Articles with the theme Playa del Carmen
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 Summer Adventures in the Mexican Caribbean
Summer is here in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, and with it comes the opportunity for visitors to challenge themselves with exciting local activities. The Mexican Caribbean is not only home to white sand beaches and aqua blue water, but it is also quickly becoming known for adventure travel.
1. Bungie Jumping
Bungie Jumping in Cancun is back, recently reopened at Playa Tortugas in the Hotel Zone. Step off the platform and drop into, but not exactly into, the Caribbean. We suggest taking advantage of this activity before you start drinking tequila.
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2. Parasailing
Take a stroll down the beach in front of your hotel, and you will quickly find an opportunity to parasail. Soar over the Caribbean Sea, admire the different shades of blue, and get a bird’s eye view of the Hotel Zone and Nichupte Lagoon. It feels like flying!
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3. Sky Diving
Can you handle it? Jump out of an airplane from 10,000 feet over Playa del Carmen. This is the ultimate adventure challenge. Jump with a guide or take a course and learn to jump solo. We ask again…can you handle it?
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4. Swimming with the Whale Sharks
This experience is an unbelievably rare opportunity to become one with nature. Jump into the crystal clear blue water and swim with the world’s largest fish. These gentle giants of the sea are no danger to humans as they feed on plankton that they strain from the water._
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5. Ziplining
Flying above the jungle canopy your ears will fill with the sounds of rushing wind and the steady hum of the zipline. This exciting activity is for the whole family (normally kids must be at least six years old) and the memories will last a lifetime.
Adventure awaits you in the Mexican Caribbean!
Which of these activities have you done? Will you do any of them on your next visit to Mexico?
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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.
Happy Father’s Day from Mexico!
Father’s Day in Mexico (El Dia de los Padres) is the third Sunday in June, just like it is in the U.S. and various other countries. What will you get Dad this year? Will you be taking a vacation to Mexico this month? How about a Mexican souvenir? Markets and shops in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya offer lovely handicrafts from all over Mexico. Give your father an interesting, special Father’s Day gift this year.
Tequila
What is more Mexican than tequila? Wikipedia reports that “Mexico has claimed the exclusive international right to the word “tequila”, threatening legal actions against manufacturers in other countries.” Tequila comes in various colors and grades including “ultra-premium” and “super-premium”. This traditional Mexican spirit can be used in recipes and cocktails, but maybe Dad will just want to sit back, relax, and sip it slowly, straight up!
A Guayabera
A guayabera is a traditional Mexican wedding shirt. The origins of the guayabera are a mystery but many people think the shirt is from Cuba. It is also worn in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, among other places. Although formerly associated with older men in the U.S., the guayabera is now popular with all ages due to the resurgence of retro styles. Dad will look great in one!
A Panama Hat
The Panama hat is of Ecuadorian origin. It is also known as a Jipijapa, after a town in Ecuador. The hat became associated with the tropics, like the Caribbean, in the beginning of the 20th century. Recently the hat has become very fashionable again and singers, models, teenagers, men and women sport them. Maybe Dad can wear his new hat to his Father’s Day celebration in Cancun or Playa del Carmen!
Silver Trinkets
He might not want a silver bracelet or earrings, but what about a money clip or a lighter? Silver has a rich history in Mexico. Taxco is Mexico’s most well known “silver city”, but intricate silver goods can be bought all over Mexico, including in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. Just be sure to look for the “925” stamp which indicates that the item is made from genuine silver.
Cigars
We’re not suggesting this become a regular habit, but why not let your normally health conscious dad off the hook this Father’s Day and get him a box of Mexican cigars. Mild, flavorful and relatively inexpensive, Mexican cigars date back to the mid 19th century. Many speculate that the practice of rolling smoking tobacco began with the ancient Mayan civilization. Explain the history of Mexican cigars to Dad when he opens his gift!
