In a celestial spectacle that dazzles skygazers worldwide, Mexico is the primary host for the highly anticipated total solar eclipse 2024. Scheduled for April 8, 2024, this astronomical phenomenon promises awe-inspiring moments across all 32 states of the country.
Mexican culture is colorful, lively and very unique. It doesn’t matter how grim or sad a holiday may seem, Mexicans will find a way of making it come to life– literally and metaphorically – in ways only their imagination allows. Day of the Dead is no exception to this, as the holiday is celebrated throughout the country. Although it sounds as if it should be a day of sadness, it is in fact a joyous day. It´s filled with music, food, friends, family, and remembering those who have gone.
A lot of time is invested in this November holiday as it features elaborate make up of catrinas, setting up altars, baking delicious meals, decorating with cempasuchil flowers, and dressing up the graves at the cemeteries, The holiday is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, the first being dedicated to remembering children and infants and the latter for honoring the deceased adults. However, with the integration of Halloween the celebrations tend to start a few days earlier in certain parts of the country.
The holiday is meant for those who have gone, so there is no indulging in what you like but rather in what they enjoyed. Altars are set up with a photo of the deceased person and decorated with cempasuchil flowers, while the deceased’s favorite food and drinks are placed on it as an offering. It is believed that on this day the dead come back to the world of the living to spend time with their loved ones. For this reason, all of their favorite things are placed on the altar to welcome them back.
Graveyards are a special place during this time of year, but visits to the graves are not as you would imagine. Instead, you will find families gathering around the tombs of their loved ones with flowers, offerings and even picnics. Throughout the night they will share their favorite stories of the person they are honoring and remember them. Mariachis are often found roaming throughout the graves singing the deceased’s favorite songs and bringing the cemeteries – quite literally- to life.
Of course, with every holiday comes tales and legends, and this is also the case with the Day of the Dead. Some believe that not creating an altar for a deceased family member can have deathly consequences. According to legend, or as it is known in Spanish las malas lenguas, if a spirit comes back to see it has been forgotten they can be angered. This is especially true if they see the big and elaborate altars left for other spirits. Those who forget it will be struck with illness and maybe even become dead soon after. Some people celebrate the holiday out of fear rather than tradition, love and commitment. But hey, these are just stories.
And let’s not forget about food! Day of the Dead is full of some delicious treats such as pan de muerto and sugar skulls. It is tradition to buy sugar skulls with the name of a person and offer it as a gift to friends and family members. These skulls are usually decorated with catrina-like make up and have a sticker on the forehead with a name. The sugar skull is given as a gift. This is not to mean that you are suggesting death to the person you give it to, but rather as a statement of love. It says that if they were ever to be gone you would remember them on this day.
The other traditional food is the pan de muerto, which is a bun with decorations that resemble bones on top. It is a traditional sweet roll baked throughout the country and shared by family members by the grave or at home.
Throughout the country you will find parades, parties, festivities and many things to celebrate this amazing tradition that has been around for centuries. Foreigners are welcomed with open arms to join the celebrations as Mexican culture dictates that teaching and sharing traditions with outsiders is good. Ask around your community and join the many events throughout. There is often theater, music, parks, pub-crawls and more.
Now you know how this beautiful tradition is celebrated and what to expect, so get out there and be a part of it. Nobody says that only Mexican souls come back. Erect an altar for your loved ones who have gone and they will surely appreciate it.
Do you want to be a part of this festive and lively culture that we all admire? Then maybe it’s time to consider moving to Mexico. Top Mexico Real Estate caters to American and Canadian expats looking for a forever home in Mexico. Browse through our thousands of properties and get in touch with one of our Top Buyer Representatives who will guide you through the process of becoming a homeowner in paradise.
And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…
We Make It Happen!
The Summer of 2015 saw the arrival of a new addition to downtown Playa del Carmen´s 5th Avenue shopping experience. Located on 14th Avenue, halfway from the reigning mall Quinta Alegria on Constituyentes and Juarez Avenue, you will find Calle Corazon. It is a work in progress which is slowly rolling out a vast array of internationally renowned shops.
Some of the names include Steve Maddison, Hollister, Swarovski, Michael Kors, Puma and the highly anticipated H&M store, which is among the first to open. With professional footballer-turned-model David Beckam featured as one of H&M´s models it´s likely to draw many people to their fashionable yet afffordable catalogue of men and women´s clothing.
