Category Archives: Events

Riviera Maya Film Festival Comes to Playa del Carmen

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Since 2012, the Riviera Maya has had the pleasure to host the internationally acclaimed Riviera Maya Film Festival. This year, in its 4th Edition, they will not disappoint, just like every year, bringing some of the biggest stars and names in the movie industry from around the world, but specifically, from Mexico.

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Previous editions have seen Ethan Hawk, Patricia Arquette, Stephen Dorff, Maggie Gyllenhall, amongst others, walking down the red carpet. This year the festival will take place from the 23rd to the 29th of April throughout the Riviera Maya. Amongst the different venues are Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cancun and Puerto Morelos.

The Riviera Maya Film Festival isn’t only popular because of the great variety of movies they show, but because it has free access for everyone – even the opening and closing ceremonies! It is also a highly popular event due to its open venues and beach screenings. Who doesn’t love spending a weekday evening out on the beach watching a movie, eating popcorn and enjoying the atmosphere?

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The festival is born as a means to broadcast quality film amongst the locals and visitors of the Riviera Maya. As a highly touristy destination, and lacking on the cultural aspect, the population of Quintana Roo welcomes the film festival with open arms.

As they state in their website, the festival is becoming a trending parameter thanks to its vast selection of international film, and the boost it is giving Mexican cinematography with great prices; amongst the awards, is the $300,000 mxn Kukulkan Award (approximately 20,000 USD) which is intended to be used for distribution expenses, allowing independent films to reach the audiences they want.

Other awards include the Youth Jury Kukulkan Award, which grants $100,000 mxn (over 6,000 USD); the Rivieralab/Work in Progress Award that grants $200,000 mxn (13,000 USD) which is intended to help producers and directors complete their films; and the Rivieralab/Coproduction Forum Award, granting also $200,000 mxn to support projects through pre-production.

The team behind the Riviera Maya Film Festival is a dedicated, film buff team directed by Paula Chaurand and a team of hundreds of volunteers working day and night in order to pull off the great event that locals and tourists love so much!

The Riviera Maya Film Festival gives people the opportunity to watch films that they would be unable to find in movie theaters or any other commercial film venue. The festival opens up a space for entertainment, culture and experiences that would otherwise go unnoticed.

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Every year, in Cancun, they host a drive-in movie theater providing a unique experience, as well as the opening and closing gala ceremonies in the Cancun Theater. Make sure you stay tuned for further information as they release the official program and which international celebrities will be joining us in the beautiful paradise we call home.

Should you require specific information about the festival – or are interested in participating as a volunteer or you want to try your luck auditioning as a host or insider, you can contact them directly:

+52 984 803 00 10

info@rmff.mx

www.rmff.mx

Check back for further information – watching a film on the beach, with comfy seats, and joyful company is one of the best experiences you can have living in the Riviera Maya!

Romantic Getaway Riviera Maya: Isla Mujeres

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Valentine’s Day is approaching, and it is a beautiful time of the year to be in the Riviera Maya. If you are looking to surprise your significant other, why not plan a romantic getaway? There are so many special places to rekindle the romance, relax and enjoy each other’s company!

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A perfect gift to pamper your partner and yourself, is a romantic escapade to a particularly romantic destination such as Isla Mujeres. Isla Mujeres is a small island off the coast of Cancun, a place providing the perfect Caribbean setting to hold hands and fall in love all over again.

Let the professionals do all the hard work! These hotels have an aura of romance and a perfectly trained staff to make all of your dreams come true.

  1. Romantic Getaway Isla Mujeres: La Casa de Los Suenos

There is not a more fitting name for this place, “The House of Dreams”, is a place that will let you feel at home and have a romantic out of this world experience.  Just entering the hotel, you will be received by traditional Mexican decor and a sense of tranquility.

La Casa de Los Suenos is located south of the island on the road to Garrafon, it has 9 suites and one presidential suite with an amazing ocean view, and 7 are exclusivly for couples. Each room has a private balcony with breathtaking views, where you can talk, share and dream together.

