About Campeche

Campeche is filled with a dynamic history and long quest for independence. Although now a tranquil state lesser known by international visitors, it was once the core of a powerful Mayan civilization. The Mayans made impactful discoveries, created a unique calendar, and flourished throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. For unknown reasons, Mayan tribes greatly decreased in the 8th and 9th centuries, but their presence will forever remain an integral part of Campeche’s rich culture and tradition.

After two unsuccessful attempts at Spanish colonization, conquistador Francisco de Montejo established San Francisco de Campeche in the mid 16th century. Although this conquest took place, Campeche and the rest of the Yucatán strongly opposed Spanish rule and made sure to preserve their customs and ways of life. in 1861, forty years after Mexico gained its independence from Spain, Campeche was finally recognized as a state.

Campeche’s history goes far beyond its Mayan influence and political independence, extending to lively festivals and celebrations. Its yearly carnival, the oldest in Mexico, has been celebrated for over 450 years!

Campeche’s colonial heritage is a fascinating fusion of European and indigenous cultures. Mayan culture was one of history’s most sophisticated and dominant. The earliest settlements can be traced back to around 1800 B.C., and from the 8th century A.D. to the 1500s when the Spanish invaded, Mayan cities began to decline to disappear. Not only were they greatly in tune with the earth’s rhythms, they were artistically-gifted, visionary architectures, intense mathematicians, and deeply religious. Travelers to Campeche will be captivated by the Mayan ruins and civilization remains in sites like Edzná, Tabasqueño and Calakmul. Throughout Campeche’s regions you will find that the Maya influence permeates in communities, be it through language, food, or medicinal practices. The city of San Francisco de Campeche was founded and established in 1540 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Montejo.

This began the colonial overturn of the city, and to this day its well-preserved buildings, churches and military defense architecture are present throughout this charming city. Campeche does not simply represent a centuries-old conquest by the Spanish; rather, it signifies the vibrant blend of old and new and the of product indigenous andEuropean culture woven into this colorful city’s tapestry.

For centuries, Campeche’s coastal location attracted pirates and thieves, eager to pillage for goods, giving way to a long history of unwelcome outsiders.

There are several alluring Campeche legends, one of which relates to the piracy of the past. Legend has it that years ago, a beautiful woman was killed by foreign pirates. As she lay dying, she made a vow that she would steal the heart of any traveler from afar, making them stay in Campeche forever. Truly, to this day it seems visitors can’t get enough of this paradise! A special day in Mexico is The Day of the Dead, called Hanal Pixan in the Yucatán Peninsula. it is believed that souls of the departed have permission to return to their families, receiving relatives’ offerings enjoying the essence of their previous lives.

Another tale is the origin of the word “cocktail.” Parched sailors would dock in Campeche and complain about the shortage of spoons for mixed drinks, so the bartender used a tree-root instead. A sailor asked the name of the drink and, thinking he meant the name of the root, he said “cola de gallo,” meaning cocktail!

Located in southeast Mexico on the Yucatán Peninsula, Campeche is a state nestled in the Gulf of Mexico, bordering Belize and Guatemala. Campeche has a flat terrain and a warm, humid climate.

The rainy season is from June to October and experiences some tropical storms common in the peninsula. Much of Campeche is covered by tropical rainforests home to an impressive amount of flora and fauna. Campeche is home to over 800,000 people possessing Mexican, Mayan, and European ancestry.

This makes for a beautifully rich tapestry of cultures with deeply-rooted traditions and customs. This diversity helps contribute to Campeche’s unique and alluring energy.