🎄Feliz Navidad! Celebrating Christmas in Mexico 🪅

🎄 It’s Tuesday December 24 and my last newsletter before Christmas. This holiday season is a little bittersweet as it’s my first without both of my kiddos here. My boy is in Spain for Christmas and reveling in the cold weather, the elaborate holiday decorations and displays and the world class hot chocolate!

But, we have the tree up with as many Christmas lights as we can stuff onto it and holiday music flowing 24/7! If you live here along the Riviera Maya or you spend the Christmas season here regularly, how do you make it festive and fun? I’d love to know.

In this edition of Riviera Maya Insider you will find…..

• 🪅 Christmas traditions and celebrations in Mexico

• ⛳️ The return of the LPGA to Mexco with a tournament at Mayakoba

• 🦈 A rare shark attack registered off the coast of Tulum

• 🚨 A shocking execution in Playa del Carmen

• 🦃 The history and significance of turkey in Mexico

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RIVIERA MAYA ROUNDUP

⛳ Playa del Carmen is set to host the Riviera Maya Open in 2025, bringing an LPGA event back to Mexico after an absense of 8 years. Scheduled May 22-25 at Mayakoba’s El Cameleon, this tournament will showcase some of the best female golfers in the world. Hosting this LPGA event will help position the Riviera Maya as a premier sports and tourism destination, blending world-class competition with the area’s natural beauty and luxury amenities that the region is famous for.

🚨 A Canadian national, Mathieu Bélanger, was fatally shot in Playa del Carmen, allegedly due to his involvement in organized crime. Bélanger, has been linked to a Quebec cocaine trafficking network and the Hells Angels. Authorities suspect his murder is connected to conflicts within international drug networks.

🦈 A man suffered severe injuries in a rare shark attack in Tulum’s Tankah region, sparking concerns among locals and tourists. The incident highlights the need for awareness and caution in areas where marine life thrives close to shore.

🏖️ The Quintana Roo government is ramping up efforts to expand beach recovery projects in its northern region, aiming to combat erosion and protect vital coastal areas. While these initiatives are crucial to supporting the tourism-driven economy, there are environmental concerns to consider.

🚔 An investigation into police misconduct is underway in Cancun, sparking debates about accountability and justice. Allegations include abuse of power and corruption, prompting authorities to take action to restore public trust.

🇨🇦 Mexico’s ambassador to Canada is under investigation for alleged misappropriation of funds during his tenure as Governor of Quintana Roo. The case is raising questions about accountability within diplomatic circles and has sparked national attention as officials probe the details surrounding the allegations.

✈️ Travelers passing through the new Tulum International Airport will now be required to pay an environmental sanitation fee. This initiative which aims to support local conservation efforts and sustainable tourism in the Riviera Maya has raised concerns about double-taxation on visitors.

EXPAT LIVING

Insider insights and tips for better living and leisure on the Riviera Maya. Information from expats for expats and anyone planning their dream life in Mexico.

🎄 Celebrating Christmas in Mexico: Traditions Full of Joy and Meaning
Christmas in Mexico is a season rich with unique traditions that blend Indigenous customs with Spanish influences. Beginning on December 12th with the celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe and culminating on January 6th with Día de Reyes (Three Kings’ Day), the festive season is marked by posadas, family gatherings, and vibrant displays of faith and culture. The holiday season offers a truly magical experience full of heartwarming customs that make Christmas in Mexico unforgettable. Read the full article here.

RIVIERA MAYA REAL ESTATE

🌴 Beautiful Turn-Key Condo in Puerto Aventuras – Under $300K! 🌴 

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The spacious layout includes two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, an open-plan kitchen, dining and living room and a laundry room for additional storage. You'll love the bright and airy interior, as well as the serene golf course views. The condo complex is pet-friendly, making it ideal for families or couples who want to bring their furry friends along.