The rooms are spacious and luxurious with an air of serenity that can be enjoyed from every corner. This is a small hotel taking great care all the way down to the small details, every guest is unique and the staff goes out of their way to accommodate any request.

Enjoy the delicious food and the bar service, a la carte breakfast is included in your stay. There is also a pool with direct access to the beach, spa services, fitness center, bicycles and snorkeling equipment are included.

La Casa de los Suenos doesn’t have a Romantic Package but here are some prices to get an idea of the costs.

  • 2 nights’ accommodations: 600 USD
  • A couple’s massage for 60 minutes: 166 USD
  • Private dinner in a romantic setting with 4 courses, private service, a bottle of sparkling wine: 175 USD

More Information:

U.S. 877-372-3993

Mexico 998-888-0370

www.casasuenos.com

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  1. Romantic Getaway Isla Mujeres: Hotel El Secreto

This hotel offers an intriguing mix of elegance, privacy and luxury, with a fascinating architecture and an original design. Hotel El Secreto is a boutique hotel, with only 9 suites with private terraces and a magnificent sea view.

El Secreto is highly recommended for its excellent service, location and seclusion. It is such a secluded place, that after following the windy road it is a big surprise to arrive to the reception area to check-in, the vibe is more like friend’s private home on the beach than a hotel.

The surroundings are breathtaking, and there is a sense of peace in a luxurious setting.  Not only El Secreto has easy access to the beach, there is also a pool and friendly staff ready to keep the cold drinks coming.

More Information:

Mexico 998-877-1039

reserv@hotelsecreto.com

www.hotelsecreto.com

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Here are just a few of the beautiful places to celebrate your love and Valentine’s Day. If you are looking for the ultimate gift surprise your significant other with a dream home in paradise. Please feel free to browse our beautiful properties or contact our certified and experienced Realtors!

We have helped hundreds of foreigners become homeowners in Mexico, in a quick, safe and legal manner. Stop day dreaming of a second home in paradise, here at Top Mexico Real Estate, We Make it Happen!

Valentine’s Day Romantic Getaways in Bacalar!

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Valentine’s Day is getting closer and closer, and it is never too early to plan a romantic getaway with that special person. We recently wrote about some romantic places to escape to in Holbox Island, but there are other options in the Riviera Maya, like the quaint village of Bacalar.

Bacalar is located 213 miles south of the Cancun International Airport, but it feels like a world away. Most of the accommodations in Bacalar are quaint palapas by the lagoon, far away from the crowds and big all-inclusive resorts.

Bacalar is the ideal spot for a romantic getaway; there are many activities that you can be a part of or you can just relax and enjoy nature. We hope you have a fantastic Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day Romantic Getaways: Centro Holistico Akal Ki

Akal Ki is a dream come true, where romance and relaxation are in the air. Enjoy the views overlooking the gorgeous lagoon from your private deck, get a massage or just relax in a hammock.

Some of the amenities at Akal Ki include a restaurant serving international specialties, as well as concierge service and wireless internet access. There is also free kayaks and bikes available for the guests.

Akal Ki doesn’t have a special Valentine’s Day package, but you can check back with them directly to keep you posted on any specials coming up. Here is a list of services and costs for you to get a general idea, but these are not written on stone – they can change.

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1 Caribbean Cabin-Lagoon Front STD

Cost: MXN $ 7530.00 TAX INCLUDED

This package includes:

  • Accommodation 2 nights/ 2 adults *3630 MXN
  • 1 Romantic dinner by the lagoon on a private pier (includes a 4 course dinner, alcoholic drinks are not included) *1700 MXN
  • 1 Spa treatment for 2 adults (YANZU Massage on the lagoon) * 2200 MXN

More information:

Ms. Daniela Hardouin

From Mexico: 045 983 106 1751

From the US: +52 1 983 106 1751

reservaciones@akalki.com

Valentine’s Day Romantic Getaways: Hotel Rancho Encantado

Rancho Encantado is a favorite, and one of the oldest hotels in the area. With easy access from the federal highway 307, and a little bit further from the town, it offers relaxation, beautiful views and superb service.

