Articles in the category Featured Articles
The Cancun Cup 2012
Beach Soccer Worldwide was founded in 1992. Though initially the sport was only popular in Europe, it is quickly gaining fame and today it is enjoyed in 75 countries around the world. There have been many tournaments in exotic places on beautiful beaches. Past events have taken place in cosmopolitan cities like Berlin and Miami. Beach Soccer requires the same traditional skills as regular soccer, however players must adapt to sand and the environment. It is an extreme sport that tests strength, endurance, skill and will definitely have spectators on the edge of their seat with excitement.
The Cancun Cup 2012 will take place at the Sunset Royal hotel in Cancun February 10-12. Mexico, El Salvador, USA and Spain will compete. The team with the most wins after 3 games will be crowned Cancun Cup 2012 champion. This exciting sporting event also includes music, dancers, and of course the Cancun white sand beach and aqua blue Caribbean Sea.
Feb. 10, 2012
2:15 p.m. Spain vs. USA
3:30 p.m. El Salvador vs. Mexico
Feb. 11, 2012
2:15 p.m. USA vs. El Salvador
3:30 p.m. Mexico vs. Spain
Feb. 12, 2012
1:00 p.m. Celebrity Match
2:15 p.m. Spain vs. El Salvador
3:30 p.m. Mexico vs. USA
A 3000 seat stadium will be erected for the Cancun Cup 2012 and best of all, entrance to the games is free!
Aluxes: Mischievous Mexican Dwarfs?
During your last visit to Cancun, Playa del Carmen or the Riviera Maya, did you lose anything? An Alux may have been responsible!
Aluxes (pronounced “alooshays”) are Mayan mythological spirits who are responsible for a lot of mischief. You may not be able to see them, as they are believed to be invisible, however they can take physical form if they chose. When they do, they appear as knee high beings resembling and dressed in the manner of the ancient Maya. They live in the jungle, caves or cenotes and near towns and maize fields or “milpas”.
Native residents of the Yucatan peninsula blame Aluxes for all kinds of things, most often a failed project or lost item. However, shhhh, they try to be quiet about it because to name the Alux aloud is to summon them from their home.
The most important thing to remember about Aluxes is that if your treat them with the respect they deserve, they can be very helpful, however if you make the mistake of defying the Alux, they will wreak havoc on your life.
The most famous story about Aluxes has to do with a bridge that was built to connect the Cancun Hotel Zone to the airport. While the bridge was being constructed it collapsed over and over. The workers were notified by a Mayan man that the Aluxes had been angered and unless the workers built them a shelter, they would continue to wreak havoc on the project. If you drive under that bridge today, the Aluxes’ house is still there. However, we don’t know if the workers eventually sealed the doors and windows of the house, sealing the Aluxes inside, so that they will not run wild and continue playing tricks on humans. Maybe we’d better think twice about driving over that bridge until we find out for sure.
The next time you visit the Yucatan Peninsula (Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya are all located on the Yucatan) ask a hotel employee where they Alux house is and leave them a little treat. Maybe you won’t lose your sunglasses during you’re vacation!
Have Aluxes ever played a trick on you?
Photos courtesy of:
http://www.productions.caffix.org.mx/
http://ldfieldjournal.wordpress.com/
http://aclarando.wordpress.com/
About the Author
Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.
Cancun Weddings: Getting Married in Mexico
Have you ever thought about getting married or renewing your vows in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or the Rivera Maya? The Mexican Caribbean is the perfect romantic setting for a wedding; the white sand beaches, the unbelievably aqua blue water, and the balmy ocean breezes create the perfect backdrop for this special occasion.
Here are a few reasons you might want to get married in Mexico:
Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
You are already in one of the world’s party capitals. Mark the end of your single life at one of the huge discos or at a cheerful candlelit dinner at a beachfront restaurant.
Venue
It doesn’t get better than this. Even if you don’t want to get married directly on the beach in the sand, you can choose a terrace of one of the Riviera Maya’s luxury oceanfront resorts.
Entertainment
What would be more festive than a lively mariachi group playing to celebrate in the moments after you are declared man and wife?
Honeymoon
Normally couples get married, celebrate at their reception, and then, exhausted, catch a flight for their honeymoon. When you get married in Cancun, you are already on your honeymoon!
Memories
The photos of your wedding in the Mexican Caribbean will be amazing and imagine bringing your future children back for a vacation at the resort where you got married.
