💰️The Aguinaldo: What Is It and Who Has To Pay💰️

🌞 Buenos dias! I hope you all had a marvelous Thanksgiving, surrounded by family and friends. Believe it or not, we are now in December and I’ve just celebrated my 20th Mexiversary! 🇲🇽 

🎄 The next holiday season is almost upon us. Chedraui is already offering fresh Christmas trees. Are you ready? Let’s jump into it!

In this edition of Riviera Maya Insider you will find:

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.

🐾 In an efffort to make the Tren Maya more efficient, a company has been hired to relocate and in some cases eradicate wildlife along the train routes. This project has highlighted increasing concerns about balancing development with environmental preservation in the region. Learn more here.

💧 The Yucatán Peninsula’s aquifer is at increasing risk of salinization, threatening the region’s freshwater supply and delicate ecosystems. Experts are raising alarms about the impacts of rising sea levels and over-extraction. Read more here.

🚧 AMLO’s major development projects have faced criticism for failing to deliver the promised economic benefits to the Yucatán Peninsula. Despite significant investments, many local communities have yet to see the positive impacts. Read more here.

⛵️ Quintana Roo sailors triumph in an international championship in Peru, earning top honors in the sailing and windsurfing community. Their victory highlights the growing prominence of Mexico’s young athletes in water sports and brings pride to the nation. Read more here.

🐬 Animal rights groups are protesting against dolphin captivity at the Barceló Hotel, calling for the release of dolphins still held for entertainment purposes. Despite laws in Mexico banning this activity, 250 dolphins remain captive in Quintana Roo alone. Read more here.

🔥 A terrible gas explosion in Puerto Aventuras seriously injured service technician Ricardo Ruiz, his son and assistant. Ricardo was transferred to a burn unit in Merida. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help pay for his treatment and support his family during this crisis.

🏛️ The Puerto Aventuras mayoral race is heating up, with candidates proposing bold plans to improve public services, education, and healthcare for the growing community. This pivotal election marks a step toward self-governance and shaping the town’s future. Read more here.

✝️ Catholic Mass is now being offered in English at the Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Chapel in Bahia Principe Riviera Maya Resort. Services are open to the public. All of faith are welcome to gather the first Saturday of every month at 5 PM in the chapel.

NOTES ON NAPKINS

Openings, closings, restaurant “reviews” and anything foodie related.

De Boca en Boca, the restaurant at the new Marina Bay Yacht Club in Puerto Aventuras opened for dinner last week…almost. Our party of 20 found most of the menu items still unavailable but the atmosphere and lovely staff more than made up for it. We will try again soon and report back when they have had more time to settle in.

Bubbles & Oysters? Yes please! A new gastronomic experience has been launched (pun intended) in Puerto Aventuras. Tour the waterways and caletas while enjoying a variety of fresh oysters on the halfshell and fine sparkling wines. Curious? Reply to this email for more info!

Josefine’s jungle dining venue has reopened for the season. Josephine’s offers a unique, fine dining experience in a romantic jungle setting in a private location near Akumal. Reply to this email for the secret handshake. 😎 

On Sunday Manne’s Biergarten celebrated 23 years of food and fun surrounded by friends at their famous restaurant and bar in Playa del Carmen. Congratulations to Manne and Susie. Let’s go for another 23!!

The Admiral Sports Bar reopened last weekend, bigger and better than ever and we were there on Sunday for Heath’s infamous Boozy Brunch. He has expanded operations into the space formerly (and very briefly) occupied by Mariachi Pizza. The new bar is spacious and welcoming and the new “library” with pool table is gorgeous!

There’s a new sign up at Casa Sofia in Puerto Aventuras….Despite rumors of their demise, we are very pleased to report that Osteria di Casa Sofia is open and welcoming diners! If you would like to see the new menu, let me know.

Plant-based dining is reaching for fine dining status in Playa del Carmen with the invite-only opening of POOK. The jury is still out after their exclusive prix fixe celebration of the milpa. POOK is scheduled to fully open in two weeks. Is Playa’s gastro scene ready?

Did you see something interesting that you think we should share? A new restaurant opening? An old favorite closing up shop? Reply to this email or send the info to [email protected].

¿QUE PASA RIVIERA MAYA?

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

December 3 - Hekab Be Holiday Sale starting at 4 PM at the library in Akumal.

December 7 - 4th Annual Puerto Aventuras Golf Tournament. Tee-off at 8 AM. Registration is still open at the PA Golf and Raquet Club.

December 7 - Seaside Rotary Charity Bazaar behind The Divot Restaurant in Puerto Aventuras from 10 AM - 2 PM.

December 7 - Holiday Trendy Market and Christmas Tree Lighting in Puerto Aventuras at the bandstand. The market starts at 5 PM.

December 7 - Alice in Wonderland performed by Dance Pointe Arte at the Teatro de la Cuidad in Playa del Carmen Curtain time 5 PM.

December 7 - An Illustrative Adventure Through the Ancient Maya World of Quintana Roo with Steve Radzi at La Casa de Cultura in Puerto Morelos at 7 PM.

December 8 - Cancun Half Marathon at Malecón Tajamar in Cancun.

December 10 - Fundraiser for Gaylita at Café Ole in Puerto Aventuras. Market, music, raffle and more to help cover Gaylita’s ongoing medical expenses. 1 PM until closing.

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

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

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.

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

December 21 - El Papalote’s 30th Anniversary Party - Comunidad Educativa El Papalote Celebrates 30 Years of Education 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].

UN POCO DE TODO

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

🚄 8 Ways to Secure the Future of the Tren Maya
The Tren Maya, one of Mexico’s boldest infrastructure projects, has sparked both excitement and controversy as it progresses. While the railway promised to connect key destinations across the Yucatán Peninsula and boost tourism, it faces challenges ranging from environmental impacts to questions about community benefits.

This article, thoughtfully written by my friend Seth, details the current state of the Maya Train project and outlines 8 practical suggestions to help ensure its success. If you’re curious about the current status of the Ten Maya, this is a must-read. Read Seth’s article here.

🌱 The Genius of Indigenous Agriculture: Lessons for a Sustainable Future
Indigenous agricultural practices hold the key to addressing modern environmental challenges and ensuring food security. Rooted in centuries of knowledge, these methods emphasize sustainability, biodiversity, and respect for natural cycles.

In this article, my friend and fellow mexophile Jeanine Kitchel dives deep into how these traditional practices continue to thrive, offering solutions to problems like soil degradation and monoculture dependency. As modern agriculture grapples with climate change and resource scarcity, embracing Indigenous wisdom may provide a path forward. Discover the ingenuity behind these age-old methods and how they are being revitalized in today’s world to inspire a more sustainable future. Enjoy the full article 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.

🎁 Understanding El Aguinaldo: Mexico’s Year-End Bonus Tradition
The Aguinaldo is a protected tradition in Mexico, providing workers with a mandatory year-end bonus equivalent to at least 15 days of pay. This practice, rooted in labor law, is a significant financial relief for many employees and a crucial part of holiday celebrations. Beyond its legal implications, the aguinaldo reflects Mexico's commitment to supporting its workforce during the festive season.

For employers (yes, that could be you), understanding and planning for this obligation is essential to ensure compliance and maintain goodwill. For workers, it’s a time to balance holiday spending with long-term financial planning. Read our detailed article and use our Aguinaldo Calculator to make sure you fall on the right side of the law and your employees hearts this holiday season.

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. 💪

JOIN THE INSIDERS!

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