I recently had the pleasure of attending a wonderful and delicious event in one of my favorite cities in the world: I’m talking about Taste of Playa 2011, which was held on November 20, 2011 in Playa del Carmen, a laid-back, multicultural city just a 30-40 minute car drive away from Cancun. You can take a bus from Cancun’s Bus terminal (ADO) and it will take you to “Playa” (as it is locally known) in approx. 1 hour.

Taste Of Playa

Photo: Taste Of Playa

So, what exactly is “Taste of Playa”?

From their website:

“Taste of Playa is a community based culinary festival set in the heart of the Riviera Maya. With inspiration drawn from the dreams of several local business owners, this event was conceived as a way to celebrate the extraordinary talents of chefs and restaurateurs who have chosen Playa del Carmen as their home and establish the Riviera Maya as a world class culinary destination.“

In my opinion, Taste of Playa is a great opportunity to have a good time tasting many different (and delicious!) food options among friends, for very little cash (most dishes cost 1 “taste of playa peso” which is approx. 1 USD) in a beautiful setting: the laid-back, relaxing and multicultural city of Playa del Carmen, with the beautiful Caribbean Sea in the background. Sounds good? It’s better.

Taste Of Playa 2011 - Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Photo by Michele Kinnon

I was personally invited by the organizers (Thanks, Tyra!) and this was my first time attending. Long story short? I’ll be coming back again, and again, and again… There were so many different and delicious options to try! As a “member of the press”, I did had some nice courtesy “taste of playa pesos” included along with my invitation, which I happily used for my first round. I walked around the whole area, looking (and drooling) at the different options, trying new flavors.

Chez Celine - French desserts, yum!

Photo by Michele Kinnon

Los Aguachiles - Fresh tuna crispy tacos

Shrimp Coconut - Delicious

Photo by Michele Kinnon

Tiramisú - My favorite stand!

Photo by Michele Kinnon

After my pesos were done, I bought some more for round 2. This time I went back to the specific stands that I liked the most. My favorite stand was easily “Tiramisú”, warmly attended by Donna Carey. Tiramisú is actually located in Puerto Aventuras, a resort community approx 15-20minutes away from Playa. Donna was very nice and eager to explain how the food was prepared; I had a pasty filled with seafood and melted cheese to start my food tour – yum!

Tiramisú - Everything on this table was absolutely delicious!

I’m a lover of raw seafood (sushi, etc), so I was happy to see the “Los Aguachiles” stand. Los Aguachiles is one of my favorite seafood restaurants in Cancun, and they also have a restaurant in playa. There, I had a delicious piece of raw tuna wrapped in a lettuce leaf, with some spice and onions to top it. They’re called “Figurín de atún fresco” (Fresh tuna figurín)

Los Aguachiles - Figurín de atún fresco

Photo by Michele Kinnon

Right next to Los Aguachiles was the stand of “Diablito Cha Cha Cha”, which I already knew as a nightclub in Playa, but never before had I tried their food: very good! Here, I tried the “Tuna Tataki”, which was raw tuna rolled with lettuce and flavored with a special sauce. Can you see the pattern? Yes, I am a raw tuna fan.

Diablito Cha Cha Cha - Tuna Tataki

But not everything was seafood, I also had the chance to try Duck Tacos. Yep, Duck Tacos! They were offered at the stand of “La Lunita”, a restaurant located in Akumal (another beach community close to Playa) which I had never heard of before, but plan on visiting next time I’m around Akumal. The dish was called “Tacos de pato laqueado” and the duck meat literally melted in my mouth as I chewed. I loved the idea of throwing together a taco, which isn’t normally considered a “Gourmet” dish, with Duck meat. The result? Awesomeness.

Okay, I did ate some more seafood here as well… I had the Coconut Shrimp too, which –not surprisingly- was also delicious.

La Lunita - Duck tacos and shrimp coconut

And so, as I was almost ready to burst, I saved some space for dessert of course. I went back to my favorite stand, Tiramisú, and had a sweet, tasty and delicious assorted fruit pie.