Rancho Encantado is often completely booked in high season and on national holidays, so if you are planning to stay here, the sooner you make your reservation, the better. For Valentine’s they have a Romantic Package Available.

*Prices available from JANUARY 2nd TO APRIL 12th, 2015

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1 Caribbean Cabin-Lagoon Front STD

Cost: MXN $ 6826.00 TAX INCLUDED

This package includes:

  • Accommodation 2 nights/ 2 adults
  • Plan HB: 2 meals a day (breakfast and dinner)
  • 1 Spa treatment for 2 adults (Relaxing Massage 45 min.)
  • 1 Complimentary romantic cocktail
  • 1 Romantic Dinner by the Lagoon with private service (includes a 3 course menu, bottle of sparkling wine, a soft drink per person and coffee or tea)
  • Romantic Room Decoration
  • Transportation Chetumal Airport – Hotel

1 Caribbean Cabin-Lagoon Front with AC

Cost: $ 7126.00 MXN TAX INCLUDED

This package includes:

  • Accommodation 2 nights/ 2 adults
  • Plan HB: 2 meals a day (Breakfast and Dinner)
  • 1 Spa treatment for 2 adults (Relaxing Massage 45 min.)
  • 1 Complimentary romantic cocktail
  • 1 Romantic Dinner by the Lagoon with private service (includes a 3 course menu, bottle of sparkling wine, a soft drink per person and coffee or tea)
  • Romantic Room Decoration
  • Transportation Chetumal Airport – Hotel

More information:

Ms. Nelly Boulos

info@encantado.com

www.encantado.com

Cell. + 52 998 1113771

Phone + 52 998 8841181 ext. 107

Top Mexico Real Estate is your one and only stop for everything Riviera Maya: lifestyle, culture, cuisine… we have helped hundreds of clients to become homeowners in Mexico.

If you are looking for your dream property in Mexico or in Bacalar, feel free to browse our beautiful properties and contact one of our Top Buyer’s Representatives. Stop dreaming and start living the dream!

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!

Ready to Party: 2015 BPM Festival in Playa del Carmen

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The holidays have passed, but we are ready to keep partying! Playa del Carmen is ready to enjoy the music of the 2015 BPM Festival.

The  2015 BPM Festival in Playa del Carmen has established itself as one of the finest music festivals in the world, with thousands of visitors from all over the world. Even with its humble origins, BPM organizers have grown the festival into a music event with the best lineup, Dj’s and setting in the magical Riviera Maya.

Something that makes BPM such an attractive music destination is the beautiful tropical surroundings, not just the music. After dancing the night away, the day can be spent lounging on the beach, visiting archeological zones, or diving into a Cenote.

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BPM Festival: Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, is a small city 35 miles south of the Cancun International Airport, easy to access from any main airport in the world.  Once a sleepy fishing village, Playa del Carmen offers beautiful beaches, exclusive hotels, and a wide array of restaurants; everything to feel right at home!

Enjoy walking on the 5th Avenue, lined with bars and restaurants as well as plenty of shops to get souvenirs, clothes or whatever you want!

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BPM Festival: Other attractions

Playa del Carmen is much more than beautiful beaches, there is also its mysterious jungle, Mayan archeological zones and hundreds activity’s such as: snorkeling, diving, jungle tours, zip line excursions and cenotes.

Just a short drive away you will find magnificent colonial cities such as Merida, Valladolid and Izamal. Where one can walk on the cobble stone streets and feel transported to a different time. In these city’s you can learn about Sisal, the fiber that made the Yucatan Peninsula one of the wealthiest areas in the world, and stay in a 500 year old hacienda.

BPM Festival: Music, music and more music!

