All about Mercado San Sebastián in Mérida, Mexico

Mercado San Sebastián is a food market, packed with inexpensive eateries. The San Sebastián market, together with the church Parroquia de San Sebastián and the Parque de San Sebastián, forms the center of the San Sebastián district.

If you're in the area, you can stop by, otherwise it's not necessarily worth traveling a little further out of the center just for the market. Unfortunately, the market has become less and less important in recent years, it is a little shabby and no longer really recommendable.

Food at the market

As with most markets, you can also eat typical Yucatecan food at the Mercado San Sebastián. Tacos, for example, are a classic throughout Mexico and are available in many different variations, which are also ideal for a snack between meals.

A well-known and typical dish is also huevos motuleños – a breakfast dish named after the nearby town of Motul, consisting of eggs on tortillas with black beans and cheese. Trying those traditional Mexican dishes in the city markets is a rather authentic experience.

The neighborhood

The San Sebastián neighborhood (Barrio de San Sebastián) stands as one of Mérida's oldest and most traditional districts. Its roots trace back to an ancient Mayan village situated southwest of Mérida, which later adopted the name San Sebastián during the colonial era.

Legend has it that Montejo's troops may have traversed through this area on their journey to T'ho. Within this historic neighborhood lies the Parroquia de San Sebastián, dating back to the 17th century.

Originally known as the Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Buen Viaje, its proximity to the royal path of Campeche likely influenced its former name. Annual pilgrimages and regional parades in August honor the Patron Saint.

The neighborhood's homes are known for their vibrant colors. Additionally, it is renowned for its culinary scene, being the birthplace of Panuchos and hosting the Festival del Pib, a Yucatecan delicacy associated with Hanal Pixan (Day of the Dead).