After staying for a while more and taking time to enjoy the beach at Playa and of course, walking down “La Quinta” (Playa’s 5th Avenue), it was time for me to get back to Cancun.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Overall, I highly recommend Taste of Playa to anyone that enjoys eating and discovering new flavors, and would advise everyone not to miss it next year. Special thanks to Michele Kinnon and Tyra Hamilton for inviting me, I had a great time and ended up with a full belly, good memories and some wonderful new flavors in my mouth.

Thanks, and (hopefully) see you next year!

Camilo Olea

Candlemas

The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple celebrates an early episode in the life of Jesus, and falls on or around 2 February. In the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, the Presentation is the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, it is one of the twelve Great Feasts, and is sometimes called Hypapante (lit., ‘Meeting’ in Greek). Other traditional names include Candlemas, the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin, and the Meeting of the Lord. In many Western liturgical churches, Vespers (or Compline) on the Feast of the Presentation marks the end of the Epiphany season. In the Church of England, the Presentation of Christ in the Temple is a Principal Feast celebrated either on 2 February or on the Sunday between 28 January and 3 February.

In Mexico on the Candlemas (Spanish: Día de La Candelaria) the people who found the baby Jesus doll buried in their piece of a King Cake (Spanish: Rosca de Reyes) on January 5, the night before Three Kings Day, must throw a party on this day for everyone else who ate the same King Cake. Traditionally tamales and atole are served. Also, in certain regions of Mexico, the finder of the baby Jesus doll must present a baby Jesus representation in the local temple. This child must be dressed with fantasy luxury traditional Mexican clothes.

A tamale or more correctly, tamal (Spanish tamal, from Classical Nahuatl tamalli) is a Latin American dish consisting of a starchy dough, often corn-based, which is steamed or boiled in a leaf wrapper. The wrapping is discarded before eating. Tamales can be further filled with meats, cheese, vegetables, chilies or any preparation according to taste, and both the filling and the cooking liquid may be seasoned. Tamales are a traditional Latin American dish of Mesoamerican origin, namely from the Aztec empire. They were one of the staples found by the Spanish when they first arrived in Mexico and were soon widespread by Spanish conquistadores throughout their other colonies. Tamales are said to have been as ubiquitous and varied as the sandwich is today!

Tamales on a plate! Yum!

Mexican Tamales! Delicious!

Atole (Mexican Spanish, from Nahuatl atolli) is a traditional masa-based Mexican and Central American (where it is known as atol) hot drink. Chocolate atole is known as champurrado. It is typically accompanied with tamales, and very popular during the Christmas holiday season (Las Posadas). The drink typically includes masa (corn hominy flour), water, piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), cinnamon, vanilla and optional chocolate or fruit. The mixture is blended and heated before serving. Atole is made by toasting masa in a comal (griddle), then adding water which was boiled with cinnamon sticks. The resulting blends vary in texture, ranging from a porridge to a very thin liquid consistency. Atole can also be prepared with rice flour or oatmeal in place of masa. In northern Mexico, there is also a variation using pinole (sweetened toasted corn meal). Although atole is one of the traditional drinks of the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead, it is very common during breakfast and dinnertime at any time of year. It is usually sold as street food.

Delicious , fresh made Atole!

Masa is Spanish for dough, but in Mexico it sometimes refers to cornmeal dough (masa de maíz in Spanish). It is used for making tortillas, tamales, pupusas, arepas and many other Latin American dishes. The dried and powdered form is called masa de harina or maseca (which is actually a commercial brand); it is reconstituted with water.

So, there you go, now you know everything about how we celebrate Candlemas, or “Día de la Candelaria” in Mexico! Tamales were brought to the office this morning, and we all had a feast! Happy Candlemas! ¡Feliz Día de la Candelaria!

