Valladolid- History
Valladolid is the second most important city in Yucatán and the second oldest in the state. It was founded on May 28, 1543, by Francisco de Montejo “El Sobrino.”
The city is located where the ancient Mayan settlement of “Zaci” (pronounced: “sa-kee”) once stood. In the Mayan language, Zací means “white hawk,” and the area was once inhabited by the Cupules people. Upon the arrival of the Spanish, the lands were divided into “encomiendas”, and the city was placed under the patronage of the Virgen de los Remedios and San Servacio.
During the 19th century, Valladolid gained importance as it became home to Mexico’s first thread and textile factory, “La Aurora de la Industria Yucateca,” founded by Captain Don Pedro Sainz de Baranda. This factory was a significant precursor to the country’s maquiladoras.
Valladolid holds the title of “Heroic City” because two important historical events unfolded there: the “Caste War” in 1847, a social movement initiated by native Mayans against the Creole and Mestizo population; and, in 1910, what is considered “the first spark of the Mexican Revolution.” On June 4 of that year, a precursor movement to the November uprising against Porfirio Díaz’s dictatorship began in Valladolid through the “Plan de Valladolid” or “Plan de Dzelkoop”.