Come to think of it, maybe you should get Dad one of each of these Mexican souvenirs. The photograph you take of him drinking, wearing, using and smoking his gifts all at the same time will be a priceless Father’s Day memory.
What´s the best gift you´ve given your dad?
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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.
Hurricane Season in Cancun: What You Should Know
It’s that time again folks. Hurricane season in the Caribbean will begin in less than a month on June 1, 2011, and will continue through November 30, 2011. It is possible for Tropical cyclones to form before or after the official season, depending on ocean temperatures. The water must be at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit for a hurricane to form, so if this happens before June or after November a hurricane could occur outside of the season.
For the people living in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, tropical cyclones are a fact of life, just like tornados or earthquakes are for people living in other places. However, they may seem frightening and daunting if you are planning a vacation, but if you are well informed about hurricane season you will be able to make good decisions about your trip.
August, September and October are considered to be the peak months for hurricanes, which coincides with low tourism season, when airfare and hotel prices are lower, so it’s actually a great time to visit the area. Generally if you visit during tropical cyclone season everything will go smoothly. The weather will be fine, albeit maybe a bit hotter than in let’s say, January. It may rain a little more often, but this generally means that there is a quick downpour once or twice a day and the rest of the time the sun is shining.
The Yucatan Peninsula, which is home to Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, has experienced many tropical storms/depressions and hurricane watches/warnings, but Cancun was “born” in 1970, and only 4 hurricanes have made landfall in 41 years. That is pretty encouraging news. If you visit from June through November, chances are you probably won’t run into any hurricanes.
These are the 4 hurricanes which have actually made landfall in Cancun:
Inez (October, 1968) – Category 4
Gilbert (September, 1988) - Category 5
Roxanne (October, 1995) – Category 3
Wilma (October, 2005) – Category 5
If you would like to monitor the weather in the weeks leading up to you vacation, here are 3 helpful websites: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Weather.Com & Weather Underground.
Of course, there is always the possibility that a tropical cyclone could occur before or during your vacation so it is a good idea to buy trip insurance. If a hurricane should threaten the area during your vacation, rest assured that your hotel or resort has an emergency plan for its guests and employees. The good thing about hurricanes is they don’t just pop up, they need time to organize so there is always plenty of warning. So by all means, go ahead and plan your vacation!
Have you ever experienced a hurricane while on vacation?
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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.
All is Set for Xcaret’s Sacred Mayan Journey
The blue open waters of the Caribbean and more than 300 canoeists are set to embark on the 5th Sacred Mayan Journey organized by Xcaret this May 19th, 20th, and 21st recreating the ancient Mayan tradition of worshiping moon goddess Ix Chel.
The Sacred Mayan Journey recreates the Mayan pilgrimage from the Ppole port (now Xcaret). The ancient Mayans would row across the ocean towards Cuzamil (now Cozumel) to hear the oracle predictions from goddess Ix Chel. The rowers would then cross the ocean once again to arrive at Xamanha (Playa del Carmen).
The participants of the Mayan Journey will recreate the entire ceremony including dance and music rituals as well as goddess Ix Chel message in Cozumel. The 5th Sacred Mayan Journey will include participation from the Felipe Carrillo Puerto Community Theater, dance groups form the Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen) and Cozumel Municipalities, as well as volunteers from the DIF Solidaridad Golden Club and volunteers from Xcaret Park.
DATES: What you need to know to see the canoeists:
May 19th in Xcaret Park: Starting at 5 p.m., entrance is free for visitors to enjoy a number of activities at the park.
May 20th in Xcaret Park: Arrival is at 5:30 a.m. to see the canoeists off. There are only a limited number of tickets.
May 20th in Cozumel: The events will begin at 12 p.m. with the welcome of the canoeists in Caletita by the lighthouse. At 8 p.m., the canoeist will take their offerings to goddess Ix Chel in Chaancanab Park.
May 21st in Cozumel: The canoeists depart from Island of Cozumel at 5:30 a.m. from Caletita.