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The "Tres Reyes Magos" (Three Magi Kings)

The twelve days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day, December 25th and end on the Twelfth Night, January 5th . In Mexico, on January 6th, traditionally the last day of the Christmas season, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes, in spanish). Traditionally, families get together for a cup of hot chocolate and a piece of sweet “Rosca de Reyes”, or Three Kings Bread.

Mmm... delicious Rosca de Reyes!

In Mexico, Spain and other Latin countries it is when children receive the majority of their gifts from the Three Kings, or “Reyes Magos” rather than from Santa Claus at Christmas. Before going to bed the children place their old shoes or a box filled with grass or hay under their bed for the camels with a wish list on top for the Three Kings. In the morning the shoes or box is filled with toys & gifts from the Three Kings.

According to legend based on scripture (Matthew 2:1-12) this day commemorates the Three Wise Men, Melchior, Gaspar and Baltazar, who followed the star to Bethlehem, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They travel to Bethlehem, and along the way encountered King Herod, whom they tell of the birth of the new King. Herod orders them to find the baby and return to tell him where the Messiah could be found so that he may pay homage. After being warned by God in a dream that they should not return to Herod because he planned on killing the baby, they returned to their own countries another way.

People representing the Tres Reyes Magos in Mexico

The scripture does mention the three gifts but does not say how many came to visit. It was always assumed that if there were three gifts, then there were probably three people. Scholars estimate the number to be 2-12, possibly more. Are you wondering why they make such a big deal out of when the Kings came and not when the shepherds or others visited? It’s because the “Kings” (Wise Men or Magi) who brought gifts to the infant Jesus were the first Gentiles (non-Jews) to acknowledge Jesus as “King” and in doing so, the first to reveal that Jesus came for all people, from all nations and races.

Rosca de Reyes – Three Kings Bread

Rosca de Reyes or Three Kings Bread

The Rosca de Reyes is a ring-shaped bread with very small plastic dolls baked inside, which represent the baby Jesus. The figure symbolizes the hiding of the infant from King Herod’s troops. According to tradition whoever finds the figure in their slice of sweet bread must give a party on February 2nd, Candlemas Day or Dia de la Candelaria, offering tamales and atole (a hot, sweet drink thickened with corn flour) or Mexican hot chocolate to their guests. Candlemas is the day that Mary presented the infant Jesus to the temple and is traditionally the day that candles are blessed in the Catholic Church.

The little plastic dolls stuffed into the bread!

It is best to pre-order a Rosca de Reyes at a Mexican bakery or panaderia. When ordering at other bakeries ask for a King’s Cake, Louisiana-style which is basically the same thing. Or, if you like to cook, you can also take a look at this recipe for a Rosca de Reyes!

Happy Día de Reyes from Cancun!

Wikipedia entry for Three Kings Day

*Some info on this article is courtesy of CasaQ , please support them! Thanks!

Para este año que inicia, les quiero compartir algunos pensamientos.

Creo que ya hablé suficiente sobre el año que pasó, como nos fue, la necesidad de seguir siempre creyendo y teniendo esperanza en mi mensaje navideño , así que en esta ocasión trataré de ser mas breve.

Yo pienso que toda crisis nos presenta oportunidades. Cancun is Safe! nació de la oportunidad que vimos de hacer un sitio que ayudara a contrarrestar la imagen negativa creada por la crisis de la influenza A1HN1; si la crisis de salud no se hubiera presentado, tal vez Cancun is Safe! no estaría aquí. O al menos no de la manera que lo conocemos. También pienso que todo error que cometemos no es motivo de sentirnos mal y lamentarnos por ello, si no que del mismo modo nos brinda una oportunidad de corregir nuestro camino. Viendo así las cosas, me parece que la crisis que todos pasamos y seguimos pasando, nos trae algunas oportunidades, como el aprender a vivir más con menos, aprender a necesitar menos cosas para ser feliz, aprender a disfrutar más las cosas que tengamos, aprender a valorar mas a la familia y seres queridos que a las posesiones, aprender la naturaleza efímera y temporal de las posesiones materiales, aprender a apreciar el valor del amor en los tiempos difíciles, y una larga lista mas. A ustedes, ¿que les enseñó esta crisis?, ¿que han aprendido?, ¿que valoran mas ahora?, ¿como han cambiado sus prioridades?.

