🛳️ Could Playa del Carmen Be Next for A Cruise Ship Pier?

Hola Insiders! It’s Tuesday July 8 and in today’s newsletter you will find:

• Celebrating World Chocolate Day in Mexico

• The Feria del Carmen begins this week

• Playa Grill Fest brings the heat!

• Oceanfront Vacation Retreat for 150K USD!

— Michele Kinnon

*This newsletter may be clipped for length by your email provider. For the best reading experience, scroll up and select the option to READ ONLINE. The typeface is larger and easier to read. The images are crisper. It’s a better reading experience. Trust me. 😄 

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 Our Photo of the Week captures the drama of a storm blowing in over Lake Chapala. This was submitted by Cindy-Lynn Franco in Ajijic, Jalisco.

📸 If you would like to see YOUR photo featured here, follow and tag @rivieramayainsidermx on Instagram or send it to [email protected].

IN THE NEWS

News from the Riviera Maya and beyond. You don’t have to know everything—but you should know something. Here are a few stories that caught my eye in the news this week.

🚢 Mainland Cruise Dock Back on the Table?
Grupo Xcaret’s Miguel Quintana is once again pushing for a cruise terminal on the mainland to ease pressure on Cozumel. Opposition is strong for a 4th pier on the island. With cruise tourism booming and new mega-ships on the horizon, will this long-delayed project finally get the green light? Read more.

🎡 Playa’s Biggest Party of the Year Is Back!
From July 10–17, the Feria del Carmen 2025 lights up Plaza 28 de Julio with free concerts, fair rides, and food galore. Headliners include El Malilla, Bobby Pulido, and Molotov. Here's everything you need to know—including set times and what not to miss.

🌴 Beach Access Cards for Foreign Residents in Tulum
Foreign residents can now apply for a special credential that grants free entry to Jaguar Park’s beaches—no more expired permits or guesswork. Find out what documents you need, where to apply, and why this new policy matters for conservation and community inclusion. Read the full update.

🌱 Turning the Tide on Sargassum
A new Circular Economy Park in Quintana Roo will transform seaweed into bricks, shoes, pencils, charcoal and more—offering a smart solution to help monetize the seasonal sargassum invasion. Backed by a presidential decree, the project aims to protect beaches and boost green innovation. Learn more.

🤕 Tourist Falls at Ek Balam Pyramid
A visitor was seriously injured after falling from the Acropolis at Ek Balam, sparking renewed concerns over safety at archaeological sites. Authorities are reviewing access policies as tourism surges across the region. Here’s what we know so far.

ICYMI

In case you missed it, these are the most popular news stories from last week.

🌪️ Storm Warning: U.S. Cuts Off Critical Hurricane Data
Mexico and the Caribbean could face greater hurricane risks this season as the U.S. ends access to key satellite data used to forecast deadly storm surges and rapid intensification. Experts warn this move could delay emergency responses across the region. Read more.

🏕️ Tulum Man Wins Land Back After 5-Year Legal Battle
After a five-year legal fight, Víctor Manuel Chávez has reclaimed his Tulum beachfront campground from illegal occupiers—marking a major victory in a region plagued by land grabs and environmental damage. But the fight for coastal justice in Tulum is far from over. Read more.

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EXPAT LIVING

Feria del Carmen: Playa’s Celebration of Faith, Culture & Community

Playa del Carmen’s most cherished annual celebration, the Feria del Carmen, returns this week and runs through July 16. Held in honor of the town’s patron saint, the Virgin of Carmen, this festival blends religious devotion with vibrant community tradition.

For locals, it’s a deeply meaningful event rooted in Playa’s origins as a fishing village—where the Virgin was believed to offer protection over the sea. Daily masses and novenas lead up to the emotional highlight: the sea procession on July 16, when the Virgin’s image is carried to the water in a candlelit ceremony.

This year, the Feria has been proposed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Quintana Roo, a designation that would help preserve its traditions and reinforce its importance as a symbol of Playa’s cultural identity. The recognition also aims to position Playa del Carmen as a destination where culture and spirituality are part of the tourist experience—not just the beaches.

