Mérida

Also known as the White City for the cleanness of its streets and its people, this village was founded in 1542 over time-stricken ruins. As a whole, the city doesn't need to brag about its humble simplicity of Franciscan heritage. Despite the passage of time, there're still such standing architectural monuments as the Montejo House, and colonial-style jewels as the Palace of Government, both of outstanding beauty and importance, as well as the Cathedral of Merida, one of Mexico's oldest churches. The Jubilee is part of the local tradition, a celebration in which music and folklore go hand in hand. During this time of the year, parks Hidalgo, Santa Ana, Santa Lucia and Plaza Mayor and closed down just to make room for dancing shows and handicraft exhibits, an excellent occasion to buy those keepsakes you've been looking for. The area's traditional craftsmanship out of palm fibers, jonquil and wood goes all the way back to the Mayans. Other works were eventually incorporated to these traditions, especially during the colonial rule, as in the case of embroidery and leather works. In Merida, the modern and the traditional combine to make a unique location where parks, museums, marketplaces and shopping malls can be visited. At night, first-class restaurants, discos, nightclubs will be waiting just for you. Then, after the party is over, a nice hotel or 18th-century estate will let you sleep like a log.