May 21st in Playa del Carmen: The Sacred Mayan Journey will end with the arrival from the canoeists at Playa Fundadores, next to the ferry port at 12:00 p.m.
Xcaret recently hosted the 1st Mexican Wine Festival in the Riviera Maya.
Check this video from last weekend’s canoe race!
Photo Essay: 1st Mexican Wine Festival – Grand Opening
Yesterday afternoon Playa del Carmen, the heart of the Riviera Maya, welcomed some of the most exclusive Mexican wine brands for the grand opening of the 1st Mexican Wine Festival. Sponsored by the eco-park Xcaret, the event brought together tourists, locals, politicians & members of the press. The 1st Mexican Wine Festival ends on Saturday, March 12th after 3 days of conferences, workshops and wine tastings.
Hidden Treasures of the Yucatan Peninsula
The Yucatan Peninsula is filled with extraordinary natural wonders, such as Mayan ruins hidden in tropical jungles, white sand beaches, clear blue seas, enchanting cenotes, underground river and cave systems, and endangered plant and animal species. Beyond the resort towns where the Maya Indians once flourished, a tropical world of hidden natural attractions and cultural sites is waiting to be explored. While many are difficult to find, these three hidden treasures of the Yucatan Peninsula are more accessible and worth a visit.
Isla Blanca Beach, Cancun
A delightful escape from the tourist zone, Isla Blanca‘s section of white sand beach and turquoise blue Caribbean Sea is a hidden getaway on the outskirts of Cancun city. If a natural beach without tourist shops and commercial eateries sounds appealing, then Isla Blanca is the perfect getaway. A narrow peninsula with long, white beaches bordering the big blue ocean extends between the Caribbean Sea on one side and Chakmochuk Lagoon on the other.
Although frequented on Sundays, this beach is quite remote and can only be reached by car or taxi. Since no stores or services are available except for a snack shack, bringing a picnic basket with food and drinks is recommended. Located 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) north of Cancun Centro and south of Holbox Island, Isla Blanca beach has ideal wind conditions for kiteboarding and is a favorite place to go boat fishing or fly fishing for Barracuda, Tarpon, Bonefish, Snook, and Permit.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Tulum
The Riviera Maya has many nature parks, eco parks, and nature reserves, such as Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 after being established in 1986, it is the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean and the largest protected coastal area in Mexico at 1.3 million acres (or 652,000 hectares). This remote jungle area consists primarily of tropical rainforests, wetlands, the Caribbean Sea, and coral reefs, which make it ideal for fly fishing, snorkeling, and nature tours.
Sian Ka’an is overflowing with biodiversity, including 1,200 plant species, 230 tree species, 345 bird species, 318 butterfly species; and puma, jaguar, manatee, crocodiles, tapir, spider and howler monkeys; hawksbill, loggerhead, and green sea turtles; and even 23 Mayan archaeological sites. Located 230 kilometers (143 miles) south of Cancun in the Mayan Zone (Zona Maya) of Tulum, Sian Ka’an is a 2-3 hour drive from Cancun along coastal Highway 307 through the Costa Maya and the jungle.
Cenote Yokdzonot, Yucatan
Thousands of cenotes (natural sinkholes or cavernous wells) exist in the Yucatan Peninsula, containing fascinating stalactites, stalagmites, and crystalline or clear blue water. Once part of underground rivers and caves whose roofs collapsed, cenotes evolved after thousands of years of geological changes in the earth and are one of four different types: (1) completely below ground, (2) partially below ground, (3) at ground level, or (4) open but below ground level. Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, most cenotes reach depths of 5 to 15 meters (16-20 feet).
