As if the Riviera Maya didn’t offer enough to do and see, there is one special phenomenon that takes place every year. Whale sharks – the single largest sharks in the world – make their migration through the Mexican Caribbean every summer during their mating season. From June through the end of August, you can experience a close encounter with these gentle giants of the sea. Don’t worry, they are completely harmless and feed only from plankton. Many tour operators take advantage of the summer season to bring people like you close to these school-bus-sized animals. You will find them in their natural environment in an activity you should not miss out on.
A whale shark can weigh as much as 10,000 pounds and can measure up to 40 feet long. Even though the enormity of the whale sharks can be daunting, they usually just roam around the ocean looking for plankton, fish eggs and krill to eat. Humans and other animals are not their main concern, as they are not part of their diet. However, due to their unnaturally huge size, keeping a safe distance from them is essential. You want to avoid being hit by a heavy fin.
Where can you swim with whale sharks?
The best place to find the whale sharks in the Riviera Maya is around Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox. During this migratory season it is possible to spot as many as 40 whale sharks at the same time smoothly cruising through the ocean. While snorkeling from above may make them sometimes seem very tiny from afar, once they come up close and personal you can really entertain the idea of how big they actually are. They primarily swim through the northeastern shores of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean and represent a healthy marine ecosystem. Their life expectancy is around 100 years old, although some have been reported to live up to 150. Interestingly, female whale sharks can have about 300 pups per litter. This is an opportunity not to be missed when visiting your vacation home in the Riviera Maya – be it Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum. Many tours will take you to see them with experts on the subject explaining everything about them to you.
Don’t Miss This Opportunity
When you plan your next vacation to paradise, or if you are visiting during the remaining time of August, make sure to factor this amazing natural wonder into your trip. Trust us – it makes for one amazing life experience to tell people back home. Whale sharks are the gentle giants of the sea for a reason. Swimming alongside them is one of the most thrilling activities to engage in. It also makes for a sweet pro-tip to tell those renters who book your vacation rental during the summer months.
If you are looking to invest in the Riviera Maya, make sure to send your inquiries our way. Our expert Buyer’s Representatives can hook you up with the best real estate in the region. You can have your perfect paradise home right next to the whale sharks.
Xcaret Park is perhaps one of the Riviera Maya’s most sought-after tourist attractions. It offers a wide selection of activities that are impossible to see in just one day. From swimming in the ocean, to visiting the massive aquarium, and checking out the butterfly den and seeing the jaguars and panthers, it has everything for a fun day-trip for the family. It is the size of over 40 football fields and has all types of water activities on offer. However, its most popular attraction is the Mexico Espectacular show they put on at the end of the day.
The owners of Xcaret, however, have not just stopped at that. In total, they have opened six parks and one archeological tour. They are Xcaret, Xel Ha, Xplor (and Xplor Fuego), Xichen, Xenotes, Xoximilco, and Xenses. At the moment, their seventh park, Xavage by Xcaret, is under construction and is due to open in December 2018. For three years in a row now, Xcaret has received the Best International Theme Park Award by American travel companies, making it one of the most important Mexican-owned companies in the world.
A New World of Adventures
The new park, according to Experiencias Xcaret General Director, Miguel Quintana Pali, is a whole lot of new extreme. It will be located right next to Xoximilco near the Cancun International Airport. The 25-million USD investment is going towards the implementation of a mountain and a fast white-water river to make the park one of the most exciting to experience.
Another Addition for Xperiencias Xcaret
Moreover, the group is now preparing to add yet another park to their portfolio. Authorities have recently approved a full-blown water park called Suut Há Water Park by Experiencias Xcaret. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources permitted the construction for the park in March of the upcoming year. Their goal for the water park features a 40-meter high slide, many swimming pools, canals, and lush green areas with a capacity of over two hectares.
The water park will be located near their Xplor Park in Playa del Carmen and is set to cost approximately 1 billion Mexican pesos. It will create close to 200 new jobs. The Riviera Maya offers plenty of activities to enjoy their natural resources. But missing out on any one of the Xcaret adventure parks is a mistake. Especially for those that live in the Riviera Maya!