Have you ever considered a destination wedding? Did you get married in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or the Rivera Maya?
About the Author
Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.
El Dia de los Muertos in Mexico: Visiting the Market
Every year on November 2nd Mexico celebrates el Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. Don’t worry, it’s not nearly as scary as it sounds. The Day of the Dead is actually a day to fondly remember and honor friends and family that have passed on. Most Mexican families set up an altar in their home, which includes food, sweets, candles, flowers, and photos of their loved ones. Many times the favorite foods or drinks of the deceased family members are also placed on the altar.
The local market is the best place to find all of the items that are needed to create the perfect Day of the Dead altar. Right now Market 23 in downtown Cancun is filled to the brim with families shopping for all of the items they need. Halloween has also become quite popular in Mexico, so you can also find costumes and plastic pumpkin pails for trick-or-treating at the market. Mexican children generally dress up as, well, scary dead things, like devils and ghosts.
Mexican sweets or “dulces”.
Flowers are an important part of the altar.
More sweets.
And more sweets. These are made from a vegetable called “camote”.
Trick or treat!
Costumes.
Visiting a traditional Mexican market before el Dia de los Muertos is a sweet colorful cultural experience!
About the Author
Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.
What you (probably) don’t know about Halloween and Day of the Dead Celebrations
Mexico’s Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos, at first glance sounds the same as Halloween or All Hollows’ Eve in the United States, but in fact, they’re quite different – just as the two cultures who celebrate these holidays have fundamentally different views about death.
Day of the Dead in Mexico celebrates the life and death of their deceased loved ones in a spirit of joy, fellowship, and humor (reciting “calaveritas,” or little skulls, which are short, satirical poems about them). Americans view Halloween as a more mischievous celebration about the darker side of death. Both do believe, however, that the boundary between the living and the dead is blurred on these holidays for intercommunication.
Differences and Similarities between Halloween and Dia de los Muertos
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Dia de los Muertos
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Day of the Dead Celebrations in Mexico
Consider taking part in this delightful Mexico tradition, and celebrate the lives of your dearly departed on a vacation in the Yucatan Peninsula. Celebrations begin the last week in October through the early days of November. The official Day of the Dead holiday for children is recognized on November 1st; for adults, on November 2nd.
Interpretations of Dia de los Muertos vary in different Mexico states. In the state of Yucatan, it’s called Hanal Pix’an, a Mayan version of the Day of the Dead, which means “feast for the souls.” Still, the basic theme throughout Mexico is the same: the dead are welcomed back into their homes via an offering (“ofrenda”) of traditional foods such as bread of the dead (“pan de muerto”), celebratory flowers such as marigolds (“flor de cempasuchitl” also called “flor de muerto”), and ornaments; by visiting and decorating their grave sites; and by dancing, singing, and otherwise enjoying each other’s company.
Where to Celebrate
In Cancun and the Riviera Maya, the Day of the Dead celebrations are visible all over town at restaurants, bars, and hotels, but one very special celebration takes place at Xcaret. Their annual Life and Death Mexican Traditions Festival, features traditional variations in Mexico’s regional Dia de los Muertos celebrations.
On October 30th through November 2nd, from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 pm., Xcaret shares the culture, history, food, music, dance, and religious ceremony given for the dearly departed.
Enjoy this traditional Mexican holiday at the end of October and early November with a visit to Cancun or the Riviera Maya. Join in the Day of the Dead festivities with colorful decorations, costumes, tasty treats, and music to wake the dead!
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About the Author
Christina Famiglietti is a professional writer and editor with experience in various industries. Her most recent passion is the Mexican Caribbean, where she lives and is inspired to write about her beloved Mexico — its nature, culture, travel, and tourism.
5 Ecoparks to Visit in the Riviera Maya
Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya are known for their beautiful white sand beaches, aqua blue Caribbean Sea, Mayan ruins and amazing nightlife, but the area is also quickly becoming a destination for more adventurous vacations as well. The nature beauty of the area, including the countless cenotes (natural sinkholes) and the tropical jungle make the Riviera Maya the ideal place to visit an ecopark.
The Riviera Maya boast some of the best ecoparks, a kind of natural amusement park, in the world. Zip lining, snorkeling, rappelling, swimming with dolphins and scuba diving and just a few of the many activities these ecoparks offer.
