Tag Archives: festivals and events

Celebrate the Beginning of Summer in Mexico and around the World!

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Summer is here! Woo hoo! While that may not be such a big deal to those who are already settling in the Caribbean, and get to enjoy nice weather all year, it is still a day of celebration and happiness all throughout the northern hemisphere of the world! It is a day to celebrate the sun and enjoy extended light and warmth. So what will you be doing to welcome the summer?

 

Here are some ideas of how many people honor and celebrate this day throughout the world:

 


Chichen Itza and its Mayan mysteries

Probably one of the most important and interesting things to do is to watch the summer solstice at the very moment it happens at Chichen-Itza. We are talking about the exact point where the sun seems to pause and highlight the north and east sides of the temple of Kukulcan while creating complete shade on the south and west sides. If you are in the Riviera Maya during this time this is a great opportunity to be a part of such a historical tradition.

 

It is very popular to go to Chichen-Itza, not only for the summer solstice but also for the winter solstice and fall and spring equinox. The Mayans were very intelligent and without any kind of technology or advancement, that we use today, they had to construct a way to know what day, month and season it was. They were able to use the pattern of light to determine the seasons.

 

Also, for those who did not know this already the Temple of Kukulcan has 91 steps on each of the 4 sides plus one last step up to the top of the platform to equal 365. This represents one step per day. Another thing worth noting is that each season is exactly 91 days apart except for the summer solstice which is 92 all adding up to 365 days. The Mayans were able to determine everything just by paying attention with nature and the sun. Many will flock to Chichen-Itza to watch and partake in celebrations of this wonderful day!

 

How about a little bit of yoga?
If you can’t make it to Chichen-Itza how about a little bit of yoga? I know, this might sound a little surprising if you aren’t already familiar with the summer solstice traditions but it is true that many people across the world gather for special yoga sessions on the morning of the summer solstice. These special yoga sessions are intended to honor the sun. Check out the local yoga studios in Playa del Carmen, Tulum and across the Riviera Maya to see how you can get involved in one of these special sessions. Not in Mexico? Check out New York City where they put on a huge yoga event right in Times Square including free classes, music, performances and lots of celebration.

 

Perfect day for a wedding!

 

This very day is actually one of the most popular days for weddings. June is believed to be a good luck month for weddings anyways but June 21st, or the day of the summer solstice, is referred to as the “wedding of heaven and earth” and draws much attention to those when picking out their special day. In addition, if your wedding is outdoors you can get the most out of your day.

 


Bonfire

 

Another interesting tradition is to hold a bonfire. Make a big fire, invite your friends, cook, and celebrate the day!! I think this goes along with idea and is a good excuse to have a nice gathering with friends and family. Make the most out of the longest day of the year and the sunlight by being outdoors and taking in all the day has to offer. Other traditions include festivals, parades and special ceremonies. Make your own traditions, have a BBQ, go to the beach. Whatever it is you decide to do, enjoy! Happy Summer everyone!

 

-by Bea Lozano

 

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Today, Playa del Carmen’s Deep Sea Fishing Tournament Starts! – Video

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If you love fishing, then Playa del Carmen really would be your cup of tea!

 

This morning, Playa del Carmen’s annual fishing tournament was kicked off.  Take a look at this video from Mexico Travel News:

 

 

This is one of the winners from last year’s tournament, I believe:

 

Here’s a shot of “the big catch” on a boat. (This is not in the tournament, but gives you a taste of what fishing in Playa del Carmen is like:)

 

If you’re around, it’d be great to head out and see some of the prize catches. If not, well you know what you can plan for the next time you’re here in Playa!

 

-by Thomas Lloyd

 

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Happy Mother’s Day – Mexican Style!

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Now, just so you know, Mother’s Day is celebrated in Mexico on May 10, regardless of the day of the week. But, to share a taste of Mother’s Day in the true Mexican style with you, here’s a bit of mariachi – a special Mother’s Day song:

(If you can’t see the video, click here to see it in our blog.)

I hope you enjoyed! And a happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, from Bea and me!

-by Thomas Lloyd

Now, just so you know, Mother’s Day is celebrated in Mexico on May 10, regardless of the day of the week. But, to share a taste of Mother’s Day in the true Mexican style with you, here’s a bit of mariachi – a special Mother’s Day song:

I hope you enjoyed! And a happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, from Bea and me!