If you want to make this paradise your retirement home, reach out to us today. We’ve got experts waiting to help you find your dream home.
Whether you’re living full-time or part-time in Mexico, engaging in its many traditions is a great way to get to know the culture. Many people recognize Mexico for its beautiful white-sand beaches and picturesque Caribbean Sea. But there is much more than just that. The culture in Mexico is like no other. Its gastronomy is diverse and delicious. Unsurprisingly, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage. You will be enriched in the heritage and the Mexican holidays and traditions, regardless of where you decide to spend your retirement. Here are the most popular Mexican holidays to celebrate throughout the year.
Mexico Independence Day
While many confuse it with Cinco de Mayo, Mexican Independence Day is actually celebrated on September 16th. They became independent from Spanish governance in 1810, now marking 208 years of freedom. This is one of the largest celebrated Mexican holidays throughout Mexico, comparable to July 1st in Canada or July 4th in the United States. During this time, you will see Mexicans proudly wearing the colors of their country: red, white and green. The celebrations include parades, fireworks and dances in many cities. At home, locals prepare an array of traditional dishes such as pozole and chiles en nogada, which are the trademark foods for the holiday.
At 11pm, the President comes out to the balcony at Mexico City’s National Palace to give the Grito de Dolores. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla gave this famous speech at the town of Dolores in the early morning of September 16th, 1810. This marked the beginning of the fight for independence. The President repeats the speech each year, while Mexicans cry back “viva” after celebrating famous names that brought the independence to Mexico. At the end, he yells “Viva Mexico” three times, ringing the bell, marking the beginning of the celebration. The Municipal Presidents of major city squares replicate this tradition, as well.
Day of the Dead
This is perhaps one of the most widely known Mexican holidays across the world. Mexicans do not grieve death like other countries do. In fact, death becomes a celebration of someone’s life and is very colorful. Day of the Dead takes place on November 1st and 2nd. Locals celebrate Dia de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocents) on the 1st, which celebrates the life of children who have passed. The second day is Dia de los Difuntos (Day of the Dead), which celebrates adults.
The holiday celebrates all loved ones who have passed by visiting them at the cemeteries with the whole family bringing them offerings of their favorite stuff in life. The central piece is the pan de muerto (day of the dead bread), which is a bread that resembles a bone structure. Sugar skulls are also a popular snack. Mexicans put up shrines throughout the house and office with pictures of the lost ones and their favorite foods and drinks. Mexicans widely believe that during these two days the dead are allowed back into the living world. They get to spend time with their family, but only those whose family set up a shrine with their photograph.
Christmas and Posadas
While Christmas is a world-wide holiday, Mexicans have a unique take on it. Mexico is a very Catholic country, and so they do the traditional posada fiesta. Posada means inn or lodging in Spanish; however, during the nine days leading up to Christmas, they become a celebration of the biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Families and friends get together to reenact the journey. The family divides itself in two, one staying inside the house and the other outside. The people outside represent Mary and Joseph on their journey, while the ones inside are the ones who will allow them to stay the night so Mary can give birth to Jesus.
There is a lot of caroling and other rituals that take place. While not many people today actually celebrate Catholicism, it has become a trademark tradition that will never disappear. The posada is not only centered on the journey, but on spending time with loved ones. Matriarchs make plenty of food and drinks to go around. They bring out the piñata later to take a swing at. You will find star-shaped piñatas with seven points, representing the seven deadly sins. By breaking it, you are symbolically breaking free from sinning. People fill the piñatas traditionally with fruits such as sugar canes, oranges, jicama, and others. However, today, people put their own spin to it by adding candies and other things.
The Posadas and Christmas time in Mexico are a true celebration of the culture. You should definitely witness it in all its glory and learn about the comradery that is born from this tradition. This is definitely one of the most celebrated Mexican holidays.
