⛪️ Celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of Mexico ⛪️

Plus: Mexico cracks down on vaping, wildlife crossings planned for carratera 307 and a visit to Latin America's biggest luxury mall.

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🌞 Buenos dias! This is 🍍Riviera Maya Insider … the newsletter sure to make you the smartest guy at the swing bar!

🎄 It’s Tuesday December 10 and we are full on into the holiday season down here on the Riviera Maya. The town square trees have all been lit and Home Depot is already sold out of Christmas lights. Ask me how I know…. 😭 

PEOPLE ARE TALKING

💌 Every week, I look forward to comments and feedback about the newsletter…recommendations, ideas for articles, info on upcoming events. This is an interactive newsletter and I rely on my INSIDERS to keep me “in the know”!

But what I love the most is to hear from readers from afar who can’t wait to find a little bit of the Riviera Maya in their inbox every Tuesday morning.

We are thoroughly enjoying the content and reliving our precious memories of a place very dear to us. Thank you for keeping us in touch with what is happening in that little corner of the world.

Andrea W., Colorado

Thank you so much for your article about the Christmas bonus. We had no idea we were supposed to be giving this to our household staff. I honestly had no idea what was expected. Great info. Keep up the good work!

Susan W., Akumal

In this edition of 🍍 Riviera Maya Insider you will find:

  • Riviera Maya Roundup

  • Expat Living

  • ¿Que Pasa Riviera Maya?

  • Un Poco de Todo

  • Riviera Maya Real Estate

  • Do Good Riviera Maya

This email newsletter may be clipped. To read the full version, scroll up and use the option to READ ONLINE.

RIVIERA MAYA ROUNDUP

You don’t need to know everything going on along the Riviera Maya, but you should know something! I sift through hundreds of local and regional news stories so you don’t have to. These are the headlines in this week’s local news that caught my attention.

🖤 We were informed after the publication of last week’s newsletter that Susie (Susanne Möller) of Manne’s Beirgarten fame had passed away. We send our sincere condolences to Manne and all her many friends and family who loved her. RIP

🖤 On December 15 at 4PM, There will be a Ceremony of Life for Michele Lake in front of the PA Beach Club & Hotel. All who loved here are encouraged to attend.

🐾 Highway 307, which runs from Cancun to Belize, is set to feature 21 new wildlife crossings, installed to protect local fauna. It is hoped these eco-friendly measures will provide safe passage for animals like jaguars and deer, while ensuring smoother and safer travel for motorists. Read more here.

A fantastic digital rendering previewing Playa del Carmen’s newest touristic attraction, is making the rounds in social media. See on the Instgram account of Municipal President Estafania Mercado, the “Mirador del Mar” is causing quite a stir. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

⚖️ A real estate firm in Playa del Carmen is facing serious accusations of fraud from hundreds of families who claim their investments have been mishandled. Allegations include undelivered properties, lack of essential services and incomplete developments, leaving affected residents in legal and financial limbo. Read more here.

🚖 inDrive's Authorized Launch at Cancun Airport Travelers to Cancun International Airport now have a new, officially authorized ride-hailing option: inDrive. Partnering with Caribe Taxi Express, inDrive offers a an alternative to traditional taxis. This development comes amid ongoing debates over ride-hailing operations in the region. Read more here.

🛒 A new Soriana Híper supermarket has opened in Tulum, representing an investment of 550 million pesos. Built in just 6 months, this state-of-the-art facility aims to meet the growing needs of residents and visitors, offering a wide variety of products and services. Read more here.

🚭 The Mexican government has implemented new strict regulations on the use and trade of vaporizers, with hefty fines and even jail time for violations. These measures are part of the country’s efforts to curb vaping and its associated health risks. Learn more about the penalties and what this means for residents and travelers who vape. Get the full story here.

🏛️ Playa del Carmen’s old City Hall is set to be transformed into a new museum and cultural center, breathing new life into the historic building. This renovation aims to preserve the city’s heritage while creating a vibrant space for art, history, and community events. Read more about the plan here.

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.

🛍️ Grand Outlet Riviera Maya Mall: One Year Later, Is It Worth the Trip?
The Grand Outlet Riviera Maya Mall has been open for over a year. Positioned as Latin America’s largest luxury outlet mall, my first visit to this highly touted mall left me dissapointed. There were very few stores actually open. There were no great deals to be found and none of the promised entertainment options were operating yet.

That was one year ago. Last week, I decided to make a return visit to see what progress had been made and if it lived up to expectations. Read my latest blog to see how the mall has shaped up.

