Izamal, Yucatan

Izamal is a small town in the Mexican state of Yucatan, 72 km (40 miles) east of state capital Mérida. Izamal was continuously occupied for most of Mesoamerican chronology, in 2000, the city's estimated population was 15,000. Izamal in Yucatan is known as "Yellow City" (most of its buildings are painted yellow) and "City of Hills" (though most of the hills "are probably the remains of the ancient temple pyramids).


Izamal remains a pilgrimage site in the Yucatan, now for the veneration of Catholic saints. statues of various saints in Izamal is said to work miracles. A statue of the early colonial era of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception is particularly revered, and is the patron saint of the city.

The Mayan language is still heard at least as much as Spanish in Izamal. It is the first language in the homes of most people. Most signs are in both languages.

Main festivities take place in Izamal April 3, May 03, August 15 and December 8.

Izamal is home to a distillery that produces an eponymous mescal hearts hemp plants grown locally.

Izamal was named "Pueblo Mágico" in 2002.