Cinco de Mayo
The first thing to do is open with a disclaimer. Cinco de Mayo is not actually a nation-wide celebration, and it is, by no means, Mexico’s Independence Day. In 1862, Mexico was under French governance. Mexican troops defeated one of the largest French armies at the time, during the battle of Puebla, on May 5th. While Mexico lost the war, the battle spread a sense of much needed pride throughout Mexico.
Funnily enough, the quick outpouring of celebrations didn’t start in Mexico itself, but in the United States. When Mexican-Americans received word of the small victory, they fired their guns into the air and celebrated their Mexican heritage. However, the state of Puebla does celebrate Cinco de Mayo every year. Locals even get the day off from school and work. Years later, in the mid-1900s, Corona Beer was looking to enter the American market and launched the Drinko the Mayo campaign. This brought the holiday back into the eye of many people, who started celebrating it since.
Mariachi Music
If you have been to Mexico, you are probably aware of what Mariachis are. These musicians are everywhere throughout Mexico. They liven up family reunions, restaurant dinners, weddings, and other celebrations with their traditional Mariachi music. You will recognize Mariachis due to their studded attires and large hats. The tradition dates back to the 18th century and, since 2011, the musical expression is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
With so many lively and colorful traditions, Mexico is a great place to live at year-round. Almost every month there is a celebration taking place. When there isn’t something marked in the official calendar, you can trust Mexicans to make an excuse to celebrate something. If you want to experience these Mexican holidays and cultural traditions with locals and in their true expression, it’s time to start considering retirement in Mexico. Take a look at all our properties in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.
And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…we make it happen!
Playa Xcalacoco is a beautiful beach on the northern tip of Playa del Carmen. This is where many locals and tourists enjoy hanging out. The beach is far away from the hustle and bustle of the town, yet close enough to access quickly. As a retiree in Playa del Carmen, emerging in the culture and mingling with the locals is a great way to really enjoy the city. Xcalacoco beach offers that and much more.
The beach is long and beautiful, with nice warm water for swimming and snorkeling. Although some hotels are lined along this beach, there is more than enough room for those who want to pack their coolers, bring their towel and just enjoy the sun. If you’re not so keen on being out under the soon for too long, there are certain places where for a modest 50 or 100-peso fee you can rent some shade, a chair or a beach bed.
Since the beach is not completely touristy, you should definitely pack a lunch and some beverages with you for the day. There are no restaurants or stores on the beach, and the closest Oxxo or convenience store is on the highway on the entrance towards the beach. You may want to stop there before you keep driving in to get anything you may want to enjoy at the beach.
For those who love swimming and snorkeling, there is a reef just a few meters in. The crystal-clear water allows for great visibility. So, make sure to look out for the many bright and colorful fish and crabs swimming around the corals.
How to Get to Playa Xcalacoco
This beach is located between two hotels (Azul Fives and La Reve). They’re both all-inclusive boutique resorts, which means tourists from those hotels rarely leave their designated areas, leaving plenty of space for everyone else.
To reach the beach from Playa del Carmen downtown, you will need to drive north on the Highway 307. Continue driving past the entrance to Grand Coral. At the traffic light where the Coca Cola factory is, turn right on the road. There is a sign that reads Lol-Tun. This is the road where you will find the last Oxxo before getting to the beach. So, make sure to factor it in as your last stop if you want to buy anything else.
You will drive on this road for a few minutes, reaching the Azul Fives resort. Just ahead is a small entrance, which is the public access to the beach. Keep your eyes open as there is no clear sign for this path. Try to get there as early as possible. After 10am, you will see many cars lined up parked outside and you will need to park far from the entrance. The street only allows for about 20 cars to be parked. If you reach the Le Reve Hotel, you have gone too far.
However, just ahead past Le Reve, there is a place where you can park for $50 pesos. You may also rent shade, bathroom, palapas, beach beds and chairs for another modest fee. You can even rent their BBQ grill for $100 pesos if you want to have some food there.
What to Do in Xcalacoco
There really isn’t much to do except enjoy the sun, the ocean and the calmness of being on a beautiful beach away from the tourist areas. We highly recommend sticking around for the sunset. It is extremely beautiful with its pastel colors making for stunning photographs.