BPM offers an exciting combination of dance artists and Dj’s from all over the world, the festival spans over 10 days with the performance of more than 250 artists offering the newest in electronic music. The 2015 BPM festival offers more than 50 official events in different venues along the beach. Day or night there is always something happening!

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Make sure to learn more about the BPM Roster and events by visiting www.thebpmfestival.com!

Top Mexico Real Estate is your one and only stop for everything Riviera Maya, and also the best real estate company in the area. If you are considering buying a property in Mexico, let our expert real estate agents help you become a happy homeowner!

Top Mexico Real Estate, We Make It Happen!

“Mi Casa es Tu Casa”…Not Your Ordinary Real Estate Show

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A new cutting edge real estate original television series is now in production and debuting on the TOP MEXICO CHANNEL, featuring the lifestyle, the culture and neighborhoods of one of the most coveted and desired real estate area on the planet… the Riviera Maya, Mexico

This show is entitled…

“Mi Casa es Tu Casa”…Not Your Ordinary Real Estate Show

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Streaming live on the Top Mexico Channel, the first wholly dedicated internet channel developed for the consumers / viewers of the Top Mexico Real Estate company, “Mi Casa es Tu Casa with Thomas Lloyd” follows one couple through their buying process of purchasing their dream home in the beautiful and tropical Mexican Caribbean.  With Top Mexico Real Estate founder and foremost Mexico Real Estate authority Thomas Lloyd as their guide, Thomas and his international guests search, and eventually find, not only the home of their dream, but the perfect paradise neighborhood with just the right lifestyle, work environment and entertainment that his guests desire.  With the unparalleled help of Thomas and his Top Buyer’s Representatives, Thomas and his team meet with his guests, analyze the real estate market landscape, scout various general home locations, survey the Riviera Maya neighborhoods and finally present the guest with 3 expertly and thoroughly chosen neighborhood from which the guests will make their life changing choice.

From the first meeting between Thomas and the guest, through the sometimes overwhelming buying process and culminating with the joyous purchase of their new perfect paradise property and beyond, Thomas and his team cater to every possible want, need and desire to ensure that his client receives the most thorough and exhilarating experience as they take their first step into the next adventure of their lives.

From exploring the sometimes intimidating Mexico Real Estate landscape, to final escrow paperwork, to where to buy their groceries, Thomas and his team tend to every need possible so his guests have the most ‘painless’ and ‘worry free’ experience in their new country.

“Find the neighborhood… and the home will follow!”

With “Mi Casa es Tu Casa with Thomas Lloyd” and Top Mexico Real Estate… the dream doesn’t have to a dream anymore.

Watch the first episodes on topmexicochannel.com

“Mi Casa es Tu Casa”…Not Your Ordinary Real Estate Show

And who knows… maybe you’ll find yourself on one of our upcoming episode!

… but you gotta get down here first!

And remember, with Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!

Happy Holidays!

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Thomas Lloyd and the Top Mexico Buyer’s Representatives want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

May the festive season bring you Joy, happiness and success throughout the New Year.

And if in the New Year you want to invest in a vacation home, retirement home or investment property anywhere throughout Mexico, we will be glad to help you find your very own piece of paradise.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We Make It Happen!

Happy Holidays from Top Mexico Real Estate

New Year’s Eve, Playa del Carmen 2015

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It is hard to believe we are already making plans for the end of the year! 2014 has gone by so fast and it has been a great year for us at Top Mexico Real Estate. Throughout the year many new and exciting projects were born, happy customers lived their dream of owning a home in paradise and our sales team grew, becoming greater than ever!

If you are visiting or live near the Playa del Carmen area, we have compiled a list of places that are offering New Year’s dinners to say goodbye to the old year and welcome 2015. Remember that good places get booked quite quickly, make your reservations as soon as possible!