This is a project that has been two years in the making. The opening was preceded by the closure of a street on October of 2013 that gave that area of Playa del Carmen a touch of uniqueness. Its´ chic palapas made way for the new and ambitious project, causing local playenses to say goodbye to a beloved street. For many years the small and romantically lit street offered a unique place for strolling, but the old has given way to the new. The opening heralds a new, modern place that is sure to attract thousands of tourists.
Calle Corazon also plans to build a hotel featuring 90 rooms, a restaurant, pool, roof top garden, bar and a gym. You can see that this is a big and ambitious project that offers new spaces for the immense tourist population that passes through Playa del Carmen every year. The hotel will surely be a great addition to an already busy 5th Avenue.
According to the president of the Business Coordinating Council in the Riviera Maya the Calle Corazon project ¨will always be important because it speaks of the success of the Riviera Maya”.
This new project is bringing new and exciting opportunities to a growing city that many expats have come to call home. The new plaza will bring lots of new job opportunities for both local and foreigners and create a new open space for travelers and residents to shop, hang out, or simply pass the time.
Top Mexico Real Estate is your source for information about life and culture in Mexico. Let us show you what is like here, and what you will be enjoying when you begin your adventure as a property owner in the paradise of the Mayan Riviera.
And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…
We Make It Happen!
The miracle of life is an amazing thing. For millions of years life on our planet has been the sole pillar of everything we know and love. It all really comes down to creating life, and keeping it that way for millions upon millions of years to come. And to be able to witness the miracle of life – be it human or otherwise – is a unique experience that not very many people get to live in their lifetime.
Amongst the many amazing species that call the Riviera Maya home is the sea turtle. In the world, there are eight existing sea turtle species – and most of them are critically endangered. Of these eight species, seven of them live and nest in Mexican beaches. We are a privileged country! And out of those, four nest in the gorgeous, pristine beaches of Quintana Roo.
However, due to heavy tourist congestion, sea turtles start migrating south to find isolated beaches that less humans transit through. And if that seems impossible, they settle for those where there are sea turtle protection programs that (try to) control the traffic of people. One of those places, and the most popular for both swimming with these majestic animals and witnessing sea turtle nesting season, is Akumal.
Akumal means “Place of the Turtles” in Mayan (‘Ak’ means turtle; ‘Umal’ means place). The name is, of course, justified, as this is not only one of the most important nesting beaches in the region, but it is also one of the biggest natural homes to juvenile sea turtles in the area. This tranquil bay area – very popular amongst tourists – is home to approximately 40 juvenile sea turtles. This is their natural habitat, as it is a popular feeding area for them due to the amounts of sea grass that the bay possesses.
While these juvenile turtles come and go on a daily basis, the phenomenon known as “sea turtle season” refers strictly to the nesting season, which takes place between May and September every year. Now, this season is not a general rule for all eight species, but to the three that nest in Akumal: caretta caretta (loggerhead), chelonia mydas (green turtle), and the occasional eretmochelys imbricata (hawksbill turtle) – hey, now you know three scientific names to impress your friends!
Life Cycle
The most common species to nest in the region are the loggerhead and the green sea turtles, with record over 900 nests in 2013 (in Akumal) throughout the whole season, for both species. However, there are also leatherbacks and hawksbill nests found throughout the state. The life cycle of a sea turtle is fairly simple:
*Unfortunately, only one out of 1,000 hatchlings makes it to adulthood for different reasons:
How You Can Help and Experience Nesting Season
There are many ways to get involved in the conservation process:
While Akumal is certainly not the only nesting beach in the Riviera Maya, it is the most popular one – specially because there are juvenile sea turtles swimming in the bay every day of the year. It’s their home, after all. However, you can witness the nesting season at other beaches such as Xpu-Ha, Xcacel, Sian Ka’an, Tulum and Cancun.
Don’t miss the opportunity of experiencing this unique and life-changing event. Sea turtles are beautiful creatures and they depend on you to continue gracing the oceans we all visit the Riviera Maya for.
If you wish their home will someday be your home, please feel free to contact one of our Top Mexico Buyer’s Representatives who will gladly help you in the process of relocating and finding your dream home in paradise.
And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…
We Make It Happen!
Playa del Carmen is the most popular destination in the Riviera Maya and its famous for its vibrant international community, white sand beaches and upscale hotels. Once a sleepy fishing village, Playa del Carmen has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the world; according to the 2006 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.
Playa del Carmen is located about 40 minutes south of Cancun, and it offers its visitor miles of pristine beaches. Each local neighborhood has a favored beach, with its own attractions and crowd.
Colosio Beach: General Information
Colosio Beach has been a local favorite for many years, it is only a few steps north from other popular spots; but it feels like a world away because of its quiet and serene nature. It is located at the bottom of the Luis Donaldo Colosio Avenue (calle 72), a mile long area of undeveloped beach; an ideal spot for those looking for a more private and quiet setting.