All we can say is that you will not regret spending the day at Xcalacoco beach. It’s a great place to escape from the vibrant city energy and relax in a tranquil setting. This is essential for your health and well-being. And if you love it so much you want to spend every day there, we recommend investing in a property in El Cielo Residencial, which gives residents direct access to this gorgeous beach.
Playa del Carmen has increasingly become a haven for retirees and expats. With such a large community of foreigners living in the city, it comes as no surprise to know that many of the local people speak great English. However, for those living here – whether it’s part time or full time – it makes sense to get in on learning the language of the country, as well. The great thing about learning Spanish is being able to communicate with locals on yet another level. Spanish is such a fun and versatile language which can open up great opportunities for your future. Just as there are many teachers out there spreading their knowledge in English, many are sticking to their roots and teaching Spanish to foreigners. Here are the best places to learn Spanish in Playa del Carmen.
Learn Spanish with Don Quijote
Don Quijote is an informative language school in Playa del Carmen that offers many different lessons. They offer Intensive 15, Intensive 20, Intensive 25 and Super Intensive 30. Each number represents the number of classes you can take per week. They also offer summer camps, Christmas programs, group classes and much more. You can learn Spanish, and more about the school here.
Taan Spanish School Playa del Carmen
Taan is the Mayan word for speak. This Spanish school is run by local Mexican teachers in Playa del Carmen. They offer classes for all levels and are the only 100% Mexican school in the city. Their classes kick off every Monday, which makes it rather flexible for accommodating your schedule. Taan Spanish offers a fun approach, stepping away from the classroom setting. They teach in different places around Playa del Carmen as a way to also get to know the city. By switching up the scenery, they believe their students will learn Spanish better.
Apple Language Courses
Apple Language Courses is a language school that consists of 10 open-air classrooms. They allow a maximum of seven people per class for a more hands-on training and one-on-one lessons. You can choose to have 15, 20 or 25 lessons per week. The neat thing about Apple Language Courses is the ability to add a salsa or cooking class to your Spanish course for free! This will allow you to benefit from learning Spanish and thinking outside the box.
International House Riviera Maya
International House Riviera Maya perhaps is the most well-known Spanish school (besides Berlitz). They have schools in most major cities in the world and teach a wide range of languages. The courses spread from beginner classes to Business and Medical Spanish classes. They are very flexible in schedule and are even available online. This will allow you to refresh your Spanish before you arrive or after you leave Playa del Carmen.
Regardless of which institution you decide to invest in, you should definitely learn Spanish. Although many people speak English in the region, being able to communicate in the native language will take you a long way when traveling, meeting locals, making friends and even getting discounts. Besides, speaking a new language can never hurt anyone!
Every visitor that comes to Playa del Carmen will comment non-stop on the beauty of the beaches, the friendliness of the locals and the vibrant nightlife. However, a quick stroll away from the tourist area reveals a colorful and artistic beach town. Concrete turns to art in front of our eyes day after day, leaving messages of peace, love and discomfort. The city’s street art scene is fantastic. Artists flock from around the world, leaving their mark on the concrete walls. That way they make sure a piece of them stays with Playa del Carmen. The town is painted throughout all its corners in beautiful colors. All you need is to step away from your comfort zone to discover the story of the city through its murals.
Street art is not graffiti
When you start strolling towards the center of the city, or if you drive by the Federal Highway’s high bridge, you will start noticing the street art. This is art that locals paint and stencil on the walls. It’s not just a scribble; it’s not graffiti. These paintings take hours upon hours to create. They all tell a story, as well. There are benches along the walkways where locals and tourists enjoy spending some time relaxing and taking in the vibrant surroundings that artists have created. The more local beaches also feature beautiful paintings on the backboards. Playa del Carmen truly is an explosion of color.