En lo personal, el aprender a vivir más con menos me ha resultado una excelente lección. Disfruto más a mi hijo, mis seres queridos, mi familia, mis amigos. No tengo t.v., así que uso esos tiempos para leer, o comunicarme con mis amigos, ya sea electrónicamente, o por teléfono, o incluso visitándolos. Mi apartamento no tiene nada más que lo mínimo necesario, y en lugar de sentirlo vacío, lo siento amplio, tranquilo, en paz.

Este año nuevo, aprendamos a vivir mejor y más felices con menos; aprendamos a necesitar lo realmente necesario, como la familia, los seres queridos, los amigos, el amor; esas son algunas cosas que todos los seres humanos necesitamos, son condiciones básicas necesarias para ser feliz. Lo material, las posesiones, son temporales, es bueno tenerlas y definitivamente mejoran la calidad de vida; pero tampoco es sano ni nos ayudará a ser felices el depender de ellas. Mientras tengamos las cosas básicas antes mencionadas, lo demás es opcional: si tenemos comodidades, bien, pero si no, también, no son necesarias para ser personas plenas y felices.

Reciban todos mis mejores deseos sinceros desde Cancun, que a todos nos vaya mucho mejor este año que inicia, y que las cosas se sigan poniendo cada vez mejor para todas las personas de la tierra.

Feliz Año Nuevo 2010 desde Cancun!

Camilo Olea

Fundador, Director
Cancun is Safe!
www.twitter.com/camiloolea
www.facebook.com/camilooleacancun

Happy NYE 2010 Cancun!

Dear friends,

I’d like to share with you a thought for this new year’s eve.

I feel I talked enough about this year we are leaving behind at my Xmas post, so this time I’ll try to keep it short.

Every crisis brings opportunities. Cancun is Safe! was born out of the opportunity that was created by the health crisis of influenza A1HN1; as the media coverage scared tourism away from Mexico, we saw the opportunity to create Cancun is Safe!, with the primary objective of fighting back the negative image created by the A1HN1 crisis. Had the crisis never occurred, Cancun is Safe! wouldn’t be here. At least not in the form it is now!

I also think that mistakes are nothing to be ashamed of, they also bring opportunities. Opportunities to learn and adjust our steps as we walk. I think these hard times brought us the opportunity to adjust our lives where necessary, to correct whatever mistakes we did that put us into rough times; to learn to live more with less, to need less things and more love to be happy, to enjoy more whatever we may have, to value more love, friends, & family over material possesions, to learn the importance of hope and how it keeps us going on, and much more.

What did YOU learned this year? What do you value more now? How have your priorites shifted?

To me, learning to live more with less has been a great lesson. I enjoy more my son, my loved ones, my family. I don’t own a T.V., so I use that time to read, communicate with my friends either electronically or physically, to help whenever and wherever I can. My apartment has barely the basics, and instead of feeling empty, I feel it is filled with peace & calmness.

Let’s take the opportunity this new year brings: to learn to live more with less, to need only the necessary, like friends, family, loved ones, love; the basic human conditions needed for true, authentic happiness. To learn that happiness has to be grown inside us, and work toward that goal instead of waiting for happiness to arrive. Material posessions are nice, and they can contribute to a better quality of life, BUT, let’s not be mistaken and suffer withouth them. Material posessions are temporary, in time, they vanish; Love, on the other hand, is timeless and eternal.

Please receive all my best and warmest wishes for you and your loved ones from Cancun!

Goodbye 2009! May we all have learned, from this tough year, to be happy with less!

Happy New Year 2010 from Cancun!

Sincerely,

Camilo Olea

Founder,CEO

Cancun is Safe!

www.twitter.com/camiloolea

www.facebook.com/camilooleacancun

Feliz Navidad desde Cancun!