Lately, there has been more and more condos and hotels being built in the Colosio Area, so do not miss the opportunity to visit this little corner of paradise.
Colosio Beach: Getting There
If you are in Playa del Carmen you can get to this pristine beach walking along the coast line, Colosio beach would be located north of popular sites like Playa Mamitas.
If you are driving or take a cab, take Federal 307 highway and head north, once you get to Luis Donaldo Colosio avenue (the one with home depot in the corner) turn right and drive to the end of the road.
There is a small entrance at the end of the road, and two more on the sides of the Meliá Paradisus La Esmeralda Hotel.
Colosio Beach: Things To Do
The charm of Colosio beach is its quietude, so feel free to walk, meditate or even practice your favorite yoga pose. You can also get a beautiful tan and enjoy some quality time with friends and family.
Remember this is a beach favored by the locals, so it is going to be busy on the weekends and holidays. Entire families take advantage of the beautiful warm weather; it is amusing to see several generations of a family spending time together and playing in the waves.
Colosio Beach: Recommendations
If you are planning to spend the day at Colosio beach here is some recommendations:
We hope you enjoy this beautiful beach, one of the spots for locals in Playa del Carmen. Keep up to date with the best beaches in paradise by following our Top 25 Beaches in the Riviera Maya countdown every Friday and watch the best beaches in the Riviera Maya Videos! If you are in search for the perfect beach to spend the day at, make sure you check out all the options. We aim to provide you with the best information about living in the Riviera Maya!
Top Mexico Real Estate is a local American-Owned company, which specializes in helping foreigners become homeowners in Mexico. If you are looking for a second home or to retire in paradise, feel free to contact a Top Buyers’ Representative! Browse our beautiful properties; we are sure you will find your Mexico dream home.
We make it happen!
For the fourth consecutive year Akumal hosted the Akumal Comedy Festival. The event was started by Dan Schlissel founder of Stand Up! Records and Grammy award winning producer and the late Gus Lynch a former celebrity comedian and actor. They started the festival to showcase rising stand-up comedy stars outside of the U.S. as well as the people, restaurants, and businesses of the area.
The Akumal Comedy Festival, 10 show, 7 venues in three city’s over 5 days. All for a good cause.
The Akumal Comedy Festival supports the Red Cross of Mexico. The Red Cross in Mexico different than in other countries, they operate without any financial assistance from the government. Each chapter is responsible for its own fundraising, and relies entirely on the generosity of donors and the dedication of their volunteers. They operate without charge, offering lifesaving medical treatment to anyone who needs it, and are a lifeline to many of the local poor communities. All of the proceeds from the festival go to the Red Cross Playa del Carmen and Tulum chapters.
I happen to attend the Friday night show in Akumal Center at the Grateful Dead Stage. At the beginning of the show the host announced that they had already surpassed their fundraisers goal of 150,000 MXN, which was double last year’s efforts. He stated that before tonight show started the Akumal Comedy Festival had already raised 165,000 MXN and that they were only halfway through the festivals events.
The beautiful evening started out with a musical comedy duo. The couple set the stage for the evenings event, singing funny songs about their significant others, work and the area.
The night was hosted by local Craig Norton. Craig was one of the founding members of Comedy Below Sea Level, a local comedy troop that keeps the community laughing year round. Craig, an expat from Canada joked about what it was like to live in Mexico and how different it is from Canada.
Next to take the stage was Colleen Doyle Justice. Colleen has a unique perspective on the ordinary. This was her first debut at the Akumal Comedy Festival. Colleen was a riot telling somewhat inappropriate jokes about her family. Justice also shared with the audience that her mother was worried about her traveling to “lawless Mexico” alone, making her text every day that she hadn’t been murdered yet. The other day she text her mother that she had been murdered. I know that you are thinking but don’t worry, later that day she text that she was only kidding.
The evening ended with headliner Tommy Ryman. Tommy was a semifinalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and was very funny. Tommy a some-what needy gentlemen, told jokes about how he brought 19 bottle of 3oz. sunscreen (legal allowed by airport security) and how Mexico doesn’t need to sell oil, they have high priced sunscreen for sale. He also told the audience that he knows everything about being married because he has been married for two years now and if you need any advice he’s here to help.
I evening was enjoyed by all. Everybody who attended had some laughs for a good cause.
