The busiest part of MEL’s year is almost complete, but we still have many great activities coming up in March.  The Chili Cookoff, which we hold jointly with the Mérida English Rotary Club and the International Women’s Club of Mérida, is this weekend.  And, this is the final month of the season for The Original MEL House & Garden Tours, the MEL Wine Tastings, the Santa Ana Gallery Tours, the Gorro Group, and Yoga4Snowbirds.  Read on for information about these great activities, and much more!

Please note the library will be CLOSED on Monday March 16 as we celebrate the national holiday for the birthday of Benito Juárez.  Looking ahead, we’ll also be closed on Friday April 3 for Good Friday.

Remember you  can always call the library at 999-924-8401 or send an email to info@meridaenglishlibrary.com for information.  Visit our library website, Facebook page or Instagram profile for all of the weekly, monthly and upcoming events and never forget that libraries do change lives by offering communities a place to learn, create and belong.

The 2026 Mérida Chili Cookoff is a friendly community chili cook-off and tasting event where cooks compete by serving their best chili recipes, attendees vote for favorites, and everyone enjoys food, music, and a fun afternoon together. It’s a local social and food celebration with a competitive twist.

This 11th edition of the Mérida Chili Cookoff is set for Sunday, March 7, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Casa de Amistad in Itzminá. There will be live music, food and more fun activities!

This event was created to support a variety of children's charities. The organizations involved direct the funds raised during the event to this cause. In past editions, the event has supported the program Estancia Nueva Vida by Mission of Friendship Yucatán - Erie, and this year we continue helping this noble cause.

The Children's Section of the Mérida English Library offers a variety of books for kids of all ages and reading levels: from board books to picture books, bilingual books, fiction and nonfiction, classic stories, series and anthologies.  Events and programs for children are also part of their work., and a portion of the proceeds will be allocated to making our Children’s Area even better! 

Tickets are now available for $400 at the library, online in the MEL Shop through March 6, from select members of the Rotary Club and International Women’s Club or at the door the day of the event. Tickets will also be sold at Slow Food market on saturday morning.

 Tickets at the door are $500 each.

THERE IS STILL ROOM FOR COOKS, and we’d all love to taste your secret family recipe. Details on our website.

MEL Spring Bazaar

Handmade with love! Visit the MEL Patio on Sunday March 15 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM, and find a wide variety of handmade products, decorations, visual arts, handicrafts, clothing, accessories, jewelry and more at the MEL Spring Bazaar! Before leaving town, make sure you get a souvenir or two, a gift or two for your loved ones, a piece of your experience in Yucatán. In this edition, we are honored to receive the Yucatán State Council of Embroiderers, who will share with us part of their amazing work and legacy in traditional hand stitching, something you must not miss! 

Live music, drinks, snacks, books, plants, friends, and more to come during the MEL Spring Bazaar!

Join us on Thursday, March 19 at 7:00 PM for an unforgettable evening in support of the Mérida English Library. 

Our last Wine Tasting Event of the season will be held in a stunning art gallery surrounded by extraordinary sculptures and captivating paintings that create an atmosphere of elegance and inspiration.  Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated selection of wines and tapas, each chosen to delight the palate and spark conversation.  and … as a special bonus …  DJ RITMO “‘will be in the house’” with special spinning selections!

Stroll through the Gallery, savor exceptional wines and tapas and connect in a space where art and community come together beautifully.  As always, proceeds benefit MEL’s literacy programs, cultural events, and community outreach initiatives.

Tickets for MEL Members go on sale on March 5 online in the MEL Shop.  During this presale-period, library members may purchase two tickets at MX$700 each per Family or Individual membership number.  Please visit our website for information about our ticket sales policies.

Tickets go on sale without restriction both online and in person at MEL at 9:00 AM on Monday March 9.  Tickets for non-members are MX$800 each.  Please note that tickets are NOT AVAILABLE at the door of the event, so make sure to buy yours in advance.

RAISE A GLASS, CELEBRATE THE ARTS, ENJOY THE MUSIC!

We look forward to seeing you there.   

This lecture series by Raúl Gasque explores the rich and layered history of Yucatecan art, tracing its evolution from early iconographic representations to contemporary Neo Maya expressions. The course begins with a close examination of the visual imaginaries that shaped Yucatán’s artistic identity—through illustration, photography, architecture, literature, and music—and follows their transformation across time.

Special attention is given to the Neo Maya movement, analyzing how modern and contemporary artists reinterpret ancestral symbols, materials, and narratives. Through this journey, the course reveals the dynamic dialogue between historical memory and present-day artistic innovation in Yucatán.

The course consists of five classes, each from 9:30 AM until 12:30, combining lectures, visual analysis, and creative workshops.  Visit the MEL Blog for detailed information about the course syllabus and cost.

Originally from Mérida, Raúl recently returned home after two decades abroad to reconnect with his roots and the rich cultural energy of the region.  This is his fourth art history workshop at MEL.

Join Us for March’s House & Garden Tours; the final month of the season!