Here are 5 ecoparks to visit in the Riviera Maya:
Xcaret
With more than 50 attractions and activities, Xcaret is one of the most famous eco-archeological parks in the world. Here you will find among other things, ancient Mayan ruins, cenotes, an underground river, a butterfly pavilion, a coral reef aquarium, an underground Mexican wine cellar, a rotating scenic tower and a Mexican cemetery. You will be able to participate in activities such as temascal (Mexican sweat lodge), swimming with dolphins or sharks, and various different ways of snorkeling and diving. Xcaret is also known for its amazing Mexican folklore evening show and is located 46 miles south of Cancun and 4 miles south of Playa del Carmen. It is open 365 days a year from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Xel-Há
Xel-Há calls itself the largest natural aquarium in the in the world. The impressive lagoon contains hundreds of colorful species of tropical fish. There are also 100 tropical bird species and 350 plant species on the park grounds. Spend the day snorkeling or floating on a tire in the lazy lagoon and surrounding rivers. There are also small cliffs from which you can leap into the aqua blue waters and caverns to explore. Xel-Há is also known for its quality all-inclusive plan with open bar. Xel-Há is located 76 miles south of Cancun and 34 miles south of Playa del Carmen. It is open 365 days a year from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Xplor
Xplor is made up of different circuits where you can “explore” (Get it?) the tropical jungle and underground rivers and cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula. The park consists of almost 2.5 miles of zip lines, some of which end in a refreshing water landing, 1,600 yards of underground rivers, some of which are seen from rafts and others while swimming, and 6 miles of rough jungles roads that visitors navigate on their own in an amphibious vehicle. Xplor is located 46 miles south of Cancun and 4 miles south of Playa del Carmen and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Selvatica
“Selva” means jungle in Spanish, and true to its name, Selvatica is located in the heart of the Mayan jungle and you can explore it from top to bottom. Fly over and through the canopy, then navigate off-road on an ATV or a Polaris Ranger RZR and then dive into the cool waters of a cenote. There is also a complex that includes seven aerial challenges, including a daring leap from a tree house. Selvatica is located 34 miles from Cancun and 32 miles from Playa del Carmen and is open daily.
Garrafón
Unlike the previously mentioned eco parks, Garrafón is not located on the mainland, but on the island of Isla Mujeres, and is perched on a beautiful spot overlooking unbelievably aqua blue ocean waters. Activites include snorkeling, swimming (with or without dolphins), kayaking, zip lining, biking and even lounging on handmade silk hammocks. Complete tours leaving from Cancun are available. The park is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
When you visit these parks, remember to wear comfortable clothes and to bring your bathing suit and water shoes. Check if the park supplies towels, some do. You will also need biodegradable sunblock (most parks sell this) and money for extras. Leave valuables in the safe at your resort. Then, enjoy your vacation adventure!
Have you been to any of these parks? Which is your favorite? Can you name any other ecoparks in the area?
About the Author
Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.
The Children of Cancun
What is cuter than a picture of a child? A picture of a child in Cancun! There is never a shortage of cute kids in Cancun; kids who are visiting on vacation, kids who live here. We’d like to share some of our little ones with you while thanking SF Tascheks, Caparros 32, Mrs. Savannah, Ricardo Carreon, York@, maxaube and Asturiano1975 for their lovely photos. We hope they brighten up your day and make you smile.
The Author's Cancun Child
About the Author
Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.
The Making of a Mandala
Last weekend, Hacienda Tres Rios, Resort, Spa & Nature Park hosted an unprecedented event, the First Mayan/Tibetan Cultural Encounter. The event consisted of many different cultural activities from both of these ancient civilizations, but one of the most amazing was the construction of the Mandala. The word Mandala means “the center and its surroundings”. A Mandala may be used as a spiritual teaching tool, for establishing sacred space and as an aid to meditation and trance induction. Tibetan monks create the Mandala by first drawing a precise geometric pattern with compasses and then pouring different colored sand in extremely intricate patterns. The Mandala the monks are constructing here is a Green Tara Mandala.
First, the monks conduct a ceremony to mark the beginning of the making of the Mandala.
Next, they begin to draw the geometric patterns.
Next, they will begin to pour the sand.
They will work on the Mandala for hours on end, and for three entire days.
The Mandala is about to be finished.
It is now complete, and breathtaking.
To teach a lesson in impermanence, the Tibetan monks then destroy the Mandala they worked 3 days to complete.
