The Free and Sovereign State of Yucatán became a state on December 23, 1823, the eighth of Mexico’s federal territories! The name “Yucatán” is derived from a Mayan phrase for “I do not understand you.” Its capital and largest city is Mérida! You may recognize the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, Ek-Balam, and Mxmal, as well as the cenotes of Ik-Kil, Loltun,and Bolón-Chohol, which are located in this state!