Street art in Mexico should come at no surprise. The Mexican traditions are always very colorful and expressive. From language to customs, the country is generally a festive and outspoken place. Whether you are wondering around the tourist areas of Playa del Carmen or you veer off the beaten path, you will be able to find a bright corner to surprise you.
art and culture gaining momentum
Imagine being emerged in such a scenic culture which slowly gains momentum as more than just beaches and spring breakers. Imagine being surrounded by picturesque art and beautiful people and having the ability to walk outside your house and find yourself submerged in a street art gallery. One will never know the culture just from a photo. You must experience it on your own. What are you waiting for? The beach is beckoning you and our specialists at Top Mexico Real Estate are here to find your perfect retirement property surrounded by the amazing street art scene in Playa del Carmen.
Quintana Roo’s beauty lies in its crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches. Unfortunately, for anyone who has any mobility restriction, enjoying the beach may seem more stressful than relaxing. For years, getting handicap access to beaches has been the state’s request, and while some beaches have started adapting, Cancun has finally come through. Although authorities began efforts in November of 2017, they are finally promoting the handicap access.
Handicap access finally installed in cancun beaches
Eduardo Martinez Salgado, director of the Rehabilitation and Inclusion Center of Cancun, announced that four beaches in Cancun are now accessible to people with disabilities or mobility restriction. But, what exactly does handicap access in a beach mean?
The beaches are accessible by ramps now. They also feature attention centers for any inquiries or to offer help to anyone who may need it. Moreover, authorities adapted the lounge chairs, bathrooms and showers. They are now suitable for anyone who may not be able to move freely without a wheelchair. The best part, however, is that they offer amphibious wheelchairs for everyone to enjoy actually being in the water. The city elected these four particular beaches due to its low tide and calm waves. This allows for the amphibious wheelchairs to enter the water smoothly, granting handicap access into the ocean.
quintana roo leading changes in infrastructure
Given the increasing amount of tourism to the area, having beaches with handicap access is perhaps one of the smartest authorizations the Quintana Roo government has issued. Playa del Carmen was the first city in the region to have a beach to accommodate people with disabilities. In Akumal, locals made efforts to introduce handicap-friendly snorkeling water bikes. They aimed to help those with disabilities see the wonders of the underwater world, although they were later removed. Today, Cancun has four inclusive beaches, including Playa Delfines, Chaacmool, Las Perlas and Playa Langosta.
This is great news for Quintana Roo’s tourism, as it goes hand in hand with other great things they’re doing. Just recently, Senator Jose Luis Pech Varguez announced the approval of a Cancun – Palenque fast train that will connect the whole south eastern peninsula of Mexico. The Riviera Maya has also recently been chosen as the pet-friendly destination for 2018 with many hotels, restaurants, bars and even beaches adapting to receive tourists with their furry friends. Lastly, private investment is overlooking the installation of electric car stations along the highway that goes from Cancun to Tulum in an effort to promote the use of eco-friendly alternatives to transport.
Meteorologists warned locals and tourists in the state of Quintana Roo of an upcoming heat wave in the next few days that will be breaking records. The Solidaridad Civil Protection warned of roaring temperatures that will reach 38°C (100°F) but have a thermal sensation of 47°C (116°F). According to the director of meteorology in Solidaridad, “the heat wave is due to the inclination of the earth that causes solar radiation to arrive perpendicularly and is a period of time, which is fixed from July 15 to August 24, but in itself, does not have an exact date for it to start or end.” Moreover, humidity will also be at its highest, and the rainfall at its lowest. With news of the rising heat, many people may wonder how to prepare accordingly to avoid heat stroke, sun burn or anything more serious.
Drink Plenty of Water
Obvious, we know, but many people like to hydrate with beer. And while it’s definitely a nice and refreshing drink, water helps you replenish all you sweat from the heat. If you’re leaving your house make sure you bring bottled water with you everywhere, and replenish when you’re at a restaurant, bar or beach club. Caffeine and alcohol, while enjoyable, can contribute to dehydration. So, try to steer clear from them.