Step outside to a well-maintained pool and garden area, featuring a palapa, grill, outdoor shower, and bathroom—perfect for entertaining or simply unwinding in the tropical breeze. Location is everything, and this condo doesn’t disappoint. You're just a 5-minute walk from the beach, marina, golf course, restaurants, and all the fabulous amenities Puerto Aventuras has to offer.

Whether you’re looking for a full-time residence, vacation home, or investment property, this condo ticks all the boxes. And with low HOA fees and taxes, this property is as practical as it is beautiful. Priced under $300K USD, this is a rare opportunity to own a slice of paradise without breaking the bank. Don’t miss out on this incredible deal—schedule a viewing today!

Would you like to see your property promoted here?

¿QUE PASA RIVIERA MAYA?

Here is a selection of fun and interesting events coming up soon along the Riviera Maya and beyond!

December 23 - 31 - Christmas Artisans Market at the Tulum Municipal Plaza, 2PM - 10PM.

December 31 - Jan. 18 - Zamna Festival in Tulum (multiple events & locations)

December 31 - Jan. 11 - Lostnights Music Festival in Tulum (multiple events & locations)

January 3 & 4 - Por Que No Tulum Festival - Art Walk and Artisan Market at Vesica Tulum, 11AM - 11PM.

January 6 - Stories from the Maya Hinterland - A Photography Exhibition from Michael A. Maurus will open at the Cultural Center and Museum of Puerto Morelos. Time TBA.

January 12 - Chicago, The Musical at the new Teatro de la Ciudad in Cancun. Curtain time 7PM.

January 14 - David Guetta - Zamna Festival in Tulum.

January 23 - 25 - Seussical The Musical presented by Explayarte at the Teatro de la Ciudad in Playa del Carmen. Curtain times: Jan. 23 & 24 at 6PM, January 25 at 4PM.

January 30 - Fundraiser for Leyendo at Buzo’s in Playa del Carmen, 4PM - 7PM.

February 15 - Moulin Rouge, The Musical at the new Teatro de la Ciudad in Cancun. Curtain time 8PM.

February 19 - 14th Annual KKiS Project Fundraising Gala at The Grand Hyatt in Playa del Carmen. Dinner and live auction 6PM - 10PM.

Do you have information about an upcoming event that you would like to see shared on Riviera Maya Insider? Let us know by replying to this email or sending it to [email protected].

UN POCO DE TODO

That means a little bit of everything!
Interesting articles about Mexican history, culture, art, society and more.

🦃 The Surprising History of Turkey in Mexico
Turkey in Mexico has a fascinating history that predates the arrival of Europeans. Originally domesticated by Indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica, the turkey was an integral part of pre-Columbian diets and rituals. When Spanish colonizers brought this prized bird back to Europe, it quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in festive feasts around the world. Read my latest article to find out the cultural significance of the turkey in Mexico, from its role in ancient ceremonies to its place in modern-day Mexican cuisine.

DO GOOD RIVIERA MAYA

This month our featured community organization is LEYENDO.

📚️ Leyendo (which means “reading” in Spanish) The group focuses on establishing libraries in public schools throughout the community, providing students with access to a diverse range of books and educational resources.

Thanks to your referals and donations, Riviera Maya Insider has collected and purchased over 60 children’s books for Leyendo’s next library installation. I am looking forward to delivering them to Janet Lowe next week!

There is still time for YOU to help!

1. Donate new or gently-used books for children or young adults in Spanish. If you are planning a visit to the Riviera Maya, tuck a book or two into your suitcases. If you reply to this email, I’ll be happy to arrange a place for you to drop them off or I’ll come to you and pick them up!

2. Share this newsletter with any friends who you think would enjoy or benefit from it. For every one of your friends who subscribes to 🍍 Riviera Maya Insider, I will donate 1 USD to Leyendo. Those funds will be used to buy new books for their upcoming library project.

It costs nothing to share the newsletter and gives you, the INSIDERS, a way to Do Good Riviera Maya. 💪

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