Plaza de la República

You have now arrived at Plaza de la República. Unlike Plaza de la Independencia, which dates back to the colonial period, this square is much more recent. It was created in the 60s during a phase of urban modernization known as Campeche Nuevo, when the goal was to develop new public spaces for the growing state capital while preserving the historic center. The square was designed by the Mexican architect Joaquín Álvarez Ordóñez, an important figure in modern architecture in Campeche. His design was influenced by the large urban projects of the time, especially the modernist architecture that can also be seen in Brasília. From here, you can see the Government Palace of the State of Campeche. Every year on September 15, the governor steps out onto the balcony of this building to deliver the famous Grito de Independencia, the ceremony that commemorates the beginning of Mexico’s independence. On that night, the square fills with thousands of people who gather to celebrate this major national event. Throughout the year, Plaza de la República also hosts many cultural and popular events, including concerts, performances, festivals, and large traditional celebrations such as the Magna Vaquería Peninsular, which brings together thousands of dancers and musicians performing the jarana, a traditional dance from the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s an important gathering place in the city and, as you’ll soon notice, it sits just a few steps from the ocean.