Estimad@s Amig@s:

En esta víspera de Navidad, quiero tomarme un momento para compartirles algunos pensamientos.

Este fue un año sin duda difícil, muy difícil para algunos, y mas dificil para otros, pero en general, todos dimos nuestros mayores esfuerzos para librarlo. No miremos atrás, miremos adelante; miremos en todo lo que nuestro trabajo duro nos consiguió, asi sea simplemente mantenernos en el mismo lugar. El futuro se construye en el presente, y el pasado aporta lecciones e ideas; usémoslas, aprendamos de nuestros errores, y concentrémonos en trabajar aún más duro el próximo año. Lo peor ya paso, dicen, e incluso si no fuera así, y faltaran cosas más difíciles por venir, lo importante es siempre mantener el espíritu. La sustancia más dura e irrompible del mundo no es el diamante, es el espíritu humano. Todo lo que necesitamos para mantenerlo es CREER. La esperanza se pierde al último, y sólo si uno lo permite.

Así que sigamos apoyandonos unos a los otros, sigamos creyendo, y sigamos construyendo un mejor futuro para nosotros, nuestros seres queridos, y todas las personas de la tierra.

Desde Cancún, les envío mis mejores deseos y esperanzas sinceras de que, al menos por hoy, tengan paz, armonía y un momento de calidad y amor con sus seres queridos.

Felices fiestas, y nos vemos en año nuevo =)

Feliz Navidad Cancun!

Abrazos,
Camilo Olea
Fundador,Director
Cancun Is Safe

twitter.com/camiloolea

facebook.com/camilooleacancun

Merry Xmas from Cancun!

Dear Friends:

I’d like to share with you a personal Xmas thought.

This was a tough year for us all. Tougher to some than to others, but we all suffered. Let’s not look back, but ahead; let’s look in all that our hard work got us, even if it was just staying at the same place. Think about this: Many, many people lost EVERYTHING they had. If you didn’t, or lost little, you should really appreciate that.

The future is built in the present, with our present actions. The past just serves as a memory and idea repository, a place where we go to learn, and apply those lessons to our present moment.

The worst is behind us, so they say, but even if it wasn’t so, even if the worst is still to come, it doesn’t matter. What matters is for all of us to keep BELIEVING we can do it, keep believing things will get better; if we truly believe, with all our heart, then we will start making the change we all want. They say the hardest thing in the world is a diamond, I disagree; to me, the hardest thing in the universe is the human spirit, the soul. We never lose it, even if we think we do. It’s just always there.

So let’s keep believing, lets keep our hopes & spirits alive, lets keep working for a better world for us, our loved ones, and everybody.

I say: the best is yet to come. And it will. It always does. Has to.  Just believe.

Sending warm wishes to you all, may you have, if only for tonight, a moment filled with love & harmony with your loved ones.

Merry Xmas from Cancun!

Merry Xmas from Cancun!

Camilo Olea
Founder,CEO
Cancun Is Safe!

Twitter: www.twitter.com/camiloolea

Facebook: www.facebook.com/camilooleacancun

Woke up to blue skies, warm weather, and sunshine… another great day for a Cancun Beach Sunday!

Mexican Caribbean Paradise: Cancun!

Beaches of Cancun!

I spent this great Cancun Beach Sunday visiting some family & relatives that came from Mexico City to enjoy this Paradise; yes, even us Mexicans know the jewel we have and we enjoy it just as much! They stayed at a hotel in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, where we first met and lounged for a while at the pool area. The Jacuzzis seemed really inviting, so I indulged and relaxed away at the warm, bubbly water…

Pool Area! Nice!

We stayed there for a while, enjoyed some nice family time with our relatives, took up some sunshine at the beach, and finally I ordered a delicious grilled hamburger for lunch, as I hadn’t had anything but a glass of orange juice after waking up earlier in the day; I was starving! Maybe that’s why the burger tasted so delicious, lol! Or maybe it was a real good burger, too!