Eat Right
While we’re on the subject of staying hydrated, there are foods that will help you replenish and re-energize your body. While others contribute to the loss of water. With the heat, you need to eat moisturizing foods such as cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon, and others. Of course, you can’t deny yourself other delicacies, just make sure you’re consuming these, as well. Also try eating in smaller portions throughout the day. Large meals can raise your metabolism, which in turn increases your body heat. The less you eat during one sitting, the less heat you’ll create.
One Word: Air Conditioning
Another obvious one, perhaps, but try to avoid walking out on Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen at midday, for example. Try to stay in closed places where you can cool off and if you really want to take a stroll make it short, through the shade and stop at stores, bars or restaurants to cool off from time to time. And while your electricity bill might go up slightly over the summer months, it’s best to stay cool at home, as well.
Dress Smart
You might want to stay away from darker colors while you’re putting up with this summer heat! Black fabric transmits heat to the skin, rising your temperature. Light colored clothing with lighter fabrics will be your best friend during this heat wave. The best color to wear is white, of course, as it rejects heat and helps you keep cool.
Take Advantage of Paradise
Hey, you’re in the Riviera Maya! Go cool off in the gorgeous turquoise waters and enjoy the beauty of the area. Be careful, however, and make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen to avoid sun burns and skin cancer. Make sure it’s biodegradable and apply it 30 minutes before you plan on swimming. Rash guards and hats are also your best friends when taking a dip in the ocean.
Avoid the Outdoors During Peak Hours
Doctors highly recommend avoiding being under the sun between 12 and 4pm as these are know as the peak sun hours. Especially when the sun is scorching hot and there are heat waves it is more important to avoid being out at this time. If you can’t avoid being under the sun then, make sure you’re wearing plenty of sun screen and alternating between sun and shade to avoid skin problems.
Keep Your Pets Safe
Avoid tragedies by keeping your pets constantly hydrated and only taking them out for walks really early in the morning or after dark. The heat of the streets and sidewalks can hurt their paws and exercising them during peak heat times can give them heat stroke as well. Give them enough cool water or cold treats (like frozen peanut butter and banana).
You Can Beat the Heat Wave
By following the previous advice and keeping yourself cool at all times, you’ll be able to take this heat wave like a breeze. Most importantly, however, you need to know the signs and ask for help when you start feeling dehydrated. Headaches, muscle pain, cramps, exhaustion and thirst are just some signs of heat stroke. Ask for medical assistance and head over to a cool and shaded place as soon as possible. Make sure you are given cold water both on your body and to drink. If there are any other major signs, call 911.
A Quick Guide to a Mexican Golfing Retirement is a contribution by Chrissy Jones.
With some of the best all-inclusive golf resorts in the world, it’s natural to assume that Mexico takes its golfing seriously. With 11 of these courses based in Cancun alone, it’s a haven for the golfing enthusiasts. The real estate market also loves golf courses. Because of this, they add a significant amount of value to the properties in the area. For retirees, good properties and plenty of golfing is the perfect combination. Mexico offers some of the best retirement spots, now with the added advantage of including a swing at golf.
Golfing Paradise at Baja and Las Palomas
Mexico is not necessarily known for its golfing. But an increased focus in the sport has resulted in two of the top ten golf courses in Latin America to be in Mexico. Jack Nicklaus designed the first, Cabo del Sol in Baja. At 36 holes, this is not a course to be trifled with. The second is designed by Forrest Richardson and is based in Las Palomas. This course features 18 holes, which is perfect for a quick round on a Sunday. Both Baja and las Palomas offer retirees the ideal mix of real estate to keep their purses and comfort levels satisfied.
No Need to be a Pro
Retirees who wish to take up golf as a hobby after retirement don’t need to worry about learning the perfect swing or putt. Plenty of beginners are retirees. In fact, many of the gated estates and resorts offer beginner golfing to their residents. This is a trump card on the real estate front. You can find many of these residences in the Riviera Maya, such as this one in Bahia Principe. Retirees don’t have to worry about starting out their golfing hobby in retirement, as many of them do. This is because many retirees never had the opportunity to take up a hobby before due to lack of time. Residents can request golfing lessons at the local golf courses. Participants can decide when they’re ready to go out on their own.
