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🎡 Why the Riviera Maya is the Place to Be This Week for Food & Music Lovers!

🎡 Why the Riviera Maya is the Place to Be This Week for Food & Music Lovers!

This week, meet Jack, our adoptable dog of the week and get my picks for Five Fun Things to do. Plus, try your luck at this week's Trivia question!

Michele Kinnon
July 10, 2025

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Hola, Insiders!

First, ICYMI here’s another chance to read the Tuesday newsletter:
🛳️ Could Playa del Carmen Be Next For a Cruise Ship Pier?

Today you get to meet Jack, Playa Animal Rescue’s Adoptable Dog of the Week, find my picks for Five Fun Things to do this weekend (and beyond) and get the Live Music lineup for the upcoming week! Plus, try your luck at this week’s Trivia Question!

Do you know any musicians or live music lovers who would enjoy the Riviera Maya Rundown? Please share it with them!

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TRIVIA TIME

🎡 The Feria del Carmen is happening this week in Playa del Carmen, honoring the city’s patron saint with one of the most anticipated local celebrations of the year. It’s a vibrant blend of faith, tradition, and community spirit—rooted in history but evolving each year. But how much do you know about the festivities?

Which of the following is NOT a part of our Feria del Carmen celebrations?

HINT: If you don’t know the answer, read the Tuesday newsletter carefully—you can probably figure this one out!

FIVE FUN THINGS

As you might know, the biggest event in the Riviera Maya this week is Playa del Carmen’s Feria del Carmen, running today through July 16. Rooted in the city’s early days as a fishing village, the festival honors Playa’s patron saint—the Virgin of Carmen—believed to protect fishermen and sailors. It’s the city’s longest-running event (44 years I think) and a tradition that has been proposed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Quintana Roo.

Beyond the daily masses and processions to the sea, the fairgrounds around CTM and Calle 75 Norte come alive with carnival rides, folkloric dancing, artisan goods, and classic Yucatecan food. In Playa centro, Plaza 28 de Julio hosts nightly concerts, including headliners El Malilla (July 11), Bobby Pulido (July 12), and Molotov (July 15). Whether you're into cool cultural experiences or just looking for marquesitas and music, this is Playa at its most local.

Beyond the Feria del Carmen, here are my picks for Five Fun Things you might want to check out! As always, links to ticketing information and the locations are included in each description.

🦐 Kermés Gastronómica “El Arrecife”

Get ready to savor the flavors of Puerto Morelos at the Kermés Gastronómica “El Arrecife”—a weekend fiesta celebrating Caribbean sea cuisine and local culture! Held alongside the women’s fishing tournament La Diosa del Mar, this family-friendly event features fresh seafood, local products, and live cooking demos using the day’s catch.

Don’t miss the El Faro pavilion, where artisan crafts meet gourmet flair, or the tasting booths showcasing traditional coastal dishes. Expect an incredible variety of culinary creations—from fresh ceviches and grilled catches to tacos, burgers, postres artesanales, aguas frescas, and more. It’s a full day of food, family fun, and community spirit.

Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, this event is your gateway to Puerto Morelos’ sun-soaked gastronomic culture. Bring friends, family—or come solo—and enjoy flavors, crafts, music, and seaside vibes all day long.

📅 July 11 & 12 | 10 AM – 10 PM
📍 Ventana al Mar, Puerto Morelos
🎟️ Free Admission with Food and Beverages to Purchase

💃 Tango Bardo Brings the Passion to Cancún

Get ready for a night of fire, rhythm, and emotion as “Tango Bardo: La Pasión Hecha Tango” comes to Teatro de la Ciudad in Cancún for a single unforgettable performance on Friday, July 11.

Fresh off a world tour that’s taken them across Europe, Asia, the U.S., and South America, Argentina’s acclaimed orchestra Tango Bardo closes their international run right here in Mexico—with a show that promises to be as bold and passionate as tango itself. Expect an evening filled with deep intensity, where desire, heartbreak, and joy are danced in every beat.

The night begins with a red carpet welcome at 7:40 PM, followed by the main performance at 8:10 PM. But the experience doesn’t end there—stay for a live DJ vinyl milonga and then head to Sabrozzi Restaurant for dinner, mingling with the artists, and more dancing into the night.

🎟️ Tickets start at just $229 MXN and include full access to the entire experience: the show, the red carpet, the milonga, and the afterparty at Sabrozzi.

Seating is limited, so grab your tickets in advance online.

