Free cultural and recreational events organized by the city of Mérida are staged year-round from the central plaza to the Paseo Montejo. Customs are preserved and shared through classical, jazz and rock concerts, as well as traditional and modern art exhibits, folk and contemporary dance, art cinema, children's workshops, literary activities, and lectures.

One of the more traditional Mérida festivals, the Cristo de las Ampollas (Christ of the Blisters) festival is celebrated in September with Catholic masses, folk dances, and other religious ceremonies.

In some nearby towns, a Mayan ceremony called Cha-Chaac is still celebrated. Farmers appeal to Chaac, the Mayan rain god, to grant them an abundant crop.

The Yucatan Cultural Institute organizes the Spring Cultural Festival, where top Yucatan musicians perform on March 21.