¿QUE PASA RIVIERA MAYA?

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

December 10 - Fundraiser for Gaylita at Café Ole in Puerto Aventuras. Market, music, raffle and more to help cover Gaylita’s ongoing medical expenses.

December 12 - Shuck & Swing by Bubbles & Oysters at Hoyo 19. Oysters and wine pairing event. Reservations required. Reply to this email for more information.

December 12 - TITO Double P in Concert - 9PM at the Poliforum in Cancun.

December 14 - Hekab Be Holiday Sale at Turtle Bay Cafe in Akumal. 10AM - 2PM

December 12 - 15 - Exhibition and Sale of Oil Paintings with regional themes by professional local artist Chrissie Oppedissano at Jungle Fish Beach Club in Akumal.

SPONSORED BY
Puerto Aventuras Living

Ho Ho Ho!! Come on down to Nauti Burro on Sunday, December 22nd for a FUNdraising Holiday Brunch to support the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside!

Chef Marc is teaming up with Donnie and his crew at Nauti Burro to create a fabulous Holiday Brunch Buffet! The event will run from 11AM until 2PM.

The cost is 500 MXN per person and includes the buffet brunch, coffee and one Mimosa or Bloody Mary.

Come on out and have some good food for a good cause! Proceeds will support Seaside Rotary’s community projects. For more information about the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside and their programs visit their official website.

If you are coming in from outside of Puerto Aventuras, please email [email protected] and Rotary will supply you with a QR code for entry.

If you are not in the area and want to support the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside via the link below.

DONATE  

This is a paid advertisement. To see your event sponsored or to sponsor an event on behalf of a charity, contact [email protected]. One featured event is available in each weekly newsletter.

December 15 - Noel Christmas Run - 10K, 5K and 3K Races in Cancun.

December 15 - Christmas Piano Concert and Dinner to support Itzé Nah at the Puerto Aventuras Bandstand at 7PM.

December 20 - Holiday Trendy Market in Puerto Aventuras 5PM - 9PM.

December 20 - Ballet Lizt Alfonso Ballet presents ‘Cuba Vibra’ Winter Gala at the Tetrao de la Ciudad in Playa del Carmen. Curtain time 8PM.

December 21 - Holiday Trendy Market in Puerto Aventuras 5PM - 9PM.

December 21 - El Papalote’s 30th Anniversary Party - Comunidad Educativa El Papalote Celebrates 30 Years of Education in Playa del Carmen.

December 22 - Seasie Rotary’s HO HO Holiday Brunch at Nauti Burro in Puerto Aventuras from 11AM - 2PM.

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.

⛪️ Virgin of Guadalupe Day on December 12th is one of the most important religious and cultural events in Mexico, honoring the country’s beloved patron saint. Across the nation, millions gather for vibrant celebrations, including processions, masses, and traditional dances, particularly at the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

The festivities are filled with heartfelt devotion, with pilgrims walking for miles to pay their respects. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, experiencing the Virgin of Guadalupe Day offers a unique insight into the soul of Mexico. Read my article and learn more.

🌧️ Rain and Sacrifice: Unveiling Aztec Rituals of the 15th Century
Archaeological discoveries in Mexico City reveal the chilling practice of child sacrifices to appease Tlaloc, the Aztec rain god. These rituals, performed to ensure plentiful rains and agricultural prosperity, shed light on the complexities of Aztec religious beliefs and their connection to nature.

The findings, including remains and ceremonial artifacts, provide a haunting glimpse into the cultural and spiritual practices of pre-Columbian Mexico. Learn more here about the history and significance behind these ancient rites and what they reveal about the Aztec worldview.

RIVIERA MAYA REAL ESTATE

🏠️ A few weeks ago we ran a poll to find out what kind of Riviera Maya real estate listings you are the most interested in … if any.

What we found out is that many of you want to see something that wasn’t included in the poll … NEW LISTINGS. Now why didn’t I think of that? 😆 

Thank you to everyone who took the time to reply or message me. Our upcoming Featured Listings will be chosen accordingly!

DO GOOD RIVIERA MAYA

This month our featured community organization is LEYENDO.

📚️ Leyendo (which means “reading” in Spanish) is a volunteer-driven organization based in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, dedicated to fostering literacy and a love for reading among local children. 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.

Leyendo’s efforts are lead by my friend Janet Lowe and supported by a community of artists and library enthusiasts who collaborate to create inviting reading spaces for children. By promoting literacy, Leyendo aims to empower young readers and contribute to their educational development.

How can 🍍 Riviera Maya Insiders 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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