Yokdzonot Mayan village contains a cenote said to reach depths of 35 meters (115 feet) at its edges, possibly connecting to an underground network of caves and rivers, and is estimated to reach depths of 45 meters (148 feet) at its center. As a sustainable tourism project, Yokdzonot cenote and ecological park were opened by local Mayan women in 2007. Located 300 meters off of old Highway 181, Yokdzonot is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Merida, 220 kilometers (137 miles) west of Cancun, and 18 kilometers (11 miles) west of Chichen Itza Mayan ruins.
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About the Author
Christina Famiglietti is a professional writer and editor and 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.
Taste Paradise at ‘Taste of Playa’
Three is a wonderful number – especially when it combines (1) white sand beaches, (2) the blue Caribbean Sea, and (3) international gourmet food all in one place! Add clear skies, sunshine, and warm temperatures, and you have Playa del Carmen: a beautiful beach town in the Riviera Maya near Cancun, Mexico. With its strong international flavor, Playa del Carmen is the ideal location for the Taste of Playa culinary festival.
With the town’s growing reputation as a food mecca in the Riviera Maya, the Taste of Playa concept naturally evolved from the 700 town restaurants and 1,000 regional restaurants. A group of local business owners decided Playa del Carmen’s gift for creating delicious international cuisine would be an additional draw to the region’s tropical rainforests, beautiful beaches, and cultural attractions, such as the Mayan ruins.
Introduced in 2009, the festival was such a success that it’s being offered again with 40 participating restaurants, sponsored this year by Yucatan Holidays. Presenting the diverse culinary talents of extraordinary Riviera Maya chefs who will introduce the public to a wide variety of delicious international foods, the 2010 Taste of Playa festival is sure to be just as successful.
American celebrity host and Travel Food Expert, Mark DeCarlo, joins local chefs at the festival to conduct food demonstrations of regional recipes and preparation techniques. DeCarlo, best known for his role as host of the hit food-comedy show on the Travel Channel “Taste of America with Mark DeCarlo,” will be staying at Playa del Carmen’s all-inclusive Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Spa & Nature Park. Introducing his new book “A Fork on the Road: 400 Cities One Stomach” to Mexico, he will also be autographing copies.
A community-focused program, Taste of Playa will donate proceeds from the festival to a food education program, developed by Playa del Carmen’s Rotary Club, which benefits the Riviera Maya children and families. On Sunday, November 21st, this culinary event will be held at Parque Fundadores on Playa del Carmen’s beautiful beaches. Join tourists, expatriates, and locals for a diverse, culturally enriching experience.
Are you planning to join us?
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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.
Riviera Maya Jazz Festival 2010 | Playa del Carmen
On May 29th Brian McKnight, Phil Perry and Caro Montes performed on the Summer Edition of the Jazz Festival, but this was just the beginning. The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival combines the best international jazz musicians with the unparalleled beaches and relaxing atmosphere of Playa del Carmen. And the best of all, it’s going to be FREE!
Next November, Playa del Carmen and Mamita’s Beach Club will receive a very interesting list of jazz celebrities for the jazz fest. Join us for this amazing experience of free music under the stars!
RIVIERA MAYA JAZZ FESTIVAL 2010
When:
November 25th – 28th, 2010
Where:
Mamita’s Beach Club, Playa del Carmen in the Riviera Maya, Mexico.
Who:
-Thursday, November 25th
Hiram Gomez + Mike Stern & Dave Weckl + Ivan Lins
- Friday, November 26th
Troker + Eldar Djangirov + Al Di Meola + Incognito
- Saturday, November 27th
Aguamala + George Duke + John McLaughlin + The Manhattan Transfer
- Sunday, November 28th
Yekina Pavon + Armando Manzanero + Eugenia Leon
Are you going to miss this party?
Sea Turtle Preservation in the Yucatan Peninsula
In a region like Mexico where vast areas of pristine nature still exist, the effects of pollution, poaching, and human encroachment are hard to ignore. A recent example of environmental contamination is the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, resulting in the devastation of local sea turtles and marine life near the Gulf Coast states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, USA.
