Espita is a traditionally Mayan small town in the eastern part of Yucatán in southeast Mexico. The town is designated as one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos.
Understand
[edit]The town has over 11,000 residents (2010), making it regionally important. It is known for having several nearby haciendas during Mexico's colonial era, though unlike most haciendas in Yucatán, those around Espita grew corn rather than henequen, making it the breadbasket of the Yucatán.
History
[edit]Originally settled by indigenous Maya, the town of Espita was formally organized as a Spanish town in the late 1520s. It grew under the encomiendo system that saw the establishment of Espita's nearby haciendas, primarily growing corn and sugar cane.
The most historically significant event for Espita was its involvement in the Caste Wars that occurred during the Porfiriato era between the War for Independence and the Mexican Revolution. In 1848 the town was taken over by indigenous rebels. They would be ousted by federal troops two years later.
Get in
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By bus
[edit]From Merida there is one direct bus per day to Espita, but there are several Noreste buses (Autobuses Noreste Yucatán) each day to Tiziman at a cost of M$120. Tiziman is about 20 minutes by taxi to Espita.
By car
[edit]Yucatán is one of the easiest Mexican states for foreigners to drive in and rental cars are widely available in Cancun or Merida. From Cancun, drive west on federal highway MEX-180D (toll road) to Vallodolid. In Vallodolid, turn north on federal highway MEX-295. After about 25 km, watch for the turnoff to the west towards Espita.
Get around
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The easiest way to get around is by walking, especially considering the small size of the town, but a bike would also be a good option. 3-wheel moto-taxis (tuk-tuks) are the most popular way to get around town, but the ones in Espita are different from moto-taxis in other regions and are called tricitaxis in local parlance. Tricitaxis are basically open frames attached to a motorcycle. They look rickety to many foreign visitors, but that only adds to the sense of adventure in using one to get around. There are almost always some tricitaxis for hire near the town square (zocalo).
See
[edit]- 1 Iglesia de San José (St Joseph Church), Calle 25, Centro. The town's main church was established in 1568 though the church would not be completed until the early 17th century. A catastrophic fire in 1738 burned down the original church, which was promptly rebuilt ("promptly" being relative since re-construction took many years, finally being complete in 1755. The church is a focal point for the community, particularly during the town's Natividad celebrations.
Do
[edit]Festivals
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- Natividad - Espita's biggest party of the year is a Christmas celebration held from December 19 through the 26. It began as a more somber religious celebration but has expanded over the years to include regional folk dances and music, parades, mounds of food and plenty of good cheer. Festivities begin on the 19th in the main church where a statue of baby Jesus is lowered from its niche. A temporary bullring is set up for charreadas and bullfights. The biggest day of celebration is Christmas Day itself, December 25.
Buy
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- 1 Mercado Municipal de Espita, Calle 25, Centro. Daily 07:00 - 16:00. Small traditional marketplace selling farm-fresh produce, meats and household items. Food vendors prepare regional specialties, providing some of the tastiest and most economical ways to eat.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Tropi del Caribe, Calle 32 entre 39 y 41, ☏ +52 99 8440 3892. Sa-Su 13:30-00:00, Th-F 18:00 - 23:00, closed M-W. Casual patio restaurant with outdoor dining beneath the palm trees and a large swimming pool. Locals come to enjoy tacos and regional Yucatecan dishes along with a bucket of ice cold beers while the kids play in the swimming pool. M$200.
- 2 Estación 9-3/4, Calle 33 #194 x22 y 24, ☏ +52 99 9200 6466. Tu-Su 19:00 - 23:00, closed M. Casual restaurant with clean, bright and inviting dining area. Serves huge burgers stacked with everything but the kitchen sink (that might even be on the menu if you ask). Fries, chicken strips, cold beers, cappuccino, frappe and other coffee drinks.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- 1 Casa Kacaya, Calle 26 200, Centro (between 23rd and 25th streets), ☏ +52 986 114 2633. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Small boutique hotel with just 6 rooms. Spacious rooms with elegant appointments. Margaritas served on the rooftop at sunset. On-site restaurant serves locally sourced organic foods. M$3000.
- 2 Casona los Cedros, Calle 26 - 199 23x 25, Centro (between 23rd and 25th streets). Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Historic casona with rustic decor, spacious rooms with upscale furnishings, and a peaceful courtyard garden oasis. On-site restaurant serves innovative regional cuisine. M$3000.
- 3 Posada Georgina, Carr. Sucila-Calotmul at Calle 14, ☏ +52 986 100 3968. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Moderate hotel on a busy road. M$1200.
- 4 Jardines de Ixchel, Km 0.700 Salida a Dzitas, ☏ +52 98 4205 8874. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Eco-lodge in a jungle setting with a large swimming pool surrounded by patio chairs and a couple of friendly roaming house dogs and a few iguanas. Rooms are clean and spacious,. On-site restaurant serves regional Yucatecan cuisine and lots of cold drinks. Plenty of hammocks.