Visitors can expect a lively atmosphere around CTM and Calle 75 Norte, where the fairgrounds offer carnival rides, games, artisan stalls, traditional Yucatecan food, and vaquerias—folkloric dance performances. The fair also brings free nightly concerts to Plaza 28 de Julio, with three big-name headliners this year:

• Friday, July 11 : El Malilla will kick off the party with its contagious urban rhythm, ideal for those looking for a night full of energy and dancing.

• Saturday, July 12 : Bobby Pulido 's Tex-Mex romanticism will captivate audiences with songs that have shaped generations.

• Tuesday, July 15 : Molotov will rock the city with their powerful fusion of rock and lyrics that will leave no one indifferent. A closing act that promises to close out the fair with a bang.

From family-friendly festivities to rock concerts and handmade marquesitas, the Feria del Carmen is a uniquely local celebration that blends faith, heritage, and summer fun. If you are here this week, join the locals for this beloved annual festival.

TRAVEL TALK

Celebrate World Chocolate Day in Mexico

Long before it became a global indulgence, chocolate was sacred in Mesoamerica. The Maya and Aztecs drank it bitter and spiced, used cacao beans as currency, and believed it had divine origins. To celebrate World Chocolate Day (July 7), here are five things you might not know about chocolate’s deep roots in Mexico—and where to experience authentic Mexican chocolate and chocolate making locally.

5 Things You Might Not Know About Chocolate

• Chocolate Was First a Sacred Drink, Not a Sweet Treat
  Long before Europeans added sugar and milk, the Maya and Aztecs drank chocolate as a bitter, frothy beverage. It was mixed with water, chili, and spices, and often consumed during rituals or by nobility.

• Cacao Beans Were Once Used as Currency
  Aztecs valued cacao so highly that the beans were used as money. You could literally buy a tamal or a turkey with cacao—talk about edible currency!

• "Chocolate" Is a Nahuatl Word
  The word chocolate comes from the Nahuatl language: xocolatl, a combination of xococ (bitter) and atl (water). This reflects how it was traditionally consumed—bitter and in liquid form.

• The First Chocolate Encounter in Europe Came via Hernán Cortés
  When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the early 1500s, they saw Moctezuma drinking large quantities of cacao daily. They brought it back to Europe, where it was later sweetened and transformed into the chocolate we know today.

• Mexico Still Produces Heirloom Cacao
  Though not a major global exporter, Mexico is home to rare, native strains of cacao—especially in Chiapas and Tabasco. These beans are prized by artisanal chocolatiers around the world for their complex, earthy flavors.

Where to Experience Authentic Mexican Chocolate

Choco‑Story Playa del Carmen (Museo del Chocolate)
This interactive museum explores chocolate’s journey from sacred Maya drink to modern sweet treat. Walk through seven themed rooms with immersive displays, artifacts, and audio guides, then finish with a guided tasting of traditional and modern chocolate. It's a fun, educational stop for families, food lovers, and anyone curious about cacao's cultural roots. Avenida 10 & Constituyentes | Website.

Artisanal Mayan Chocolate Tasting – Tulum
Step into a multisensory journey through Mexico’s chocolate legacy—from sacred Olmec rituals to modern artisan bars. This immersive tasting experience in Tulum explores the cultural, spiritual, and culinary history of cacao, with a curated menu that includes pre-Hispanic drinking chocolate, traditional Zapotec recipes, and European-style creations. Each bite is paired with fruits, nuts, or yogurt to highlight cacao’s complexity. (Family friendly)

Kaokao Chocolate Factory – Cozumel
An inside look at the chocolate-making process on Cozumel island. From the passionate owners, hear about the deep roots of chocolate in Mexican culture, beginning with the importance of the cacao seed for Maya civilizations. Grind your own cacao beans and craft a drinking chocolate mix to take back home. Throughout the tour, you’ll sample different flavors of cacao in its various phases, including raw beans, roasted beans, cacao paste and finished chocolate products. This makes a great day trip from Playa and is featured in this popular Cozumel tour.

