🇲🇽 Are You Ready for El Grito?

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🌞 Good morning Insiders! Before we get into the fun stuff—I have a favor to ask. As you may have read in the news or even in this very newsletter, tourism has been down significantly this year. In Puerto Aventuras alone, six businesses have been forced to close their doors. To address the crisis, the restaurant owners have put together a survey to learn more about their customer base and to see how they can better serve their clients inside the community and beyond. If you would like to participate, you can find the survey here. Thank you in advance for your input.

There are some interesting and fun events coming up this weekend. Akumal is hosting an international forum on sargassum barriers. The Unique Classic Car Rally is back in Puerto Morelos. Feria Trendy will be lighting up Puerto Aventuras. The final rounds of the CSI3* showjumping competition are this weekend followed by a fun after-party. And we’ve got the rundown on the Independence Day festivities in Playa—the who, what, where and when of it all!

Plus, meet Bro, Playa Animal Rescue’s Adoptable Dog of the Week, find all your favorite bands in the Live Music Lineup and try your luck at this week’s Trivia Question!

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TRIVIA TIME

 
🇲🇽 Trivia Time – Patriotic Edition

In honor of Independence Day, here’s a little flag trivia: The Mexican flag has gone through many versions before arriving at the one we see today, with its bold green, white, and red stripes and the eagle perched on a cactus devouring a snake.

You will find the answer at the end of this emai! Did you get it right? We will have another brain-teaser for you next Thursday. Share this newsletter with all your Trivia-loving friends!

WEEKEND WEATHER

The weekend forcast is projected for Playa del Carmen. The Mexican Caribbean is notorious for its microclimates. If you are in another part of the Riviera Maya, your weather may vary.

🌤️ Weekend Weather Outlook for the Riviera Maya

Thursday
88 🌡️ 77 | 🌦️ Scattered Showers/Storms | 60% | 💨 ESE 7 mph (6 knots)

Friday
87 🌡️ 76 | 🌦️ Scattered Showers/Storms | 80% | 💨 ESE 7 mph (6 knots)

Saturday
90 🌡️ 77 | 🌦️ Scattered Showers/Storms | 60% | 💨 ENE 7 mph (6 knots)

Sunday
89 🌡️ 77 | 🌦️ Scattered Showers/Storms | 60% | 💨 E 7 mph (6 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 86ºF

FIVE FUN THINGS

Here are my picks for Five Fun Things you might want to check out! As always, links to ticketing information and the locations are included in each description.

🌊 Akumal Hosts Forum on Sargassum Barriers

Today, September 11, Akumal will welcome experts and organizations for the first-ever International Forum on Sargassum Barriers. The aim isn’t to sell products but to raise technical standards for how barriers are designed, anchored, and maintained along Quintana Roo’s coastline.

Every year, tons of sargassum arrive on Mexican Caribbean beaches, straining ecosystems and tourism. Barriers can help, but their success depends on correct installation and respect for coastal dynamics—details often overlooked, leading to costly failures. The forum will spotlight lessons learned from ongoing projects, with specialists sharing what makes a barrier effective and what mistakes to avoid.

The gathering at Lol-Ha Restaurant in Akumal from 11 AM - 2 PM and will also be streamed online, making it accessible to hoteliers, businesses, and anyone interested in how the region can better manage the seasonal sargassum challenge. Everyone is welcome to participate in this important conference.

 🪅 Feria Trendy: Independence Day Edition

The Feria Trendy artisan fair is back with a special nod to Mexican Independence Day! This monthly night market transforms the area around the Puerto Aventuras kiosk (bandstand) into a festive space filled with music, decorations, and stations offering everything from fashion and art to accessories, toys, ceramics, herbal goods, and delicious bites.

The event will be held on Saturday, September 13 from 6 PM to 10 PM. The fair is free to attend, open to all ages, and pet-friendly, making it a perfect outing for families, friends and neighbors. There is a even a fun and festive photo booth set up! Wander through the colorful displays, shop local, and soak up the patriotic vibes.

Are you a local artisan or producer with something to sell? Text 984 188 3492 on WhatsApp for vendor information.