Luxury is Part of the Package
From the Tom Fazio signature golf course in Chileno Bay to the Jim McLean Golf School at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, luxury and golf go hand in hand. Sprawling residential resorts that offer more than just great views are the ideal location. Here, retirees can rest their wandering feet on Mexican soil. These destinations offer other spoils such as spa access and exclusive outdoor activities, as well. For retirees, this all comes at affordable prices and the temperate weather is a bonus.
From the sprawling beaches that provide the perfect backdrop to a great day’s golfing, to world-class accommodation, retiring in Mexico is one for the young at heart. With fresh greens and crisp lawns, there has never been a better time to take up golf.
Whether you’re a full-time resident of Mexico or a snowbird that flocks to escape the freezing winters of the north, it’s good to know what’s going on around for you to enjoy. The Riviera Maya and the whole Yucatan Peninsula are increasingly booming when it comes to art and culture. Because of this, many festivals and events have started to take place annually. So, get out your calendar and start marking the dates to attend these amazing festivals year-round.
Spring and Autumn Equinox Festival
Each year, attendees can observe an extraordinary manifestation at Chichen Itza in the Yucatan Peninsula. This happens during the first few days of spring, as well as fall, when the descending sun casts a shadow of a giant serpent alongside the corner of the renowned Kulkulkan Temple. The shadow gives the impression of a snake gliding down the staircase. It then fuses with a large stone serpent head at the base of the pyramid.
This commemoration rejoices the progressive zodiacal prodigy of the Mayan culture with a variety of concerts, sounds and bright light displays on the consecrated archeological site.
The Riviera Maya Film Festival
The international film industry puts on a festival to celebrate cinema through contemporary films every year. Producers screen Mexican and foreign movies throughoug different spots in the Riviera Maya, from Cancun to Tulum, during six days. It’s a great event for film lovers and a great way to get to see your favorite actors, directors and industry big names in person.
In Playa del Carmen, award-winning films are featured in remarkable outdoor locations such as the beach, as well as inside reinstated theaters. In Cancun they have a drive-in cinema, as well, which is one of the most popular events they host. The festival has attracted over 80,000 visitors over the past five years and has featured close to 1000 free screenings.
Festival of Life and Death at Xcaret
The Festival of Life and Death takes place over four days starting on October 31st at the Xcaret eco-park. Inside the festival grounds you can enjoy delicious foods such as tamales, cochinita pibil and other traditional Mexican tasty treats. You will also be blown away by the many decorations and lights within the park.
This is a truly Mexican experience you won’t want to miss if you’re visiting at the time. The festival features musical performances, theater, comedy, equestrian shows and a lot of culture. It is suitable for families with children of all ages. With plenty of flowers, candles, and beautifully-decorated altars, you won’t even know you’re in Mexico’s most touristic destination.
Riviera Maya Jazz Festival
Perhaps the best thing about the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival besides the stellar line-ups, is that it’s completely free. The even takes places on the beaches of Playa del Carmen and it is one of the longest-running festivals to take place here. Thanks to its world-class entertainment and gorgeous setting, it is a favorite amongst locals and foreigners alike.
Even if you’re not a jazz fan, it is great to appreciate the music as they bring plenty of big-name artists. The setting is quite enjoyable, too. Many people bring food and drinks and make their own beach picnic while listening to the music. It runs through the night.
International Festival of Caribbean Culture
The International Festival of Caribbean Culture is a six-day festival in the Riviera Maya with events held mainly in Cancun during the month of November. This festival is popular amongst people who enjoy salsa music and poetry. There is always plenty of dancing, amazing Caribbean artists and a lot of fun to go around.
Make sure you plan your visits to Mexico or your general calendar around these amazing festivals so you can enjoy the most cultural activities around. The Riviera Maya is growing ever-so-rapidly and more and more of these festivals are now taking place here. Mark your calendars and enjoy!