We invite you to explore the charm and beauty of Mérida with our House & Garden Tours, happening every Wednesday morning.  Our special Neighborhood & Evening Tours continue:

• March 11, 2026 (9.30 AM) - Meet at Gran Parque La Plancha

• March 11, 2026 EVENING TOUR (5:30 PM) - Meet at Parque de San Juan

• March 18, 2026 (9:30 AM) - Meet at MEL

• March 18, 2026 EVENING TOUR (5:30 PM) - Meet at Paseo 60

• March 25, 2026 (9:30 AM) - Meet at MEL

• March 25, 2026 EVENING TOUR (5:30 PM) - Meet at MEL

Please visit our website for more information, and plan to join us!

Tickets are on sale now at MEL or online in the MEL Shop.  Tickets cost $400 for MEL members and $500 for non-members.

Julie Marie Hoey returns with another series of acrylic painting classes at MEL starting Tuesday March 31, 2026.  She offers a six-week session, with classes beginning at 11:00 AM.  Each class is 90 minutes. Participants may register for all six weeks, or may elect to register for four classes based on their skill level.  While classes are appropriate for all levels of ability and experience, beginning and intermediate students may choose the first four weeks, and more advanced students may decide to wait until the third session and attend only the last four weeks. 

Julie Marie will supply canvas paper for practice exercises, but students will bring their own supplies and brushes, and you can find a list — along with other information — on the MEL Blog. 

Come stroll around Santa Ana, the Soho of Mérida, with us!  The final two tours of the season are on March 5 and March 19.  We meet at the fountain in the Santa Ana Park (Calle 60 x 45) at 10 AM for a short talk, then visit several galleries and workshops in the barrio.

Registration is limited to 12 participants per tour, and costs $200 for MEL members and $300 for non-members.  Buy your tickets at MEL or online in the MEL Shop.  

Storytime is Blooming at MEL this March!

Spring is just around the corner, and our Saturday Storytime sessions at Mérida English Library are ready to celebrate the season with stories, creativity, and plenty of fun for our young readers.

Join us on Saturday, March 7 for a special Spring-themed Storytime, where children will enjoy seasonal stories and activities that welcome the colors and joy of spring.

Later in the month, on Saturday, March 21, we’ll celebrate with a festive St. Patrick’s Day Storytime, filled with lucky stories, cheerful crafts, and a touch of green magic.

These mornings are always full of laughter and imagination, and they are made possible thanks to the dedication of our wonderful MEL volunteers and staff, who spend time preparing stories and activities to create meaningful moments for children and families.

We warmly invite families to join us and make Storytime part of their Saturday routine. It’s a lovely way for young readers to connect with books, creativity, and community.

We look forward to seeing you!

Although our regular Wednesday night lecture season has concluded, March brings us several special daytime presentations, free as always.

Untamed: The Psychology of Marvel's Wolverine —  Dra. Suzana Flores presents her book on Saturday March 7 at 11:00 AM. Marvel Comic's savage, brooding antihero is, in his own words, the best at what he does--killing with gratuitous precision. Paradoxically violent yet humane, the beer-swilling, cigar-smoking mutant with retractable claws is universally misjudged in the Marvel Universe yet esteemed by fans worldwide. Dra Flores explores Wolverine's development from bit character to modern legend over more than four decades, with a focus on his enduring appeal as an allegory for resilience through torment.  Read more about her work on her website.

Healthy aging and fall Prevention — Sensoria Monday March 9 at 11:00 AM

Healthy aging is not a matter of luck, but the result of consistent decisions over time. In this talk, we will explore how physical activity, prevention strategies, physiotherapy and structured lifestyle habits help preserve function, independence, and quality of life in older adults. Aging does not mean becoming fragile- it means adapting intelligently to maintain strength, balance and autonomy for as long as possible. 

The Importance of Illustration in the Maya World — Steve Radzi returns Wednesday March 18 at 11:00 AM for this fascinating presentation, which includes drawings from many Maya sites not open to the general public, focusing on new works. Steve is an England-born illustrator who has been exploring and documenting Mayan archeological sites since 1973. He is a former board member of the Institute of Maya Studies who has spoken at conferences around the world. You can learn more about Steve and his work here.

Mobility in Mérida — Join longtime resident Joanna van der Gracht de Rosado April 1 at 11:00 AM as she addresses members of the  international community - and their companions and spouses - who are living with mobility issues. Yes, uneven sidewalks, slippery surfaces,  difficulty finding parking and dealing with the heat, challenge us in many ways. As well, the  general population’s lack of awareness regarding ambulatory limitations can be frustrating. However, sharing knowledge about resources, organizing activities and working with what IS available definitely lessens negative effects and isolation. It is hoped that meeting others with shared concerns, and the goal of living a full, productive lifestyle, will improve our all-round enjoyment of Mérida and the surrounding area. 

Expat Real Estate Seminar — Saturday March 28 at 10:00 AM

🍀 Lucky Bingo Night at MEL!

Join us for a special Saint Patrick’s themed Bingo Night filled with fun, prizes, and a little Irish luck!

