🌺 The Strange History of the Poinsettia Plant

🎄 Buenos días! Today is Tuesday December 17 and not to make you panic, but … it’s less than a week before Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa! No matter how or what you’re celebrating, keep calm and carry on!

🎅 Our tree and lights are up and we have been enjoying driving around seeing all the fabulous Christmas trees and decorations here in Puerto Aventuras and in Playa. If you haven’t seen it yet, there is an ice rink set up on the Municipal Plaza and the local kids are going mad for it! While we tend to avoid 5th Avenue in general, at this time of year, it’s worth fighting off the vendors to check out the holiday lights and displays.

🍍 Just a quick reminder that Riviera Maya Insider is FREE for readers. Please support our sponsors and advertisers so we can keep bringing the best of the Riviera Maya to you!

In this week’s 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.

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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.

🎨 The Akumal Art Festival’s 2024 Paint Party was a tremendous success, due in no small part to the support of local businesses. Riviera Maya Insiders contributed 110 USD to this year’s effort. Joe and his team of artists were able to refresh the murals on the west side of the Akumal Bridge, unveiling sixteen new pieces just in time for the holiday and high seasons. Congratulations to everyone involved!

🏛️ Puerto Aventuras has elected its Mayor for the 2024-2027 term, marking a new chapter for the community. The election results reflect residents' hopes for improved services, infrastructure, and continued progress toward municipal independence. Read more here.

🚨 Tensions flared once again at Cancún Intl. Airport as Uber driver and travelers find themselves at odds with not just the taxi union but the National Guard. This latest incident has reignited debates over rideshare legality and the use of law enforcement as leverage in the ongoing conflict. Read more here.

🚆 The Tren Maya has sparked controversy with the announcement of their pricing and policies for residents. This article by my friend Seth explains the criteria determining who qualifies for discounted local fares and who will pay higher tourist rates. With the project already failing to meet usage expectation, this decision has ignited debates over inclusivity and the balance between promoting tourism and serving local needs. Read Seth’s article here.

🏖️ On December 15, residents marched to demand free access to Tulum’s beaches, protesting against increasing privatization and restricted entry. The peaceful demonstration urged the government to balance development with the needs of local residents by preserving public access to Tulum’s iconic coastline. Read more here.

🐙 The annual peninsula-wide ban on the capture of the Maya Octopus is now in effect. This important species has been granted Protected Geographical Indication status, ensuring the preservation of the species, supporting the use of traditional fishing methods and safeguarding its value in global markets. Learn more here.

🛕 Four archaeological sites in Quintana Roo are set to reopen, offering visitors a chance to better explore the region’s rich history and ancient wonders. These sites have undergone restoration to ensure a safe but exciting experience for history enthusiasts and general travelers alike. Read more here.

NOTES ON NAPKINS

SPONSORED BY

😢 Sirjan, the cool new Persian restaurant, has closed. Barely one month after opening their doors to adventurous diners in Playa del Carmen, Izmaeel and Sam Razavi have decided to temporarily shut down operations to attend to some serious health issues. We send healing thoughts to Sam and look forward to their reopening date!

🥘 Curry fans will be interested to try the new Indian restaurant, Más Masala which opened over the weekend. Chef Ramesh Chawla and his crew are serving dinner daily 5PM until 10PM. We are curious to see how their flavors stack up to our current favorite, India Jones. Más Masala is located on Constituyentes at Ave. 15.

🇮🇹 A new Italian Steakhouse has opened in Tulum. Rudi Grill opens today on Calle 6 and 7 sur in La Veleta. They are serving from 1PM until 10:30PM. If you are in Tulum and go to check it out, let us know what you think!

🔥 A chic new Argentinian restaurant is opening today in Puerto Aventuras in the spot previously occupied by All Origin Market. PAMPA Fuego & Bar is an exciting new addition to the dining scene in PA. We are hoping the food tastes as good as the restaurant looks! Reply to this email for a preview of the menus.

🌽 We have been looking at the empty local (previously occupied by Mamalona’s) with a mix of amusement and curiousity since they painted it bubblegum pink last week! We are happy to report that Yummi Yum is open and delicious with esquites, elotes, Dori-lokos, Tosti-nachos, raspadas and more to fix all your cravings!

🍖 Resto-Bar Oveja Negra will be opening soon in Playa´s Hollywood neighborhood on Calle 30 between Av. 30 and 25. I popped in and chatted with one of the owners and found out it’s going to be an Argentinian menu with a chic bar and super chill, skeakeasy vibes. No menu to show yet. Stay tuned…..

