It's getting warm in the beautiful Yucatán Peninsula. Many people including residents take their spring break vacations and the opportunity to explore the natural and urban landscapes, visit cenotes and magic towns, enjoy the beaches or take cultural excursions. Whether you have decided to travel and appreciate the Yucatán's natural beauty or are spending these days at home, check out the variety of activities we have planned for you!

LIBRARY CLOSED ON HOLY FRIDAY

Mónica Gonzalez returns to MEL after a successful training seminar in Boston. She is always enhancing her skills to provide the best for her students. In April, you can find Mónica at MEL on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30, except for Holy Thursday. Individual classes cost 100 pesos, and the full month (8 sessions) is 500 pesos. Register here.

On March 1, 2025, US President Trump signed an executive order declaring English as the "one...official language" of the U.S. This move is in keeping with the English-only policies that have been passed in over 30 U.S. states. What does this mean for people who speak other languages in the U.S.? How will it affect all of us in our daily lives? Ideas about language and its use are almost always ideas about something else — like class, race, or nationality. Language is political, and access to it can be a question of life or death.

This workshop has three objectives:

• To present foundational concepts for analyzing language politics generally

• To apply these concepts to analyze the current language politics in the U.S. and their potential effects

• To offer tips and techniques on writing effective op-ed articles and letters to legislators

While our focal example will be the attempt to create an official language in the U.S., the workshop is relevant for non-U.S. participants as well. The foundational concepts for analyzing language politics and the practical writing skills are generalizable, and a reading packet will be provided. Further, Canada will serve as an instructive contrasting example to the U.S., and suggestions will be made for how Canadians can help Americans understand the potential consequences of the present situation.

This workshop will take place on Tuesday April 8 starting at 11:00 AM and will be held in MEL’s air-conditioned classroom.  There is no fee, and registration is not required.

Dr Catherine Rhodes is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of New Mexico, and she is currently a Visiting Professor at the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán in Mérida under a Fulbright U.S. Scholar fellowship. She is a linguistic anthropologist who specializes in language politics, language diversity, and education. Currently, she is creating the first introductory book and curriculum for linguistic anthropology in Spanish (Living Language, 4th edition and El Lenguaje Vivo, 1st edition, with her co-author Laura Ahearn).

AA in English every Thursday at 7:00 PM at MEL.

If you are a teacher and would like to visit MEL with your class, don’t hesitate to contact us! Join our school visit program—we have available dates from April to June. Please check the complete information and requirements here.

Mérida Writers Group meets twice a month on Wednesdays. This group is open to the public and meets at MEL

As every Monday, we look forward to seeing you at Conversations with Friends, a language exchange program. In April, this program will take place every Monday except for the 21st. See you there! 

Are you interested in current environmental issues? Join the group to share ideas for solutions. Everyone is welcome!

As every month, the MEL Book Club will meet to discuss the book of the month. Join us on Thursday, April 24, at 10:00 AM to talk about The Master by Colm Tóibín.

In April, we celebrate Children's Day, and at MEL, we're having a party! This month, we have two special dates: Saturday, April 12, with a pirate-themed event, and Saturday, April 26, for our special Children's Day celebration. Space is limited, so don’t forget to register! 

If you're interested in practicing Pilates, you have to meet Richie! Richie brings us mat Pilates every Friday at 11 AM in MEL’s air-conditioned room. Richie's classes are usually held every Friday, but since MEL will be closed on Good Friday, the class for that week will be on Saturday, the 19th. Register per session for 200 pesos or get a 5-class package for 900 pesos. Before registering, please check our calendar. We look forward to seeing you!

Conversational Spanish classes taught by the incredibly fun instructor Alfonso López on Wednesdays and Fridays at MEL. Classes available are Basic Level at 4 pm and Intermediate Level at 5 pm (change of time). Consider that these courses started in September and we continue with our program. Take a free trial class and register for a month or two. 

Alfonso is now opening a new English class at 6 pm English for Business, for students who want to improve their language skill in an intermediate - advanced level (B2 - C1). Email him for more information at asesoriasdeidiomasmerida@gmail.com 

Margy Alexy will be at MEL on Friday, April 11, at 11 AM with her free Easter card workshop for families and kids. Join us, it will be fun!

Every month, we gather to have fun with Bingo. In April, join us on Saturday, April 26, at 7 PM. Cash bar available.

Janelle Masden - Joni Lochman- Diane Martin- Laurie Frey Baquedano - Linda Russell - Graciela Rubalcava - Stephan Williams - Lisbeth Rivera - Alvah Hanrahan - George McClellan - Catherine Schneider - Patty Berry - Jim Rees - Gina Sullivan - Christine Longfield - Robert Esparza - Timmie Elsner - Bettina Hirschi - Elizabeth Gassimi - Margot Dionne - David Massey - Sherell Sands -Nancy Vaughan- Linda O'Donnell -Ron Leuthel.

Download it here