Artisanal Mezcal & Chocolate Tasting – Tulum
Discover the bold flavors of Mexico with this guided mezcal and chocolate pairing experience. You’ll sample five small-batch mezcals—from Espadín to wild agave varieties—paired with artisan Mexican chocolates, spiced salts, fruits, and even toasted grasshoppers. Along the way, your host shares insights into agave culture, ancestral production methods, and how to taste mezcal like a pro. Includes a welcome cocktail and plenty of local flavor. (Adults only)

Choco-Story EcoParque Museo de Chocolate – Uxmal
Located at the entrance to the Tikul Cacao Plantation, this large outdoor museum offers an immersive look at the history of cacao and its cultural role in the life of the Maya, complete with tastings, jungle paths, and even resident animals. You can visit this museum on your own or as part of a tour of the Uxmal and Kabna Archaeological sites.

Ah Cacao – Playa del Carmen & Cancun
Beloved family-owned café selling ethically sourced chocolate from Mexican cacao. Great for sipping chocolate drinks or picking up gifts. Our kids grew up together but I show no bias when I say that chocolate from Ah Cacao makes a fantastic gift or sourvenir from the Riviera Maya. Multiple locations in Playa del Carmen & Cancun | ahcacao.com.

NOTES ON NAPKINS

Playa Grill Fest Heats Up Parque Fundadores

Get ready for smoke, spice, and flavor under the Caribbean sky—Playa Grill Fest is firing up the grills on Wednesday, July 9 from 4 PM to 11 PM at Parque Fundadores in Playa del Carmen.

This sizzling one-day event brings together some of the top grill masters from across Mexico for a culinary celebration of everything cooked over open flame. Expect 20+ grill stations serving premium cuts, wood-fired seafood, traditional dishes like tikin-xic, tacos al pastor, and even grilled desserts. Whether you're a hardcore carnivore or just here for the smoky aromas, it’s a feast you won’t want to miss.

Live music and cultural performances will round out the experience making this a fun and tasty outing for all ages.

📍 Parque Fundadores, Playa del Carmen
📆 Wednesday, July 9 | 4 PM – 11 PM
🎟️ Free entry – food and drink for purchase

Sip, Savor, and Explore Baja Wine Country

Join our friend Gerson from Wine O’Clock for an unforgettable journey to Mexico’s premier wine region. From September 25 to 30, the Baja Wine Experience will take you deep into the heart of Valle de Guadalupe, where boutique wineries and vineyard dinners await.

This isn’t your average wine tour. Guided by sommeliers Gerson Soriano and Mauro García, you'll go behind the scenes with winemakers and vineyard owners themselves—sampling wine straight from the barrels and tasting vintage gems pulled from private cellars. You’ll enjoy gourmet breakfasts, lunches, and a traditional BBQ welcome feast, all paired with exceptional wine and conversation. Sleep in cozy accommodations nestled among the vines and start your mornings with coffee overlooking the vineyards.

The experience also includes a farewell dinner under the stars, a delicious street food tour in Ensenada, and seamless transportation throughout the trip. It’s a full-bodied blend of luxury, authenticity, and insider access that no agency can match.

📍 Valle de Guadalupe, BC
📅 September 25–30, 2025
💫 Limited spots — early bird pricing ends July 15

To reserve your space or ask about flexible payment options, contact +52 662 364 6237. This is your front-row seat to the world of Mexican wine—don't miss it!

RIVIERA MAYA REAL ESTATE

New Listing! Oceanfront Studio on Half Moon Bay

If you've been waiting for an affordable opportunity to own beachfront property in Akumal, this income-producing studio at Playa Caribe is one to jump on. Located right on Half Moon Bay, just steps from the sea, this garden-level unit is compact, turnkey, and perfect for vacation stays or generating rental income.

Inside, you'll find a comfortable open layout with a well-equipped kitchen, a spacious sleeping area, and everything guests need for a breezy Caribbean escape. The building offers a community pool with loungers, daily housekeeping, fiber optic internet, and even reverse osmosis drinking water straight from the tap.

At this price point, with onsite management and rental services, it’s a low-effort, high-potential investment—great for part-time owners who want a spot to enjoy and rent out with ease. Click here to view the full listing and book a showing with Marieke.