Whether you’re a bingo regular or it’s your first time, we promise a warm, friendly atmosphere.  Come connect, play, eat, and enjoy an evening filled with laughter, prizes, and good company.

Saturday, March 21. Doors open at 6:45 PM — We start at 7:00 PM
Buy your bingo cards in advance online in the MEL Shop

Richard Poe is a classically trained, fourth generation Pilates teacher. All student levels will feel comfortable in attending.  Students should only bring a mat; a Pilates–specific mat is preferred but not required.

Join Richie at MEL on Fridays 10:45 am – 11:40 am in our air-conditioned classroom.  Register online in the MEL Shop for a single session for $200 or take advantage of a special $700 monthly fee.

Join Mónica González starting on March 5 to explore Master Chungliang movements, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 – 10:30 AM.  Classes are $100 per session with discounts for purchases of six sessions or more.  Visit the MEL Shop to reserve your spots. NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO TAI CHI ON MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 2.

Instructor Alma Duran continues with her popular Yoga4Snowbirds, specially designed sessions that will help you unlock the key to feeling joyful, healthy and energetic - without risky or pretzel-like postures. Each class is different and offers a full-body, safe, mindful, breath-oriented sequence that includes powerfully grounding and strengthening, meditation in motion, breathwork and other complementary somatic explorations. Classes begin at 9:30 AM on the MEL patio.  Visit our website for more information.

We meet at MEL on Monday evenings to practice English and Spanish during Conversaciones con Amigos. This is a language exchange program.

We open the doors at 6:45 pm. We start the practice at 7 with a suggested topic, though you can talk about anything you wish as long as you avoid controversial topics. We finish at 9:00 pm. This program is designed for adults only and is free for MEL members, $20 for non-members.

The group will not meet on March 16 due to the national holiday.

The Mérida Writers Group meets in our classroom every-other-week, including March 11 and March 25.  This is an opportunity for writers of all levels and genres to share their work.  Join them starting at 11:00 AM.

Our Fiction & Friends book club meets on March 26 starting at 10:00 AM.  The selection for this month isThe Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. You can read a synopsis here, and please visit our website for more information or to join.

The Climate Solutions Group will meet on Saturday March 21 at 11:30 AM in our classroom. In this group, we learn, grow, and build a community of people concerned about preparing for climate change. These meetings are open to the public – we look forward to seeing you there!

The Spanish classes at MEL continue during March and April, and there's a seat for you!

Learn the Spanish we speak in México. Register now online or in person for a single class, a month, or two! Please check the calendar of special class dates; some will be online, other will have a change of date. Clcik here to register and more information about these classes here.

Ready to write? The popular Poetry Writing Workshop with Olya returns! This fun and informal workshop of imaginative prompts and collaborative discovery will help spark your creative genius. Just bring your pen, paper, and love of words! All collections will receive feedback from the instructor at the end of the workshop. The first session of this new six-week series will be on Wednesday April 1, starting at 9:30 AM and ending at 11:30 AM. Click here to read more.

Since 2012, hats and toys made by a group of crafters have been distributed weekly to children in the cancer unit of O’Horán Hospital. Besides a gorro (brimless hat), each child gets a toy and activity book, crayons or colored pencils.

 If you can knit, crochet, or sew, please join us in the classroom at MEL on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30 - 12:30, through March. We have patterns and some materials to share, but please bring your own equipment and supplies if you have them. 

Questions?  Please send an email to Marie Barchus, Marianne Kehoe, or Irma O'Meara.

AA holds their regular weekly sessions in English at MEL every Thursday starting at 7:00 PM.  Visit our website for more information. 

Celeste, library member, friend, and neighbor, passed in late December. She always happily participated in library events and continuously supported our community with her joy and presence.

We hope you can join us as we celebrate Celeste’s life together.

This Friday, March 6th at 7:00 p.m

Please if possible RSVP through this Facebook event. Your presence will be much appreciated.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1GnoM5sPME/

📚 Carry thanks & new book list

If you or a guest will be coming to Merida from the U.S. and can help by bringing books, contact Marianne Kehoe with your mailing address, travel dates, and how many books you can carry. She’ll do the rest.  Please conntact her at : kehoedds@gmail.com

Harold Platt - Mary Haggerly - David - Anthony Langley - Marne Coit - Virginia Raven - Sara Alfred Sanchez- Ehris Urban - Elizabeth Dunkel- Cathy Farrell - Russell King - Kathleen Lonergan - Pablo Liddy - Barbara Burch - Betty Barton - Janelle Masden - Tim Kolar - Karen Commins - Alejandro Pinto - Samuel Wilson - Christopher Hilyer - Cynthia Baras - George Shapiro - Toni Brogan - Linda Bowrnias - Carole Suitzer - Danielle deMoissac - Paul Dedell - Alvah Hanrahan - Mark Mommy and Beverly Georry - Nancy Duncan - Debbie Rootman - John Granger - Alan Graham.

AVAILABLE AND MEL OR DOWNLOAD HERE