# Mérida public art and Maya culture initiatives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mrida-public-art-and-maya-culture-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-09-14T17:07:31.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

The city of Mérida has launched a public art initiative titled ‘Mérida Enchula, Arte y Cultura’ to integrate art into the urban landscape through works reflecting Maya culture.

The program began with the unveiling of the ‘Ik Balam’ (Jaguar of the Wind) sculpture in the Xcumpich neighborhood, a piece donated by artist Juan Pablo Mier y Terán. Following this, authorities held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new monument at the Remate de Paseo de Montejo. This project involves creating a large-scale replica of the Estela 18 of Uxmal, dedicated to the Maya goddess Chak Chel. The replica is being handcrafted by artisans from Muna using ferrous limestone from the Puuc region.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-14: Mérida begins construction of Maya goddess monument

Mérida has begun construction on a large-scale replica of the Estela 18 of Uxmal, a monument dedicated to the Maya goddess Chak Chel, to be placed at the Paseo de Montejo.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mrida-begins-construction-of-maya-goddess-monument

### 2026-09-13: Mérida unveils ‘Ik Balam’ sculpture in Xcumpich

Mérida Mayor Cecilia Patrón Laviada unveiled ‘Ik Balam’, a Maya-inspired sculpture by Juan Pablo Mier y Terán, marking the start of a new public art initiative in the city.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mrida-unveils-ik-balam-sculpture-in-xcumpich

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Cite as: Mérida public art and Maya culture initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mrida-public-art-and-maya-culture-initiatives