This is a paid ad. Our advertisers help keep content free for readers and not stuck behind a paywall. If you would like to advertise in the Riviera Maya Insider click HERE for our rate sheet.

¿QUE PASA?

Check out the events and happenings we found for the next month or so on the Riviera Maya and beyond.

July 9 | Playa Grill Fest in Parque Fundadores in Playa del Carmen | 4PM - 11PM. Free Admission with tasting tickets for sale onsite. Info.

July 8 - 16 | Feria del Carmen in the Parque 28 de Julio, Playa del Carmen. Various events. Free Admission.

July 11 | Hekab Be Open House in Akumal. Learn about the summer activities and meet the new principal and teaching staff starting at 5PM.

July 11 | Tango Bardo presented at the Teatro de la Ciudad in Cancun. Curtain time 8PM. Tickets.

July 11 & 12 | “Diosa del Mar“ International Women’s Fishing Tournament in Puerto Morelos. Info and registration.

July 11 | “El Arrecife” Gastronomic Fair in the Ventana al Mar in Puerto Morelos from 10AM - 9PM. Free Admission. Food and drink for purchase.

July 11 - 13 | 2025 Cozumel Vivo Fest Wellness Festival in various locations including Hotel B, Chankanaab Park and Punta Sur. Info. Tickets.

July 12 | Playa del Carmen’s 3rd Annual Cabalgata Ferderada | Departing at 11AM from the fairgrounds on CTM & Av. 75 and proceeding to 5th Avenue.

July 12 & 13 | Feria del Maiz at the Malecón Tajamar in Cancun from 4PM - 10PM. Free Admission. Food and beverage to purchase.

July 15 | Molotov live in concert at 9PM in the Plaza 28 de Julio in Playa del Carmen. Free Admission.

July 18 - 20 | “De la Calle a la Cancha” State Street Soccer Championship - Parque 28 de Julio in Playa del Carmen. For more info, Whatsapp 984 211 2558 | Saju Mendoza.

July 19 & 20 | Playa del Carmen Bull Shark Festival 2025 in Parque Leona Vicario and SAYAB Planetarium.

July 20 | 44th Annual Nuestra Señora del Carmen Sport Fishing Tournament leaving at 8AM from Parque Fundadores in Playa del Carmen.

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].

Nothing in this section is sponsored. I'll always let you know when something is a paid ad.

DO GOOD RIVIERA MAYA

Your Help is Needed at Hekab Be in Akumal!

Hekab Be Activity & Learning Center has been serving the families of the Akumal pueblo since 1998, providing after-school and summer school programming for the children of Akumal. Hekab Be gets no funding from the government. It is completely donor-supported and managed by a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the United States.

With a fresh infusion of paint, repairs and supplies, they have turned the page on the staffing issues that had been hindering program’s success. The Board of Directors has quickly gotten the facility cleaned up and hired a new Director, Dana Lopez, who will be ready to launch the Summer Camp session that begins on July 21st. 

Unfortunately, many items essential for the summer program are still missing or irreparably damaged—bikes, bicycle helmets, roller skates, binoculars, life vests and water shoes are among the items needed. For years, Hekab Be has been one of my favorite charitable organizations and of course, I asked how we could help.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

My friend Kelly has asked me if we can help them secure bicycles. Their goal is 20 bicycles—a combination of boys and girls for a variety of ages from 4 to 14. The bicycles do not need to be brand new. Used bikes in good condition are just fine. If you have a bike to donate or would like to purchase a bike for Hekab Be, I would he happy to pick it up and deliver it to Akumal. Just reply back to this email and I will make it happen.

I want to thank the individuals and local business owners who have already stepped up to donate bikes and money for the Hekab Be summer program. Thank you, Gracias and Yum bo’otik to:

Rosie & Mark Eifler
PA-Stay Property Management
Emily Zolden & Ben Amara 
BuyPlaya Real Estate Advisors
Pilates Reformer PA 
Puerto Aventuras Living
Pam Somers

Thank you all for your generosity!

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