-by Thomas Lloyd

Beach Soccer was Amazing! – Pictures

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If you remember, last week I posted about the beach soccer tournament; I went on the weekend and got some great pictures – well, pictures of a great event, in any case!

 

Notice that the event is actually sponsored by FIFA, the organization for the World Cup:

 

And here, with the FIFA flag, you can see the beautiful Mamitas Beach:

 

Mexico vs. Brazil:

 

Mexico vs. Spain:

 

Here are the cheerleaders:

 

And finally, this is the beach after the games:

 

If you think you would’ve enjoyed this, you’ll be happy to know about the 8th “MUNDIALITO DE FUTBOL DE PLAYA” (or “little World Cup for Beach Soccer”) coming up on June 21 – 23. For this one, the teams are made of expats from Playa representing their home country.

 

-by Thomas Lloyd

 

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The World Cup Comes to Playa del Carmen

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… the Beach Soccer Worldwide Cup, that is.
Starting tomorrow (May 3), the Beach Soccer Worldwide Riviera Maya Cup will be taking place at Mamitas Beach Club.  I’m kind of thinking of going to take a peak.  I’m usually not a soccer kind of guy, but on the beach … that’s something altogether different!

 

And, it’s worth noting that its free!

 

This is the announcement from Mayan Explore:

 

Riviera Maya Cup 2013 in Playa del Carmen from the 3rd – 5th May 2013

 

Mexico, Spain, Brazil and the Bahamas will take part in the Riviera Maya Cup 2013 at Mamitas Beach Club in Playa del Carmen.

 

This competition will be played in a round robin format, with all of the teams playing each other, the team with the most points will be awarded the Riviera Maya Cup 2013 Champions.

 

Her e is the schedule for the Round Robin:

 

Friday 3rd of May

 

1.45pm:- Spain Vs Brazil
3pm:- Bahamas Vs Mexico

 

Saturday 4th of May

 

1.45pm:- Brazil Vs Bahamas
3pm:- Mexico Vs Spain

 

Sunday 5th of May

 

1.45pm:- Spain Vs Bahamas
3pm:- Mexico Vs Brazil

 

-by Thomas Lloyd

 

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In Uruapan, Michoacan, Bright and Lively Festivals Are Celebrated All Year

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This is a guest post from John Glaab, an real estate expert in La Paz and in Mexico’s international connections.  He also has strong interest in the city of Morelia in central Mexico.

 
All year long there are festivals occurring in Uruapan, near Morelia. The two most noteworthy and that fill the hotels are; Noche de Muertos (Night of the Dead) and Semana Santa (Holy Week). The first is November 1 and the second is Holy Week which includes Palm Sunday and Easter.

 

Michoacan is the center of the part pagan, part Christian celebration of Noche de Muertos (Night of the Dead). Tzintzuntzin the capital of the Tarascan empire is especially important, but Ofrendas (altars) are also abundant in the streets of Patzcuaro and Uruapan. For the past three years, Uruapan has also had a celebration of velas. (candles) More than 10,000 candles adorn the Centro Historica and the main plaza.

 

During Semana Santa, the artisans fill the four block long plaza in Uruapan. This year more than 1,200 came to display and sell their work. Representing 73 communities, the artisans came with 1 million pieces. These ranged from copper works of art (Santa Clara del Cobre) to fine guitars. (Paracho)

 

There were two parades during the week. One the parade of the artesanos and the other the parade of the aguadores. (Water carriers) The later in rational costume carried water from the Rio Cupatitzio, to the Inmaculada church for blessing. Of course both had musical groups in the processions.

 

You may also wish to read about:

 

 

-by John Glaab

 

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At the Riviera Maya Film Festival I Met Patricia Arquette!

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I’m not one to go following stars around, or even looking for them, but if I get the chance to meet one, I’m definitely happy about.  As is more and more common these days, there are celebrities showing up in Playa del Carmen, Cancun and this entire region.