🎨 Paint & Sip by the Sea

Spend your Saturday evening painting a radiant seaside sunset—birds in flight, brush in one hand, wine in the other! This relaxed beachfront art session at Pelícanos Inn in Playa del Carmen will be led by local artist Carlos Becerra. The cost is $850 MXN per person and includes all materials, expert instruction, two glasses of wine and a light bite to keep the creative flow going. No experience? No problem. Just bring your love of color and coastal views.

📍 Pelícanos Inn, Playa del Carmen
📆 Saturday July 12 | 6PM - 8:30PM
🎟️ Space is limited – reserve your spot via WhatsApp or call 998 407 8345

🍽️ Una Noche, Dos Cocinas – A Journey of Flavors

This Sunday, July 13, head to the rooftop of Hotel Caché for a one-night culinary collaboration that brings together the creative forces of Viaje de Sabores and Caché’s own kitchen. It’s high-end dining, expertly mixed cocktails, and a live rock show—served under the stars.

Viaje de Sabores is the brainchild of Chef Vincent Ouellet who, with over 16 years of culinary experience, is dedicated to bringing global flavors directly to Playa del Carmen. Chef Vincent emphasizes excellence, authenticity, and innovation—working with top-quality ingredients to tantalize the palate and nourish the body.

Starting at 7 PM, you’ll be treated to exclusive dishes created just for this special event, paired with signature cocktails and a live soundtrack provided by local band Lazy Dynamite. The rooftop venue, overlooking the Municipal Plaza 28 de Julio, offers a stylish open-air setting perfect for kicking back with good food and even better vibes.

Viaje de Sabores invites you not just to eat—but to explore a world of taste with every bite. Space is limited—come early or reserve in advance.

📍 Hotel Caché Rooftop, Playa del Carmen
📅 Sunday, July 13 | 7 PM
📲 Reservations via Whatsapp +52 984 463 4221

🎪 Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ – Summer Offer

This summer, step into the surreal with Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ, an immersive evening of acrobatics, live music, and gourmet dining nestled in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Set inside a lush jungle theater at VidantaWorld, JOYÀ is the first Cirque du Soleil show to offer a full culinary experience—blending a whimsical narrative with jaw-dropping stunts and a multi-course meal worthy of the spotlight.

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, JOYÀ is offering 20% off all experiences through August 31. Use code SUMMER20 when booking online or at the customer service center to unlock the savings.

📍 VidantaWorld, Riviera Maya
📆 Offer valid July 1 – August 31, 2025
🎟️ Book Online

Whether it’s your first time or your fifth (I have seen it three times), JOYÀ delivers a dazzling night that delights every sense—and leaves you wanting more.

THE RMI ROUNDUP PROUDLY SUPPORTS

🍍 Riviera Maya Insider is working together with PAR - Playa Animal Rescue to help amazing dogs find forever homes. Each week, we will feature a pup who is ready for adoption and eager to join your family.

MEET JACK, OUR DOG OF THE WEEK

🐾 Senior boy Jack is an amazing dog and would make a great addition to any family. He loves walks and to play. He is down for quiet time as well. He has it all! He is up to date on his vaccinations, neutered, parasite free and has received all his monthly preventatives. If you want to learn more about Jack, send an email to [email protected].

💵 Want to help, but can’t adopt? There are plenty of opportunities to support Jack and other pets awaiting their forever home. PAR also needs sponsors and volunteers to help with dog walking and charm school. Find out how you can help!

RMI LIVE MUSIC LINEUP

We do our best to get the most up to date information from the venues and bands. However, we are fully into low season and bookings may change at the last minute. We will do our best to keep the list up to date HERE.

If you are performing in Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Paamul, Puerto Aventuras or Akumal and would like to see your live music, karaoke or open mic night included in the RMI weekly newsletter, please submit your information for consideration.

Thursday July 10

Puerto Morelos

Playa del Carmen

Puerto Aventuras

Friday July 11

Puerto Morelos

Playa del Carmen

Puerto Aventuras

Saturday July 12

Puerto Morelos

Playa del Carmen

Puerto Aventuras

Akumal

Lol Ha | Natalie & Mauro | 6 - 8PM

Sunday July 13

Puerto Morelos

Playa del Carmen

Puerto Aventuras

Akumal / Tulum

Kay Beach Club | Mr Rojo | 1 - 3PM
Casa Cenote | Natalie & RASH | 1 - 3PM

🌟 If you are looking for all the most up-to-date live music events click on the button below. As additions and changes are made throughout the week, the page linked below will be editted to give you the most up to date listings.

Are you enjoying the RMI Live Music Lineup?

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