” Her new single “Her Body is Bible” is out now and her debut album is being released this month.
“You don’t want to miss any of these acts,” Hanson said.
Club Skirts The Dinah pool party
Photo courtesy of The Dinah
All of the weekend’s pool parties, night parties, and concerts will take place at the Margaritaville. The opening and closing parties will both be held at AsiaSF, a new hotspot to both kick-start and close the weekend.
Hanson said she is excited for the Dinah this year and hopes it will, as always, be an amazing experience for all who attend.
Hanson said her message for attendees, other than to pace themselves, is always the same.
“Don’t be afraid to meet new people. Don’t be afraid to reach out and share your stories and listen to other people's stories because there’s people from all over the world coming.”
Hanson negotiated some great rates with the host hotel, Margaritaville, and it currently has a waiting list. Email thedinah@gmail.com to get the Dinah discount and to add your name to the waiting list.
For more information and for tickets, please visit The Dinah.
Michael Feinstein will commemorate Judy Garland’s life on March 20 at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
Musical icon Michael Feinstein is coming to Scottsdale, Arizona on Sunday, March 20, 2022. His smooth voice and playlist of American standards will soothe audiences of all ages in this special live performance. Feinstein is known for having worked with George and Ira Gershwin, two of the most prolific songwriters in history.
His appearance in Scottsdale will pay tribute to another of entertainment's most iconic voices: Judy Garland. The actress and singer would have celebrated her 100th birthday this year. Her music still lives on in the hearts of millions.
Concert is Executive Produced by Liza Minnelli
Audiences are invited to join a nostalgic and spectacular musical exploration of Garland’s illustrious career. Executive produced by Liza Minnelli, this performance will be packed with special surprise moments as Feinstein honors Garland’s unparalleled talent and charisma.
This brand-new multimedia show features big screen film clips, never-before-seen photos, rare audio recordings, great music and good humor. Feinstein will lead you on a historical journey through Garland’s amazing life, telling stories he learned from Minnelli — Garland’s daughter — and from the legend’s close friends.
Audiences will be treated to recently discovered and previously unheard musical arrangements while gaining rare insight into the enduring Garland mystique.
“We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to celebrate the iconic Judy Garland on her 100th birthday, especially knowing the authenticity and love that went into this project with her daughter Liza Minnelli as the executive producer,” said Abbey Messmer, programming director at the center. “With the Ambassador of the American Songbook leading this journey, it’s certain that we’ll feel Judy’s spirit when we hear songs like ‘Get Happy’ and ‘Come Rain or Come Shine.’”
Photo courtesy of Michael Feinstein.
The Great American Songbook
Feinstein has built a dazzling career over the last three decades, bringing the music of the Great American Songbook to the world. From his multi-platinum-selling recordings that have earned him five Grammy nominations to his Emmy-nominated PBS television specials, his acclaimed NPR series and concerts spanning the globe.
Feinstein's New Album to Feature Music Icons
His live performances, film and television appearances, and 35 albums — including the upcoming release of “Gershwin Country,” featuring duets with country superstars like Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Lyle Lovett, Alison Krauss and more — have made Feinstein an all-star force in American music.
Valley audience members can join Feinstein for this celebration of Judy Garland at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale, Arizona. There will be two concerts at 3 pm and 7 pm on Sunday, March 20, 2022. Tickets start at $79. For information click here or visit or call 480-499-TKTS (8587).
All guests age 12 and older must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test, taken within 72 hours of the performance date, along with photo ID, to attend performances. As an alternative, guests may provide proof of full vaccination. Masks are highly encouraged to protect artists, staff and patrons. For full health and safety protocols click here.