🏛️ September is Will Month in Mexico. Do You Need One?

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🇲🇽 Good morning Insiders! If you think Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day, think again. Mexico’s big national celebration actually kicks off the night of September 15 during El Grito—the bell-ringing ceremony that echoes Father Hidalgo’s 1810 call to rise up. Expect flags everywhere, packed plazas, fireworks, concerts and parades.

In Mexico City, President Sheinbaum will lead the festivities from the National Palace. Along the Riviera Maya, our Governor and municipal leaders will do the same. Planning to join in the fun? Check out our Mexican Independence Day facts to learn more. ¡Viva México!

But wait, there’s more:

• The beach is open in Tulum but nobody feels free

• Playacar development closed following wildlife deaths

• Crocodile attacks tourist in Cancun

• Learn to make Chiles en Nogada in Puerto Aventuras

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

📸 Our beautiful Photo of the Week is courtesy of @playadelcarmenmxoficial⁣. This is where I had my first chile en nogada, 20 years ago and I’m feeling nostalgic.

📸 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.

Wristbands for the Beach? Tulum Locals Say “No, Thanks”
Once hailed as a win for public access, Tulum’s beach improvements now come with a catch: you’ll need a wristband for everything—from using the bathroom to catching a ride or grabbing a drink. Tourists and locals alike are questioning how “public” these beaches really are. Critics say it feels more like a commercial park wrapped in federal branding, and frustration is boiling over.

Playacar Development Halted After Wildlife Deaths
A luxury residential project in Playacar has been shut down after three deer died due to the developer’s failure to follow mandated rescue protocols during land clearing. Authorities say the Legacy development violated key terms of its environmental permits, triggering sanctions from both municipal and state agencies. Officials warn this case will set a precedent. Ignoring environmental rules can cost you your project.

Crocodile Attacks Tourist in Cancún Hotel Zone
A tourist from Texas was bitten by a crocodile after attempting to snap a photo near the lagoon by the Hyatt in Cancún’s Hotel Zone. These reptiles aren’t uncommon in local lagoons and mangroves and sightings are increasing every year as their natural habitat shrinks due to development.

600+ Fish Species Thrive in the Mexican Caribbean
The reefs of Quintana Roo are teeming with life! Over 600 fish species have now been identified through years of genetic research and monitoring in 12 marine protected areas. Using DNA barcoding, scientists are uncovering new species records and tracking the arrival of bonefish, tarpon, and other vital species. It’s proof that these waters are not just beautiful, they’re among the most biodiverse on the planet.

Tulum’s Tourism Slump
Long gone are the days when “Tulum sells itself.” Hoteliers are reporting their worst summer since the pandemic. With fewer tourists, police extortion, and beach access now tangled in writstmand and red tape, it’s no wonder occupancy has plummeted. Business owners are urging authorities to step up before the soul of Tulum is lost for good.

ICYMI

In case you missed it, these were the most popular news stories featured in last week’s newsletter.

Mail Service to the U.S. Suspended
Sending a package north just got complicated. Correos de México has suspended deliveries to the United States after new U.S. tariff rules ended the duty-free allowance for packages under $800. Now, every parcel faces customs duties—and postal services from Mexico, Canada, Japan, and more have paused shipments while they figure out how to adapt. Families and small businesses will be the hardest hit.

Jaguar Park Standoff: Highway 307 Blocked
 Highway 307 was shut down for 10+ hours on Sunday as Tulum residents, merchants, and tour operators protested access controls at Jaguar Park and nearby beaches. Traffic backed up for kilometers, stranding tourists and workers. The road reopened after a preliminary deal with state officials, with a formal meeting set for Monday afternoon to hammer out final terms.

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REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP

🌴Jungle Luxury in Akumal

If you've been holding out for a seriously stunning home in the Riviera Maya, this one in Grand Sirenis, Akumal just might be the winner. Tucked inside a gated resort community with private beach access, 24-hour security, and lush jungle all around, this spacious home is the kind of place you won’t want to leave.

The home has two spacious levels, a sleek kitchen with premium appliances, a bright dining area, and a breezy living room that opens to a covered patio and gorgeous pool area with a palapa. Upstairs? A rooftop terrace with sweeping jungle views that stretch all the way to the sea—ideal for sunrise yoga or sunset drinks. Add in solar power, hurricane windows, and smart design touches throughout, and you’ve got the perfect mix of comfort, style, and sustainability.

Whether you’re looking for a private escape or a high-end vacation rental, this Grand Sirenis home is a standout. Click here to see the full listing and book a viewing with Marieke.

How 433 Investors Unlocked 400X Return Potential

Institutional investors back startups to unlock outsized returns. Regular investors have to wait. But not anymore. Thanks to regulatory updates, some companies are doing things differently.

Take Revolut. In 2016, 433 regular people invested an average of $2,730. Today? They got a 400X buyout offer from the company, as Revolut’s valuation increased 89,900% in the same timeframe.

No wonder 10K+ everyday people are taking the chance on Pacaso.

Founded by a former Zillow exec, Pacaso’s co-ownership tech reshapes the $1.3T vacation home market. They’ve earned $110M+ in gross profit to date, including 41% YoY growth in 2024 alone. They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

The same institutional investors behind Uber, Venmo, and eBay backed Pacaso. And you can join them. But not for long. Pacaso’s investment opportunity ends September 18.