Fortunately, this threat has not extended to the Caribbean Sea or to sea turtles and other marine life in the Yucatan Peninsula, and is not expected to do so. (Concerns about oil reaching the Yucatan Peninsula, where Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya are located, are being investigated by local authorities, and proactive measures are being considered for future implementation if necessary.)
Sea Turtle Preservation
Recent environmental crises have heightened public awareness of nature conservation, but endangered sea turtles have been protected by federal law in Mexico since 1990. Sea turtle preservation in this part of the world is supported by various government and private organizations, individuals, and volunteers with a passion for preserving nature’s ecosystems.
Three endangered species of sea turtles commonly found in the Yucatan Peninsula are the loggerhead, hawksbill, and green sea turtles (less commonly, the Kemp’s Ridley and leatherback sea turtles). Hard to imagine, but these timid, massive creatures float effortlessly in water, yet are slow and awkward on land, where they must spawn their young and are most vulnerable to poachers who hunt for their meat, shells, and eggs.
Importance of Nature Reserves
Nature conservation is essential for maintaining the ecosystems that provide mankind with food, clean water, and fuel. Look at one example of the negative chain reaction that environmental climate change can have on nature:
Sea turtles need beaches and dunes to nest and lay their eggs. Since sand does not absorb nutrients well, the unhatched eggs and hatched egg shells provide nutrients to dune vegetation for improved plant growth. Stronger plants have larger roots, which hold the sand in place and prevent erosion (especially important for Cancun’s newly restored beaches — an $80 million government investment).
Sea Turtle Sanctuaries
There are several sea turtle preserves and protected nesting sites throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, three of which are near Cancun and accessible to tourists. Sea turtle sanctuaries allow travelers to learn about sea turtles while simultaneously protecting them.
May through September is sea turtle nesting season, where they can be observed safely at:
Isla Mujeres
The Tortugranja (turtle farm) on the island of Isla Mujeres is just a 30-minute ferry ride offshore from Cancun’s port. The turtle farm not only shelters nesting turtles but also captures them at sea, temporarily protecting them while mating. It has rescued up to six species of sea turtles, turtle eggs, and hatchlings, and has invited travelers to watch their release into the sea at maturation. Want more information? Send an email.
Open daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm offers a one-hour tour about sea turtle behavior. Located at the southernmost end of the island at Carretera Sac Bajo #5, it is best reached by taxi.
Akumal Bay
Akumal Bay is a small but delightful, oceanfront town with a Sea Turtle Sanctuary and is only about 30 minutes south of Cancun and Playa del Carmen. The sanctuary offers a 50-minute sea turtle snorkeling tour along the coral reefs of the Caribbean Sea where tourists can swim with the loggerhead turtles in their natural habitat. The Centro Ecológico Akumal offers the opportunity to adopt a sea turtle.
After the snorkeling tour, a buffet lunch and open bar are provided on Akumal’s long, white sand beaches for a two-hour break. The tour begins with either a ferry ride from Cozumel at 9:30 a.m. or a meetup at Señor Frog’s in Playa del Carmen at 10:30 a.m.
Xcaret
Xcaret eco park sets up sea turtle shelters during nesting season while representatives search large stretches of coastline for turtle eggs and hatchlings, bringing them to the shelter. When the eggs hatch, they become part of the park’s Aquarium Conservation Program where they can mature safely.
After a year, the young turtles became part of Xcaret’s Environmental Education Program where tourists can observe them and learn about sea turtle behavior and preservation. Travelers are then invited to witness their release into the sea. Seasonal eco tours are offered at Xcaret’s turtle shelters.
Sea turtles are an important part of the ecosystem that mankind relies on for survival. When nature suffers, all aspects of life do. Sea turtles have existed for about 150 million years and can teach us what is needed for a healthy environment by learning about their extended survival. When traveling to the Yucatan Peninsula, consider discovering how these incredible creatures are being saved from extinction.
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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.
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