After the Mandala was destroyed during the closing ceremonies of the First Mayan/Tibetan Cultural Encounter, two rainbows appeared over the Caribbean Sea in front of the resort. Yes, really.
About the Author
Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.
The 5 Best Beaches in the Mexican Caribbean
No matter where you are in the Mexican Caribbean; Cancun, Playa del Carmen, the Riviera Maya, there is a beautiful beach to visit. Here are our favorites in no particular order:
Cancun- El Mirador/Playa Delfines
Playa Delfines is the best beach in the Hotel Zone, and guess what? There aren’t any hotels built on it! Loved by locals and visitors alike, at El Mirador (the other name for this beach) you can rent beach chairs and an umbrella and buy traditional snacks from beach vendors while you marvel at the aqua blue color of the ocean. El Mirador is located at Km. 17 in the Hotel Zone.
Isla Mujeres -Playa Norte
Take the ferry over to Isla Mujeres and when you get off, turn left and take a 5-10 minute walk. Now look to your left…that’s Playa Norte. A wide white sand beach with tranquil waters lapping at the shore, you can spend your day at a lively beach club or just plop your towel down and go it alone.
Playa del Carmen-Playa Mamitas
Playa Mamitas is one of the most popular beaches in Playa del Carmen. Located at the end of 28th street, this lively area of the beach is never boring. The sun, the sand, the surf, and the European flair of Playa make for a cosmopolitan day at the beach. One of the many beach clubs in Playa del Carmen is sure to perfectly match your needs and your personality.
Playa Isla Blanca
This beach is a secret jewel located 25 miles north of Cancun. So shhhhh…don’t tell anyone else. There are no convenience stores and the island is not connected to city services. There is no public transportation available, so you’ll need a car to get there, but it’s well worth the extra effort.
Tulum beach
Tulum arguably boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire world. Lined with small boutique hotels and eco friendly cabañas, Tulum is a bohemian dream. The wide white sand beach seems to go on forever, so take a long walk and let the aqua blue Caribbean Sea wash your worries away. Tulum is located 80 miles south of Cancun.
We would like to thank Chitio Rendón, Philippe Martin, Javi y Lorna, leoncito352003, and Esparta for the lovely photos.
Have we missed any? What is your favorite beach in the Mexican Caribbean?
About the Author
Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.
Things NOT to do in Cancun
You can find things you should do in Cancun all over the internet; take tours, go all-inclusive, don’t go all-inclusive, visit Chichen Itza, but what about the things you shouldn’t do? If you want to save a little money and have a great Mexican vacation, here are some suggestions for things you should not do in Cancun.
1. Don’t take a private taxi from the airport.
Regular street taxis are not allowed to enter the airport to look for fares, so the private taxi you take from the hotel will set you back about 60 U.S. Dollars. Oh my! You can take a collectivo (shared taxi) for about 15 U.S. Dollars per person. It may stop at a few hotels before yours to drop off other visitors, but what’s the hurry? You’re on vacation. In addition, it’s kind of fun to see other hotels that you might want to give a try on your next visit.
2. Don’t spend all your time in the pool.
The pool is nice, but look towards the east. You will see a white sand beach and that aqua blue water is the Caribbean Sea! It has a year round temperature between 78 and 84 degrees fahrenheit. You might get some salt in your hair, you might get some sand on your skin, but there is nothing like a dip in the ocean. If the sea is too rough in front of your hotel , walk down the beach and look for a calmer area.
3. Don’t over research and over plan.
You can research and you can plan, but if you schedule every moment of your vacation, you will be disappointed when plans have to be changed (and inevitably they will have to be changed) and you will miss out on the spontaneity that is the fun and exciting part of being on vacation.
4. Don’t overdo it.
When you’re on vacation it’s tempting to overindulge in the sun, the food and the drinks. However, do you really want a terrible sunburn? Heartburn? A hangover? These are things that can ruin days of your treasured vacation, so by all means, partake, but in moderation.
5. Don’t lose your tourist form
During your flight to Mexico you will receive an FM-T, a tourist immigration form, which you will need to fill out and present to Mexican immigration. They will return the bottom portion of the form to you. Keep it in your passport and don’t lose it. You will need it to exit the country and there is a hefty fine if you can’t present it at the airport.
Can you think of any other things to NOT do in Cancun?
About the Author
Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.
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