🪅 Got plans for NYE? If you had your hopes set on ringing in the New Year at the Puerto Aventuras Hotel & Beach Club, you will be disappointed. The renovations being made to the pool and beach areas and the restaurants will not be completed in time. Tell me you are surprised. 🙄 

 🍾 The GOOD news is that De Boca en Boca at the new Marina Bay Yacht Club will be hosing a fantastic NYE Party with a special menu, a DJ and lots of bubbly. Even if you dine elsewhere, everyone is invited to turn up and ring in the New Year in style! Reservations required. Reply to this email for the menu and costs.

🌏️ World Street Foods celebrated their soft opening last Friday in Playa del Carmen. They are offering a tasty array of treats from around the globe from their location on Calle 14 between Av. 30 and 35. We are looking forward to trying their bao buns and the Korean fried chicken burger. 맛있게 드세요

🎄 Are you looking for a great last minute Christmas gift or stocking stuffer? Restaurant Latitude 20° in Puerto Aventuras is offering Gift Certificates that you can buy and receive from anywhere. Choose the amount, let us know how you would like it personalized and we will send it to you or your loved one, ready to print up and redeem! Send a message via Facebook messenger and Jim will take care of it for you.

*This is a sponsored ad.

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].

RIVIERA MAYA REAL ESTATE

Beachfront Beauty in Akumal with Seller Financing Available!

🏖️ This stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bath beachfront condo in the gated community of South Akumal offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and location. Fully furnished and move-in ready, it features a spacious, open-concept layout with a fully equipped kitchen, breakfast bar, and premium appliances. Natural light pours in from the oceanside patio, where sea breezes and stunning bay views await.

Here, you’ll enjoy a wide, uncrowded beach lined with palm trees, a community pool, and 24-hour security. Akumal’s nearby amenities—quaint cafes, boutiques, an art gallery, and a vibrant reef teeming with sea life—add to its appeal.

Whether you’re looking for a permanent residence, a vacation escape, or a lucrative rental investment, this well-maintained condo with top-quality finishes, air conditioning, and hurricane windows checks all the boxes.

Seller financing will be considered for the right Buyer. If you are interested in receiving more detailed information about this property or any other real estate opportunities along the Riviera Maya, reply directly to this email or send me a message at [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 17 - Guapi Ambar Holiday Sale at Latitude 20 in Puerto Aventuras from 12:30PM - 4PM.

December 18 - Noche Navideña at the Parque de la Col. Zetina Gasca in Puerto Morelos starting at 5PM.

December 18 - Noche Navideña with Santa Claus in Central Park Plaza, Puerto Aventuras starting at 5PM.

December 20 - Hekab Be Christmas Performance and Posada at Hekab Be Biblioteca in Akumal starting at 12PM.

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

December 20 - Traditional Christmas Caroling in Puerto Aventuras starting from Torre Turquesa at 6:30PM.

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 21 & 22 - “Somos Mayas” Festival commemorating National Maya Culture Day at the Centro Cultural in Playa del Carmen from 11 AM. Free Admission.

SPONSORED BY

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 the 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. Tickets are available for sale at Nauti Burro.

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.

To see your event sponsored or to sponsor an event on behalf of a charity, contact [email protected]. One featured event available per newsletter.

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.

🌺 The Poinsettia: Mexico’s Christmas Gift to the World
The Poinsettia, known as Flor de Nochebuena in Mexico, is more than just a festive holiday decoration—it’s actually a sacred plant steeped in history and tradition. Once prized by the Aztecs for its vibrant color and practical uses, this beautiful plant later found its way into global Christmas celebrations. But how did it go from Mexican hillsides to becoming a worldwide holiday icon? Learn more here.

🎉 Discover the Magic of Las Posadas
Las Posadas is one of Mexico’s most cherished Christmas traditions, blending faith, culture, and community into nine nights of celebration. Taking place from December 16th to 24th, these festive events reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem through processions, songs, and prayers. But it’s not all solemnity—Las Posadas are also filled with joyous gatherings, piñatas, delicious food, and a spirit of togetherness that lights up entire neighborhoods. Read more about this beautiful tradition.

🌞 Understanding the Solstice: A Time of Alignment and Celebration
The solstice marks a unique celestial event when the Earth's tilt aligns the Sun at its highest or lowest point in the sky, creating the longest or shortest day of the year. From ancient Mayan observances to modern-day rituals, the solstice is celebrated as a time of renewal, reflection, and connection to nature.

This article, written by my friend Jeanine Kitchel, investigates the science behind the solstice, its spiritual meaning, and the ways it has inspired human rituals throughout history. Read Jeanine’s full article here.

DO GOOD RIVIERA MAYA

This month our featured community organization is LEYENDO. So far, we have collected 62 books for Leyendo’s next library project. Read on to see how you can help!

📚️ 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.

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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