Mérida, Yucatán — The fusion between the modern and the antique, and colonial and eclectic, was on full public view to ticket holders attending one of Fundación BAI’s most anticipated fundraisers.
The 10th Showcase of Homes attracted hundreds of people interested in their neighbors’ private spaces. About 400 architecture and interior design students also came to take notes, said Dr. Carlos Cabrera May, executive director of the foundation.
From 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, six houses demonstrated the creativity of the Centro Histórico’s homeowners or the professionals they hired. Built with solid facades flush to the sidewalk, houses in colonial Mérida give few if any hints at their interiors.
Most of the homes were restored by foreigners who either settled in Mérida or rent their homes to travelers visiting Yucatán.
Although different, the homes had one thing in common: soaring ceilings, some with skylights to allow natural light to enter what could have been dark spaces.
Some 80 volunteer docents guided visitors and kept order inside the homes.
Both Carlos Cabrera and Holly Theriault, president of the tour’s organizing committee, presided over the event and thanked Municipal Police Commander Mario Romero for his department’s support during the self-guided walking tour.
