🍤 Ceviche Festival, Valentine's Day and Real Estate Licensing Laws 🏛️

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 Our Photo of the Week was posted by my amigo Playense, Luis. 🌮 Beautiful, handmade blue corn torillas and stuffed with quesillo, flor de calabaza, huitlacoche, champiñones or chicharron prensada. 🇲🇽 Made with love in CDMX. Which one is your favorite?

📸 If you would like to see your photo featured here, follow and tag @rivieramayainsidermx on Instagram.

RIVIERA MAYA REAL ESTATE

🏡 Buying or Selling Property in the Riviera Maya? Make Sure Your Agent is Licensed!

Thinking about purchasing real estate in the Riviera Maya? You might be surprised to learn that in Quintana Roo, real estate agents must hold a valid SEDETUS license to legally operate. Yet, many agents continue to work without one—putting buyers and sellers at serious risk.

🔹 Why does licensing matter? A licensed agent provides legal protection, market expertise, and ensures your transaction is secure and compliant.
🔹 What are the risks of using an unlicensed agent? Fraud, misrepresentation, financial loss, and even the possibility of your purchase being deemed invalid.
🔹 How do AMPI, NAR, and the REALTOR® designation fit into all this? Understanding their roles can help you find a trusted, professional real estate expert.
🔹 How can you verify an agent’s credentials? We’ll show you where to check if your agent is legally authorized to represent you.

🔍 Buying property is a major investment—don’t take unnecessary risks! Read our full article to learn how to protect yourself and find the right real estate professional in the Riviera Maya. 🏝️

NEW LISTINGS

RIVIERA MAYA ROUNDUP

You don’t have to know everything, but you should know something.
Here’s what caught my eye in the news this week.

🏛️ The municipality of Solidaridad is considering a name change to Playa del Carmen, to enhance its branding and align with the city's global recognition. While officials assure residents that daily life and legal processes will remain unaffected, the proposal has ignited debate. Read more here.

📱The Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT) has launched new digital platforms aimed at simplifying tax declarations for Mexican taxpayers. These tools are designed to streamline processes, making it easier for individuals and businesses to comply with tax obligations. Find out more.

🛫 After years of long lines and poor service, Cancún International Airport is finally making significant improvements to streamline passenger flow and enhance overall service quality. These changes aim to provide a more efficient and pleasant experience for the millions of travelers passing through this major gateway to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Read more.

🛺 The Quintana Roo state congress has approved permits for up to 400 golf carts to operate in Tulum. While some see it as a solution to improve mobility, local taxi drivers are outraged arguing that the golf carts will not adhere to the same procedures, regulations, operating expenses, and fares. Read more.

🚧 Residents of Punta Allen are voicing concerns over the state of their only access road. The 45-kilometer stretch from Tulum has become nearly impassable, stretching travel times to over three hours, detering tourism and disrupting daily life. Learn more.

✈️ Cozumel International Airport is upgrading and exanding its main runway and terminal to accommodate larger aircraft, aiming to attract direct flights from Europe. The first such route is expected from Rome, catering to the island's popularity among Italian travelers. Learn more.

NOTES ON NAPKINS

🦐 Ceviche Lovers, Get Ready!!
The 13th annual Puerto Morelos Ceviche Festival is set for February 16th! Indulge your senses with the best ceviche creations from top local restaurants and chefs, each bringing their own twist to this beloved dish. Whether you prefer the classic style or are looking for bold, innovative flavors, there’s something for every palate. Oysters, chocolate clams, micheladas…you’ll find it all here!

The festival will be set up in the Ventana al Mar from 10AM until 7PM. Admission is free. Pay as you go. Don’t miss this chance to taste the freshest ceviche, enjoy the laid-back coastal vibes, the salty sea breeze, and the unbeatable flavors of Puerto Morelos. Check out our photos from last year’s festival! 🏝️

🍹 Tequila Trends: 6 Must-Try Bottles in 2025
The world of tequila is evolving, and 2025 brings an exciting lineup of standout bottles that every enthusiast should have on their radar. From bold new releases to refined classics, this list highlights tequilas that showcase innovation, craftsmanship, and tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting to explore premium agave spirits, these selections promise something special. Read more here.

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This is a paid ad in partnership with TOVALA. To see your business featured here, reply to this email for details.

EXPAT LIVING

🐖 From City Life to Sustainable Farming: A Couple's Yucatán Journey
Andrea and Gregory Dykstra transitioned from urban careers in the U.S. to establishing La Reina de la Tierra, an eco-conscious ranch in Yucatán. Combining Andrea's culinary expertise and Gregory's architectural background, they've embraced sustainable practices, raising heritage-breed pigs and crafting artisanal cheeses.