I M P R E V I S T · Resto & Wine

1 Avenida Norte Entre Calle 14 Norte y 16 Norte Bis SN

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

+52 984 168 7025

reservations@imprevist.mx

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For only $130 USD you will enjoy a delicious gourmet dinner in a nice and romantic setting. Your dinner includes admission to a night full of live music and dancing at the 1st Annual Plank New Year’s Eve Bash!

Alux

Av. Juárez Mza. 217 Lote. 2 Col. Ejidal entre diagonal 65 y 70.

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

52 01 (984) 2062 589 / (984) 1471 563

info@aluxrestaurant.com

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If you want to experience a unique gastronomic experience in an amazing place, you cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy your New Year’s dinner at Alux. This beautiful restaurant offers not only the best food and wine in town, but also a mesmerizing ambience: located in a subterranean palace adorned by stalagmites and stalactites and special lighting to create a magical atmosphere.

Enjoy this natural attraction unlike any other; do not forget to bring your camera. Their excellent selection of menus and extensive wine selection combined with a unique setting make for memorable destination dining.

Kool Beach Club

Calle 28 y Playa

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

01 (984) 803 19 61

eventos@koolbeachclub.com.mx

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Kool Beach Club is offering a full night of fun on the beach for @ $140 USD. This gourmet 4 course steak and lobster dinner includes a premium open bar from 9pm – 1am, New Year’s Eve party kit, DJ and other entertainment. Ring in the New Year at a Kool, hip location on the beach.

Wah Wah Beach Bar

Calle 2 Nte y Playa

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

52 984 143 6009

wahwahbeach.com

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Wah Wah offers the best party in paradise! No cover, no expensive meal, and no reservations needed! Just come as you are and have FUN! Wah Wah’s will be offering their full menu. Renato and The Jam Session Combo will be rocking the stage all night long and at midnight they will have their annual Balloon Drop.

It’s better on the beach!

Wah Wah Annual Hangover Haven

Just when you thought the party was over, celebrate the First Sunrise of 2015, at Wah Wah’s 1st Annual Hangover Haven! Wah Wah will be serving an all you can eat breakfast buffet with unlimited bloody mary’s and live music for only $220 Pesos. Wah Wah Annual Hangover Haven is from 6am – 11am on January 1st.

Rise and shine into the New Year!

Top Mexico Real Estate wishes you a Happy New Year!

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…We Make it Happen!

Piñatas: a Colorful Tradition for the Holidays!

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Piñatas are an important part of the Mexican culture, you see them everywhere, and they are a big part of birthday celebrations in Mexico. Made in a wide variety of shapes and forms, and with materials that vary according to the region, the Piñata is recognized everywhere as a Mexican staple.

Even though the origins of the piñata are unknown: some say they come from China, others from Italy… what we know is that they bring joy to everyone. From their bright colors, the process of breaking it and the shower of candies after, it all reminds us of our childhood.

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Piñatas:  Have them ready for the posadas, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

As the holidays approach, piñatas are available in markets, sold by street vendors, and even in some supermarkets! They can be a beautiful element to decorate your deck or patio, but they can also be a big part of the holiday spirit.

The most traditional piñata is the star with 7 points, which refer to the 7 capital sins. There is a moral meaning behind the breaking of the piñata. The shiny colors and delicious treats represent the devil who draws man with superfluous pleasures. The blindfolded person would test his or her blind faith, and destroy temptation, with a stick that embodies the virtue. The piñata signifies overcoming temptation, to ultimately triumph over sin.

photo 7PointPinata_zps20706519.pngPiñatas are an important part of the Posadas, a series of parties hosted before Christmas Eve. Traditionally the piñata is filled with: candy, peanuts and seasonal fruit: oranges, limes, tangerines, jicama, pieces of cane and others. An appropriate location is chosen to break the piñata, preferably a garden or patio, where it is tied with a strong rope and hung from the branch of a tree or a roof beam, where the piñata can be easily be pulled up and down.