If you missed the comedy festival this year don’t worry there is always next year. But if you are look for something to do this month remember the Riviera Maya film Festival starts this week April 23rd – 29th in Playa del Carmen. The Riviera Maya Film Festival is completely free, showing films in English and Spanish on gorgeous locations like the white sandy beaches, and in the movie theaters. Additional, there are several awards ceremonies during the week with Hollywood celebrity’s in attendance.
After living in the Riviera Maya for quite some time now, I have made a clear observation about the value of hard work and the appreciation for small business in the area.
I remember a time when….
Coming from the United States, I remember a time when you can still go to a local family owned hardware store. I remember family owned video rental stores and small movie theaters where you can enter for 2 dollars.
But over time the Home Depots, Walmarts and Redbox’s of the world came wiping out family owned business. And in some cases, like Redbox (a vending machine for DVD rentals) which are eliminating the need for stores and employees all together.
Small Business is Still Strong in Mexico
What I always thought was wonderful about Mexico is that these small family run businesses are still alive bringing a little bit of that wholesome feeling back to your heart. You build relationships with store owners who have been their running businesses for years. It is always nice to know when someone knows your name and you know theirs!
While we welcome some conveniences or “one stop shopping” so to speak, there is still charm and value in small business in the Riviera Maya. Most times they offer a service above the rest with integrity, honesty and hard work. They offer a personal experience; one that is appreciated and missed on many levels in the United States.
Unfortunately our children might never know what that is like. But here in Mexico there is still a chance to learn those old small town values.
In Mexico hard work is valued
One thing that is true about Mexico is there is a genuine value for hard work! Lazy is not often found here, even in this beautiful beach paradise where life tends to be a little more laid back.
And additionally, I believe that sometimes people even work without certain technologies and conveniences, not because they do not exist, but because many of those technologies may eliminate the need for certain jobs, which are needed to support families, pay rent and buy food.
Some people believe that Mexico is a country without technology or enhancements. That is quite the contrary actually. You can find all the same modern technologies as in the United States. But I think the use of those things really comes down to actual necessity and values combined.
Will we slowly start to see small business in the Riviera Maya area disappear?
However, as demand for American convenience is growing in the Riviera Maya, due increased relocation and tourism form Americans and Canadians, large chains are slowly moving in. Ironically, the very same Americans who crave these convenience are also a bit sad about the loss of small town charm that seems to be very slowly slipping away.
Will all this change and movement create the same purge of small business that we have seen sweep the United States? We hope not, and we still have faith that the Mexican culture and values will remain solid to stimulate the local economy in the Riviera Maya region.
Check out our free EBook for more information on the best benefits of living in Mexico!
We were honored to get the chance to sit down and chat with Kay Walten, the founder of the well-known website locogringo.com which is geared towards providing private vacation rentals and knowledge for travelers. Kay Walten, originally from Buffalo, New York, has been living in Akumal and in the Riviera Maya for 21 years now which makes her a very reputable source for expat related information, and true advisor for travelers coming to the Riviera Maya.
Kay moved to the Riviera Maya in 1992 to explore the underground cenotes and caves. Kay and her now husband, Gary Walten, ran dive tours and eventually opened up a dive shop until starting Locogringo in 1996.
Locogringo.com provides vacation rentals by private owners wishing to rent out their home. Through many years of service, Kay and her husband have become one of the most credible sources for vacation rentals and area advice.
Why is she so good at it? Because she loves living in Akumal, and holds a dear passion for the Riviera Maya; which she has watched grow and expand over the last 21 years. What was once an area with not so many people has become a world renowned vacation destination, retirement paradise and an investor’s dream.
Over the years the Riviera Maya has grown to satisfy many American style conveniences. These days culture shock is not so deep in the Riviera Maya. Many people speak English; you can find familiar products or brands and even shop at the same stores you are used to shopping at!
Kay would like to send the message that the Riviera Maya is safe! After 20 years of living in Akumal Mexico, she has only experienced great things and friendly people. Kay Quotes “It’s really a joyful area to live in”.
As a home owner in Akumal, Kay feels that the real estate buying process in Mexico is getting easier and easier. There are many people coming to retire and buy property! The advice that she gives, is to work with a reputable realtor in Mexico, pay close attention to all the paperwork, and of course, to be smart and use common sense!
In this Top Mexico Real Estate video Kay tells us about life in the Riviera Maya and some of the wonderful experiences she has had living in Akumal all these years! Watch the video for a full interview!
Puerto Vallarta is a Top destination for tourists who love relaxing, golf, scuba diving, adventures and even surfing! But that is not all! It is also one of the top expat and retirement destinations for Americans and Canadians. There are more and more expats living in in Puerto Vallarta every year!