Invest While You Still Can

_{Paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals.}

EXPAT LIVING

Sharing local insights, practical tips, and community stories to help you feel at home in Mexico, no matter how long you’ve been here.

🏛️ September Is Will Month in Mexico: Do You Need One?

September is Mes del Testamento, which brings discounted fees and easier appointments at local Notarías. It’s a smart time for expats to get their affairs in order. A Mexican will (testamento público abierto) is the simplest way to control who inherits your assets in Mexico and to spare your family costly, complicated delays.

Who should have a Mexican will?

• Anyone who owns property (deeded escritura or a fideicomiso in the restricted zone).

• Those with bank/investment accounts, a vehicle, business interests, or valuable personal property in Mexico.

• Couples who are unmarried or whose marital regime isn’t clearly recognized locally.

• Parents/guardians of minors—or anyone wanting to provide for pets or charitable bequests.

Why it matters: A foreign will can work here, but it often means apostilles, certified translations, and probate in two countries—adding time and expense. A Mexican will keeps probate local and faster, applies the state civil code correctly, and reduces disputes. It also lets you name alternate heirs and an executor (albacea).

Coastal property owners: If your fideicomiso lists substitute beneficiaries, your will does not override the trust. Make sure the beneficiaries on your bank trust and your will match.

Pro Tip: Ask about a voluntad anticipada—an advance healthcare directive separate from your will that clarifies your end-of-life wishes.

*This is general information, not legal advice. Let me know if you’d like a recommendation for a reputable, English-speaking Notario.

NOTES ON NAPKINS

Fun for foodies of all kinds! Here are some of the delicious gastronomic offerings that caught our eye and tempted our palate this week!

🌶️ Chiles en Nogada Workshop

Get ready to master one of Mexico’s most patriotic dishes—Chiles en Nogada. Green poblano peppers, creamy white walnut sauce and crimson pomegranate seeds evoke the Mexican flag making it the perfect dish for this patriotic season.

Guided by Chef César Montero, you’ll learn the original recipe straight from Puebla using authentic ingredients. This hands-on cooking class will be a celebration of tradition, flavor, and community. Seats are limited, so don’t wait to reserve your spot for this culinary experience.

📍 Colegio Puerto Aventuras | Puerto Aventuras
📆 Friday, September 19 | 4PM – 7PM
🎟️ 1000 pesos (ingredients included)
📲 Call (22) 13245822 to register today!

🍴 Playa Spice Is in Full Swing!

We’re already a week into Playa Spice 2025, and the city’s dining scene is buzzing. Running through September 30, this month-long celebration of Mes Patrio—and a strategy to stave off Septi-hambre—is your chance to taste, explore, and save at more than 100 participating restaurants.

Plenty of our favorites are on board, along with dozens of new spots ready to surprise you with themed dishes, creative specials, and generous discounts.

👉 Remember: Many of the best deals are for locals, so bring proof of residency. For the latest updates, check out the Playa Spice event page.

¿QUE PASA?

Your go-to roundup of local events, festivals, and happenings—so you’ll always know what’s going on and where to be in the Riviera Maya.

Playa Spice Gastronomic Festival
September 1 - 30 | 70+ Restaurants in Playa del Carmen

Mexican Night with Mariachi
September 11 | Explanade of Tulum | 6 PM

Oasis Tour Live ‘25
September 12 & 13 | GNP Stadium | Mexico City

Feria Trendy Independence Day Artisans Market
September 13 | Puerto Aventuras | 6 PM - 10 PM

2025 Ocean Race
September 13 | Playa Tortugas | Cancun | Register here

Unique Classic Car Rally
September 13 & 14 | Ventana del Mar | Puerto Morelos |

Chile en Nogada Gastronomic Festival
September 14 - 16 | Hotel Aldea Kuká | Isla Holbox

Texas Hold ´Em Fundraiser for Hekab Be
September 17 | Turtle Bay Cafe | Akumal | 12:30 PM | Register in advance via whatsapp +1 678 471 9572

Ironman 70.3
September 21 | Cozumel | Info & Registration

2nd Annual Xcaret Folk Art Fair
September 25 - 28 | Xcaret Park | Playa del Carmen

Texas Hold ´Em Fundraiser for Hekab Be
September 25 | Latitude 20° | Puerto Aventuras | 12:30 PM | Register in advance via whatsapp +1 678 471 9572

Marc Anthony LIVE in Concert
September 25 | Estadio Kukulcan | Merida, YUC | 8 PM

Copa de Verano Polo Tournament
September 27 | El Rey Polo Club | Puerto Morelos | Starting at 2 PM

AsTri Cozumel 2025 Triathlon
September 27 | Cozumel | Info & Registration

Playa del Carmen Jazz Festival 2025
October 3 - 5 | Teatro de la Ciudad, Xaman Ha | Playa del Carmen

Caifanes in Concert
October 18 | Plaza de Toros | Cancun | 9 PM

4th Annual Festival Parrillero del Caribe
October 25 & 26 | Town Center, Portside | Puerto Morelos | Time TBA

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.

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