🚗 Classic Cars Take Over Puerto Morelos

Calling all car lovers! The Unique Rally Clásico 2025 is back for its fourth edition in Puerto Morelos, bringing a stunning lineup of vintage vehicles to the heart of town. This family-friendly festival is free to attend and the perfect excuse to admire beautifully preserved classics, chat with their owners, and snap as many photos as you like.

The exhibition takes place at Parque Fundadores and Ventana al Mar, right by the coast. On Saturday, September 13, the rally runs from 2 PM to 10 PM, and on Sunday, September 14, from 10 AM to 10 PM. No tickets or ID are required—just show up and enjoy a weekend surrounded by automotive history.

Whether you’re a lifelong car enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out, it’s a chance to experience a different side of Puerto Morelos. Come stroll the plaza, meet the collectors, and see these beauties shine!

🐎 Grand Finale Weekend: CSI3* Playa del Carmen

The second weekend of the CSI3* Playa del Carmen Show Jumping Tournament promises not only world-class equestrian action but also a full social experience in the Riviera Maya. Between competitions, guests can wander a luxury shopping fair featuring unique gifts items and artisan goods, enjoy gourmet food stalls, and sip refreshing cocktails while soaking up the atmosphere.

The finale comes on Sunday, September 14, when the final rounds unfold, followed by an unforgettable closing party with DJ Andrea, transforming the arena into a lively celebration under the stars. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the Riviera Maya’s first-ever CSI3* competition, where elegance, sport, and nightlife all come together.

📍 Hípica Salazar | Puerto Aventuras
📅 September 10 - 14 | Competition starts at 8 AM
🎟️ Boletia.com Sunday access $200 pesos | Closing party with DJ Andrea $200 pesos
✨ VIP tables (8 persons max): 20,000 pesos – Reserve in advance 55 6024 8505
🐾 Pet Friendly

🇲🇽 Celebrate Independence Day in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen’s big Independence Day party will be held this year, for the first time, at the Mario Villanueva Stadium and you’re invited. Monday, September 15, expect an all-day festive scene around the venue with streets closed to accommodate artisans and food vendors.

The gates open at 8 PM, with musical acts including Grupo Frontera live in concert beginning at 9:30 PM. The civic ceremony will follow culminating in El Grito at 11 PM. In place of fireworks a spectacular drone show is planned. Admission is free. Parking around the stadium will be at a premium so consider walking if you can, take a taxi or carpool. Bring the family, wear your most festive green-white-red and be ready to shout “Viva Mexico”.

🎣 Get Your FISH ON With Fishing Booker!

🎣 Are you looking for something fun and active to do while you are here on the Riviera Maya? Whether you are a seasoned fisherman or just starting out, FishingBooker will connect you with the best boats and the most experienced licensed Captains in the region. Spend a morning or afternoon trolling the blue waters of the Mexican Caribbean reeling in Marlin, Dorado, Wahoo, Bonito and other exciting species.

Find the best reef spots and catch delicious Grouper and Red Snapper. Click here to see their entire inventory of locally owned and operated Fishing Charters.

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RIVIERA MAYA INSIDER PROUDLY SUPPORTS

Riviera Maya Insider is working together with PAR - Playa Animal Rescue to help amazing dogs find forever homes. Each week, we will feature a pup who is ready for adoption and eager to join your family.

MEET BRO, OUR DOG OF THE WEEK

🐾 Three year old Bro is a unicorn dog! He has it all. He is kind, playful and reliable. His best day involves playing, going for walks and if you throw in some puppies, it's the best day ever. Bro is neutered, parasite free, up to date on vaccinations and has received all necessary monthly preventatives. If. you are interested in learning more about Bro, send an email to [email protected].

💵 Want to help, but can’t adopt? There are plenty of opportunities to support Bro and other pets awaiting their forever home. PAR also needs sponsors and volunteers to help with dog walking and charm school. Find out how you can help!

RMI LIVE MUSIC LINEUP

We do our best to get the most up to date information from the venues and bands. However, we are fully into low season and bookings may change at the last minute. We will do our best to keep the list up to date. Use the button below to see the updated list for September 11 - 17 , 2025.

If you are performing in Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Paamul, Puerto Aventuras or Akumal and would like to see your live music, karaoke or open mic night included in the RMI weekly newsletter, please submit your information for consideration.

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