By Honorary Reporter Alexia Hurtado from Mexico
Photos = Alexia Hurtado

Merida, the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatan, in 2019 was the first Mexican city to decree a Korea Day (May 4). The city on May 6 this year held its fourth annual parade to commemorate 60 years of relations between Korea and Mexico. The streets of the city were painted in the national colors of both nations and their flags were raised in the parade.

The event was organized by the Korean Embassy in Mexico City and Association of Korean Descendants in Yucatan and began at Santiago Park, which has a plaque to commemorate the first Korean immigrants to Mexico in 1905. 

A speech to start the parade was given by association president Juan Duran Cong, who told the story of the first Korean immigrants in Yucatan and wished for long and fruitful bilateral relations. Korean Ambassador to Mexico Suh Jeong-in thanked the Mexican people and residents of Meridia and Yucatan for welcoming Korean immigrants.

The parade headed toward Palacio Municipal in Merida, where the main event took place. During the parade, organizers of the event marched hand in hand with the ambassador and ethnic Koreans dressed in Hanbok.

At the venue, Ambassador Suh gave another speech on how proud he is of Merida and its connection with Korea. He also thanked the city for designating Korea Day and said more Mexican cities are proclaiming such a day like Campeche and Coatzacoalcos. Progreso, a port city in Yucatan, will hold Korea Day on May 15, when the first Koreans arrived there in 1905.

The event featured a fusion of cultures and joyful moments between the audience and presenters. The samulnori (traditional Korean farmer's music) troupe Saewoolim performed, followed by groups doing traditional Mexican dances, folk ballet by an act from the Merida City Council and others doing regional dances from the western state of Jalisco.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.