 

And yesterday, at the gala in Puerto Morelos for the Riviera Maya film festival I met Patricia Arquette!  I got some nice pictures:

 

beatlo's Patricia Arquette album on Photobucket

 

I’m not sure if I mentioned it on Saturday when I announced the festival, but this festival is entirely FREE! So, you get glitz and glamour and after-parties and fun activities … without paying anything.  Besides seeing stars, and enjoying international cultural events, it costs very little or nothing.The rest of the event was very nice.  

 

Take a look at the moon over the sea:

 

Riviera Maya International Film Festival Puerto Morelos Playa del Carmen 

Here are some pictures of other parts of the event, and the after-party:

beatlo's Gala Puerto Morelos album on Photobucket

 

Of course, Saturday was really good here in Playa too, with some screenings in Fundadores beach right downtown:

 

beatlo's Riviera Maya Film Festival 2013 album on Photobucket

 

Playa del Carmen really is growing into a thriving place for culture, celebrities, events, festivals and all of this – of course – in the setting of pure relaxation on the beach!

 

– by Bea Lozano

 

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Playa del Carmen’s International Film Festival Starts Tomorrow, April 21!

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If you are in Playa del Carmen or anywhere nearby, you won’t want to miss this:

 

Tomorrow the Riviera Maya International Film Festival starts!

 

It runs from April 21 to April 27, one entire week.  It’s entirely free, and there are nightly drive-in theater showings!

 

Retirement activities in Playa del Carmen - Film Festival

Patricia Arquette

Some international stars, like Patricia Arquette, will be present!  This event is not only a great place to see films, but also to catch some star sightings on the most beautiful beaches in the world!

 

(This is getting more and more common, by the way.  In addition to the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders Tom posted about on Thursday, these days there are almost continuously stars in Cancun, like Salma Hayek and Adam Sandler, who are there right now.)

 

Check out the schedule for the film festival.  It’s in English, as is the main website.

 

Hope you can make it out there!

 

-by Bea Lozano

 

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Mexico Shows its “Passion” for Jesus – Pictures of Passion Plays

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Most people know something about Mexico’s Passion Plays; these plays act out the last hours of Jesus’ life in which he is put on trial, carries his cross and is crucified.

 

The extent to which these events are acted out and the realism of them varies from region to region and community to community.  At the very least, they include someone acting the role of Jesus carrying often large and heavy crosses for fairly long distances.  In the most extreme cases, they actually have someone physically strike Jesus with a with a whip, and even tie him onto the cross which is raised as though it were a real crucifixion with the person Jesus on it, although such extremes are rare! (I haven’t heard of any cases where they actually use nails or anything like that …)

 

Take a look at the pictures below:

 

Retirement Living in Mexico - Religions Events

 

Retirement Living in Mexico - Religions Events

 

Retirement Living in Mexico - Religions Events

 

Retirement Living in Mexico - Religions Events

 

So, do I think this stuff is a good idea? Well, it’s certainly very different, and a very foreign expression of very different values.  What I will say is that they certainly take their religion seriously!  It is worth noting, however, that it’s very rare that Mexicans are push about their religion; they prefer to show their passion (no pun intended) rather than tell you about it or try to convince you of it.

 

-by Thomas Lloyd

 

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See how Mexico’s Caribbean Island Celebrates Carnival! – Cozumel in Pictures

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For the last two days, I posted about the Carnival celebrations in Playa del Carmen.  I also love the carnival in Cozumel. We take full advantage of the carnival to take the ferry across to Cozumel, the largest island in Mexico. It’s about a 40min ferry ride. In Cozumel, the carnival parade travels directly down the main street that is parallel with the oceanfront. So, not only do you get to see the amazing parade, but the breeze and sunset behind you also make for extra special pictures and memories.

 

During this week in early February, the weather is perfect. Not to hot and not to cool! That makes it perfect for the late afternoon parade.

 

This is truly a whole family event. People of all ages participate in the parade and it really shows a sense of community. Just a piece of advice if you do decide to take in the carnival in Cozumel, buy a return ticket to Playa del Carmen and try to take the second last ferry back. The last ferry is always jam-packed and the line to board is always long. Or you could just relax and spend the night in one of Cozumel’s beautiful hotels or resorts.

 

Here are a few pictures:

If you’re not already living here and enjoying Mexico’s colorful and lively festivities, I hope that you will be soon – soon enough to enjoy Carnival in Mexico for 2014.

 

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