Line the children from smallest to the tallest, older kids and adults must be blindfolded. The child take the stick and is turned three times in circle to lose his or her bearings, then tries to hit the piñata. The person holding the rope moves the piñata up and down, making it difficult to hit while everybody sings.

photo Candy_zps231d633a.jpgIf you are considering hosting a Posada or holiday party this season, bring this beautiful tradition to your gathering; even adults enjoy hitting the piñata and the delicious treats that fall from the sky!

Here at Top Mexico Real Estate we work hard to help foreigners become homeowners in Mexico. From finding the dream home to learn more about living in Mexico, our website is your one stop destination to everything MEXICO!

Top Mexico Real Estate, We Make it happen!

Christmas Dinner with a Twist: Cochinita Pibil!

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Christmas Dinner with a Twist: Yucatecan cuisine is the delicious result of a culinary mix that combines Mayan, European, Caribbean and Cuban influences. The culinary delights of the region are made of an exquisite blend of Mexican and European flavors, favoring the use of pork and chicken for their traditional recipes.

A bit of history will explain the strong European influence: the Yucatan Peninsula was considered inaccessible and far from the rest of Mexico, there were only a few roads and they were very dangerous.  Most of the commerce and transportation was made using ships with cultural and commercial dealings with Europe, New Orleans and Cuba; influencing the Yucatecan clothing, architecture and cuisine.

If you want to celebrate your Christmas dinner with a twist, why not prepare the most traditional dish in the Peninsula?

We present: Cochinita Pibil, a Yucatecan delight that requires very little prep and will surprise all your guests with the delicacy of the flavors and the juiciness of the meat.

Christmas Dinner with a Twist: Cochinita Pibil

Ingredients (servers 10 – 12):

– 2 leaves of banana, you need to roast them on the stove so they become softer (you can get      them in your local supermarket, they are big folded green leaves)

– 1 ½ kilo or 3.3 pounds of pork leg

– ½ kilo or 1 pound of pork loin with rib

– 200 grams or 7 ounces of achiote seasoning (sold in every supermarket, outside of Mexico buy it online or in Latin stores)

– 1 cup sour orange juice or mix half vinegar and half fresh orange juice

– ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon white pepper powder

– ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

– You might add coarsely ground allspice to taste

– 3 cloves garlic smashed

– ½ teaspoon chili powder

– Salt to taste

– 125 grams or 4.4 ounces of lard/ butter

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Sauce:

– 8 radishes well washed and finely chopped

– 1 small red onion, finely shredded

– 4 habanero peppers finely chopped

– ½ cup finely chopped cilantro

– 1 cup sour orange juice

– Salt to taste

Preparation:

  1. Get a baking dish big enough to hold the meat and cover it with the roasted banana leaves, leaving it long enough to wrap the meat.
  2. Place the meat pieces in the baking dish and use the leaves to cover everything well.
  3. Dissolve the achiote paste in the sour orange, then add the spices and pour this mix on the meat.
  4. Marinate the pork for at least eight hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  5. Once you are ready to cook the pork, melt the lard or butter and make sure to cover all the meat, rewrap the banana leaves and cover with foil.
  6. Bake in a preheated oven at 175 °C or 350 °F for 1½ hours, the meat has to be so soft that almost falls apart.
  7. Shred the meat with a fork and serve with the sauce and plenty of tortillas!

Sauce:

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1.    Mix all the ingredients and let them marinate for at least three hours.

Presentation:

Use a piece of banana leave to cover the bottom of a serving dish, place the Cochinita on top and garnish with some red onion or cilantro leaves.

Hints and tips:

Remember that habanero is an extremely hot chili, you need to warn your guests and let them add the sauce to taste, accompanied by corn tortillas.

One of the beauties of Cochinita Pibil is that is not only a very popular dish, but also the leftovers can be eaten in tacos, tortas, fried tacos and so on.