Puerto Vallarta is a beach town with miles of charm and beauty. The streets of this Colonial and historical backdrop are paved with Cobblestone giving a simple and traditional feel. ! I should also mention that service and hospitality in Puerto Vallarta are quite amazing since the local people are so welcoming and inviting.
Besides all of the colonial, in-town, charm that Puerto Vallarta holds we must not forget that the beaches are one of the main attractions for this coastline town! Among the most popular area beaches are Los Muertos Beach, Oro Beach and Playa Sayulita.
Surfs up! If you love hitting the waves Mismaloya Beach, about 45 minutes away from Puerto Vallarta center is a prime spot for surfing.
Puerto Vallarta is for anyone! Enjoy a nice day of golf on some of the most prestige golf courses, dive deep into the sea to explore underwater life, take a leisurely kayaking ride, go sailing, snorkel and go horseback riding! If you are thinking of tying the good old knot, Puerto Vallarta is also a number one romantic wedding destination!
Did you know that Puerto Vallarta was the onsite destination for some well-known popular movies and shows, such as “The love boat” and “Night at the Iguana” starring Jim Burton? Jim Burton and Elizabeth Taylor even bought a home in Puerto Vallarta which ignited the same idea for many other expatriates from all over!
Have you ever head of Marietas Island before? Maybe not! But I am here to tell you that this special and unique Island is a must see, and do, in the area! Take a sailboat tour and head out to one of the most gorgeous and interesting retreats in the area, even in the world, with beautiful crystal water and a virgin beach that is surrounded by a cave like opening. It is just incredible! A place to clear you head and escape from every sign of reality!
In general, Mexico is full of love and romance. You should never be surprised to see hand holding, nuzzling or public displays of affection! One of the well-known areas of Puerto Vallarta is the romantic zone! A simple quaint little part of town that just lets you be free and without worry! It’s all about charm in this little village. Quiet beaches, little cafés and restaurants and an authentic Mexican feel! Perfect area for a romantic walk with your other half!
[I always like to remind people that Mexico is indeed a safe country to visit. But ding ding ding, the statistics are in folks! Mexico has actually some of the lowest numbers in statistics when looking at the numbers compared to the United States, Canada, Australia, some parts of Europe, south Africa, Honduras, Chile, Peru, and the United Kingdom!
So relax, in Puerto Vallarta México! If you are poking at the possibility of living or retiring in Puerto Vallarta contact a reliable and trusted Mexico real estate agent who can help you through the process of buying your dream home!
During this past summer, we, at Top Mexico Real Estate, launched the Dream a Little Dream of Mexico photo contest, designed to gather some of your favorite and most creative Riviera Maya photos and create a People’s Choice Riviera Maya Calendar. The campaign turned out to be a huge success, as we received lots of contributions and participation from those who live, breath and dream about the Riviera Maya!
We want to send a warm and generous THANK YOU to everyone who participated and voted in the contest! We had 12 final Category Winners including three Grand Prize Winners. All of these photos, with the exception of one special category, were taken right here in the Riviera Maya!
This Thursday, November 21st, we will be celebrating the campaign and handing out prizes and calendars to the winners. The event will be at Caguameria in Playa del Carmen on 1st Avenue and 20th Street from 5-8 pm! Feel free to stop by and meet some of the Top Mexico Real Estate team and watch us honor the winners.
Let’s give Congratulations to our winners!
Janice Taylor Lucky #13 category winner
Kim Doerr- Walk on the Beach category winner
Rebecca Tunstall – Beach Sunrise category and 2nd Place Grand Prize Winner
Alberto Mendoza – I love Mexico category and 3rd Place Grand Prize Winner
Ivet Aleks – Ancient Mayan category winner
Karla Jimenez – Mexican Food category winner
Angela Hadden – Underwater category winner
Neila Higuera – Mayan Jungle category winner
Ivan Smith – Living Playa category winner
Kat Mendoza – Mayan Wildlife category and 1st Place Grand Prize Winner
Shane Wilcox – Mexico Relax category winner
Congrats to Simone Zentgraf – 25 Top Beaches category winner
The Riviera Mayais a place that we love to call home. Many Americans and Canadians come here to the Riviera Maya and fall in love with the scenery, the weather, and the enchanting and easy going lifestyle. We are always interested to know what you love about visiting or living in the Riviera Maya! If you would like to share a story or your favorite photos we would be happy to feature your experience in upcoming publications.
If you missed out on this contest, don’t worry! Soon we will be announcing a new fun campaign! Like us on Facebook for up to date information on real estate, lifestyle and fun in the Riviera Maya!