All about Parroquia de Santa Ana in Mérida, Mexico

Parroquia de Santa Ana, a catholic church, stands on the north side of Parque de Santa Ana which also includes Mercado Santa Ana. The church has a length of around 70 meters and a width of around 35 meters.

The church represents another example of colonial architecture in Mérida. The park, with the district and church of the same name, is dedicated to St. Anne. The church houses a statue of Saint Anne, who is venerated as the patron saint of the church.

In several writings from the 2nd to 6th centuries, she is regarded as the mother of Mary and therefore the grandmother of Jesus Christ. She has been venerated as a saint since the Middle Ages.

The construction of the church was ordered by Antonio de Figueroa y Silva, a former Governor and Captain of Yucatán. Construction began in 1729 and was completed (and consecrated) in 1733. It has a Latin cross pattern on an atrium, built apparently where the Maya religious structure had stood.

The Parroquia de Santa Ana is a popular venue for weddings, baptisms and other religious ceremonies and there are various religious festivals and processions that take place in the church throughout the year, which bring the community together.

In addition, the church is a popular tourist destination due to its central location, historical significance and architecture. The church has been restored several times over the centuries. The last major restoration took place in the 20th century.

Ghost stories

The following story does not take place inside the church, but on the outside. More precisely, in the area of the bus stop in Calle 60, which is in front of the church, and also at other places in the Santa Ana neighborhood.

Several people have reported in the past that they have seen a truly scary ghost in this area. The ghost is described as a white, emaciated man dressed in 18th century style.

Sometimes he just stands by the street as if waiting for the bus or he slowly wanders through the neighborhood biting chunks of flesh out of his forearm. As a result, his arm is eaten down to the bone and the flesh is darkly discolored, making this ghost appear like a living zombie.

Interestingly, there is an explanation for this. Two psychics in Mérida were able to make a connection with the ghost and find out his story.

The man was a wealthy Spanish plantation owner in Santa Ana in the 18th century with around 30 workers who worked for him under slave-like conditions.

At that time, Santa Ana consisted mainly of farmland, which was given as a fief by the plantation owners. There were repeated uprisings and at times the entire neighborhood was razed to the ground.

During an uprising on his hacienda - which was located near Calle 60 - he was captured by his own people and locked up in his cellar - without food and without hope of release.

After some time and in absolute desperation, he began to eat his own arm until he finally died. According to him, he also felt betrayed because even his closest and most trusted workers had taken part in the uprising.

No wonder he became a rather uncomfortable ghost, right?