Also, some people prefer to cook the Cochinita in the slow cooker, which is possible by lining the cooker with the banana leaves. Then you need to pour ½ cup water around the meat, fold up the banana leaves to roughly cover everything, then turn on the slow-cooker.  Slow-cook for 6 hours until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender (the dish can be held on a slow-cooker’s “keep warm” function for an additional 4 hours).

Top Mexico Real Estate is your one stop destination for everything about living in Mexico, browse our website and find the house of your dreams!

Top Mexico Real Estate, We Make it Happen!

Christmas Celebrations in Mexico: Posadas, Guadalupe-Reyes and Others!

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If you are visiting or live in the Playa del Carmen area, be ready to have a different Christmas experience. Many celebrations are still attached to religious dates and traditions, some of them are similar to other countries and some others are very unique.

We have listed some of the holiday celebrations you will find in Mexico, and the meanings of the celebrations; so if you get invited to a Posada, or get the “Mono” in the King’s day bread you know what people are talking about.

Guadalupe- Reyes:

This is the name given to the festivities that surround Christmas: starting on the 12th of December celebrating the Virgin of Guadalupe and including Christmas, King’s day (January 6th) and for some people even Candlemas (February 2nd).

The Virgin of Guadalupe:

Christmas Celebrations in Mexico start with the festivities offered to the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12th. The Virgin of Guadalupe is the Patron Saint of Mexico, and has millions of devoted followers, every year in the Riviera Maya you can see guys running or biking on the roads carrying her image.

In the city, you might see groups of people marching in the streets carrying the image of the virgin, and using fireworks before arriving to the church to pray and hear mass. These celebrations go for many days previous and after the 12th of December.

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Posadas:

Mexico celebrates Christmas with a variety of religious events, to commemorate the birth of baby Jesus and one of the most traditional is the Posadas.

Posadas starts on December 16th, and it commemorate the 9 day journey Joseph and Mary took to Belem. According to the tradition, Joseph, accompanied by his wife Mary, walked from the town of Nazareth in Belem to meet their tax obligations. Upon arrival, the Virgin was about to give birth, and they went to inns and homes asking for shelter. After being rejected many times, they took refuge in a barn where baby Jesus was finally born.

Posadas can come in any shape, from traditional style with the figures of Joseph and Mary being carried away from home to home, the traditional song asking for shelter and finally praying the rosary; followed with a party with food, drinks and a pinata.

If you have human contact of any sort, expect to be invited to many posadas a week; they can be organized by work, school institutions, and so on. Not surprisingly, people put on some extra pounds in this period!!!

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Cena de Navidad (Dec 24th):

One of the things that confuse foreigners the most is the fact that Mexicans celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve: there is a big dinner with friends and family, then presents are opened and everyone stays up late!

For dinner, Mexicans have traditional offerings such as: turkey, pork tenderloin, ham or they go for Mexican Christmas dishes such as: Bacalao, Romeritos or traditional Tamales.

Dia de Reyes (King’s Day, Jan 6th):

According to the Gospel of Matthew, the three wise men found the divine child by following a star across the desert for twelve days to Bethlehem. Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar — representing Europe, Arabia, and Africa respectively– travelled by horse, camel, and elephant in order to present baby Jesus with gifts.

In Mexico, this festivity closes the Guadalupe- Reyes period and it is celebrated by joining friends and family and sharing some “Rosca de Reyes”, a traditional bread that has dried fruit on top and a hidden figure of baby Jesus is baked inside. If you get the baby Jesus figurine, prepare yourself to offer a party with Tamales on El dia de la Candelaria!

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Dia de la Candelaria (Candlemas, Feb 2nd):

If you haven’t eaten enough by now, Candlemas brings one last celebration. The people that got the baby figurine in the Rosca de Reyes has to offer a party with Tamales and Atole, and the festivities are finally over!

Celebrating Christmas in Mexico can be surprisingly different or familiar, depending of your country of origin. What is important is keeping an open mind to enjoy everything the festivities have to offer.

Here at Top Mexico Real Estate, we hope you have a wonderful time! Happy Holidays!