Their commitment to regenerative agriculture and community engagement reflects a harmonious blend of old-world traditions and modern sustainability. Discover how this dynamic duo is contributing to Yucatán's evolving agricultural landscape.

💕 Valentine’s Day in Mexico: Not Just for Couples
In Mexico, Valentine's Day is not just for couple. El Día del Amor y la Amistad (Day of Love and Friendship), is a joyous celebration that honors both romantic and platonic relationships. On February 14th, it's common to see streets adorned with red and pink decorations, and vendors offering heart-shaped balloons, flowers and stuffed animals.

Friends and couples exchange chocolates, handwritten notes, and small gifts to express their affection. A cherished tradition involves serenading loved ones with mariachi music, where individuals hire bands to perform romantic songs beneath the windows of their beloveds. The Amigo Secreto (Secret Friend), similar to Secret Santa, is popular among friends, family, school mates and work colleagues who may exchange “love notes” and tokens of affection.

On Valentine’s Day, public displays of affection are widely accepted, with couples openly celebrating their love in parks and plazas. Of course, a romantic dinner is always appreciated but you have to reserve early to get into your favorite spot! Not currently, coupled? You won’t be left out of the fun. In Mexico, it’s not uncommon to spend the day with friends and family, celebrating of both romantic and platonic relationships.

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¿QUE PASA?

February 9 - 15 | 2025 WTA Cancun Tennis Open at the Cancun Country Club. Tickets.

February 12 - 15 | Island Time Fishing Tournament & Music Fest on Isla Mujeres. Info.

February 14 | Mercado de Amor - Valentines Day Fair & Market at La Lomita in Puerto Aventuras. Starts at 6PM. To participate as a vendor whatsapp ‪+52 55 4092 9036‬.

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

February 15-16 | 5th Annual Queso de Bola Festival in Merida’s Parque de la Ermita. Info.

February 16 | 13th Annual Puerto Morelos Ceviche Festival at the Ventana al Mar from 10AM - 7AM. Admission is free. Info.

February 18 | Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament Fundraiser for Hekab Be Library at Turtle Bay Cafe in Akumal. 12:30PM check in. More info here.

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

February 20 - 24 | Laugh Out Loud Comedy Experience at the Cancun Convention Center. Info and Tickets.

February 21 | Garage Comedy II featuring Cedric Newman at Buzo’s in Playa del Carmen. Doors open at 6:30PM. Tickets 200 MXN. Info.

February 22 | Bubbles & Oysters Night at La Caleta Resto-Bar in Puerto Aventuras starting at 6PM. For Info and Tickets Whatsapp +52 984 108 0552.

February 22 & 23 | 3rd Annual Tulum Tattoo Fest 9AM - 9PM at Vesica Tulum. Entry 200 MXN. Info.

February 26 - March 4 | Carnaval 2025 in Playa del Carmen. Various times and locations including Puerto Aventuras on March 4.

February 28 | Jesse & Joy in concert at the Plaza 28 de Julio in Playa del Carmen starting at 10PM. Free Admission.

February 28 - March 2 | WTA 500 Merida Open Tennis Tournament at Yucatan Country Club in Merida. Info and Tickets.

March 1 | The Jam Band Woodstock Revival Tour at the Teatro de la Ciudad in Playa del Carmen at 8PM. Info and Tickets.

March 4 | Akumal Trivia Challenge Fundraiser for Hekab Be Library at Lol Ha Restaurant in Akumal. Registration at 1:30PM. More info here.

March 22 & 23 | Festival of Beer & Wine hosted by The Lions Club in Merida YUC. 10AM - 8PM

April 4 - 6 | 12th Annual Tequila & Mezcal Expo in Playa del Carmen 3PM - 11PM Location TBA. Free Admission.

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].

DO GOOD RIVIERA MAYA

🍼 Tiny Hearts, Big Needs: Helping Save Newborns in Playa del Carmen

Did you know … the Playa del Carmen General Hospital has no neonatal heart monitors? That means doctors and nurses must work without the critical tools needed to track a baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels, often forced to make life-or-death decisions without real-time data.

The consequences? Delays in diagnosis, missed warning signs, and tragic losses that could have been prevented.

In response to this need, the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside is raising $12,000 USD to provide:

(2) Rad-97 Pulse Co-Oximeters – Detects oxygen deprivation early, preventing brain damage and respiratory failure.

(4) Benefusion EVP Infusion Pumps – Ensures newborns receive precise doses of lifesaving medications and fluids.

Right now, doctors rely on visual assessments, leading to dangerous delays. With these devices, newborns will get the immediate and precise care they need—saving hundreds of lives every year.

These newborns can’t ask for help—but we can. Join Seaside Rotary in giving these babies a fighting chance.

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