Originally, this area was the land of a hacienda called Dátil y Limón (Date and Lemon), located far outside Mérida. In the late 19th century, Don Cosme Ángel Villajuana purchased the hacienda, renaming it San Cosme after himself and his patron saint.
In 1904, a Spaniard with real estate expertise, Don Joaquín García Ginerés, bought the hacienda, divided the land, and sold plots. Initially, people were hesitant to buy property so far from the city. When Don Joaquín passed away in 1915, the area was officially named García Ginerés in his honor.
García Ginerés Today
Now a mostly residential area, García Ginerés is divided by the busy, one-way Avenida Colón. The wide streets are lined with a mix of older and modern homes, mostly built within the last 50 years. While there are elegant, expensive homes, the area also has more modest residences, making it an upper-middle-class enclave.
At the heart of the neighborhood, on the corner of Calle 20 and Avenida Colón, stands Parque de Las Américas, a stunning Mayan Art Deco-style park completed in 1946.
Parque de Las Américas
The park is divided into four quadrants, featuring:
- Monuments honoring the countries of North and South America, celebrating pre-Hispanic cultures and socialist ideals in contrast to the area’s colonial Spanish heritage.
- A large fountain in one section.
- A half-shell open-air auditorium for performances.
- The José Martí Cultural Center in another quadrant.
- A fenced-off children’s play area.
Rumor has it that a cenote once existed beneath the concha (performance space). Today, locals enjoy the park’s shade, cultural events, and jogging paths, while weekends often feature athletic and cultural gatherings.
Slow Food Market – Every Saturday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Part of the global Slow Food movement, this market promotes culinary traditions, regional organic produce, and healthy eating. Arrive early for the best selections, as vendors often sell out before noon. Bring your own shopping bags!