Restaurant at the Pool / Beach!

Suddenly, the sky turned a little dark & cloudy…

gloomy skies!

… and a little rain started falling! It quickly turned into downright heavy rain, but as its always the case, it only lasted a couple of minutes and then just as quickly as it began, it was over, and the sun was shining again!

Cancun Is Safe Tip: These kind of “flash rains” are very common in Cancun, and they are nothing to worry about. They just form seemingly out of nowhere, and as quickly as they start, they usually pass over, and the sun shines again; its only a matter of waiting for a while!

There was this really cool & nice bar at the beach!

Cancun Beach Bar

So after a while there, we decided to move to another spot. My family and I went now to Playa Tortugas, or Turtle Beach, one of the favorite beach of the Cancun locals, as well as the rest of the world!

Sea of Playa Tortugas, Cancun

Playa Tortugas is at Km 6.5 of the Cancun Hotel Zone, right in front of a now closed place called “Pepe Tigers”, and also infront of a big local tour operator offices. Getting there is really easy: Just hop into any bus going to the Hotel Zone, they all stop there! Just kindly ask your driver to let you know when you are in Playa Tortugas and they’ll gladly do it!

Entrance to Playa Tortugas

As we already said, Playa Tortugas is a local favorite. Many local families go there on Sundays to unwind and have a good family time & fun at the beach. They pack ice coolers with beverages and lunch, and they make their own beach pic-nic in Cancun! You can also find people from just about any part of the world getting a healthy dose of sunshine & sea at Playa Tortugas any day!

Chilling out at Playa Tortugas!

Playa Tortugas, Cancun, Mexico

Beautiful Playa Tortugas!

Cancun Is Safe Tip: We’d like to remind you again that its a good idea to rest well and sleep early the night before going to the beach, in order to be able to get up as early as you can and arrive to the beach in the first hours of the morning. Why? A variety of reasons, actually! In the early morning and until past mid-day, the sun rays are not so hot and the weather is more fresh & breezy; you can also pick the perfect spot to lie down, as not many people are gonna be crowding the beach! Also, have you ever watched the sun rise at the beach? You have to do it!

Playa Tortugas is also home to a Little pier; you can both take a ferry or other boats to Isla Mujeres, or you can also shop around for souvenirs, as they recently are doing some work on the pier and more little shops selling handcrafts, clothing, & souvenirs are opening.

Pier of Playa Tortugas, Cancun

Local handcrafts sold at the Pier of Playa Tortugas, Cancun

While taking a walk at the pier we came across these amazing animals: 2 “Barracudas” just fished out of the water! Look at the size of these things! And the teeth! Yikes! Can you imagine getting a bite from one of these cuties? Well, it happens sometimes, and let us tell you, it is definitely not pretty! Don’t have to worry much though, barracudas usually don’t come near the shore, you only may come across them if you dive or snorkel a little deeper, and even so, if you don’t get too close to them, they won’t see you as a threat and they’ll leave you alone.

Barracudas @ Playa Tortugas, Cancun

Look at the teeth!

Barracudas are usually cleaned up, cut and prepared right away, to make a delicious fresh ceviche

There are a lot of empty beach chairs waiting for you , as you can see!

Beach chairs & beds at Playa Tortugas

Cancun Is Safe Tip: Most beaches in Cancun have beach chairs/beds available. Most of the times they belong to a restaurant or business that will either rent them to you for a price for the day, or ask you to order something to drink or eat in order to use them. It’s always best to ask before using one and then having somebody come to tell you that you cant use it without paying. Plus, prices aren’t high: a normal beach bed / chair rent fee for a day is between 8 to 10 USD.

You can also order something to drink or eat and have it delivered right at your spot by a waiter!

Waiters @ Playa Tortugas, Cancun

Cancun Is Safe Tip: You can also find this service at most Cancun beaches. The waiters are normally working for a restaurant or bar and will approach you to offer their services. It is not obligatory to order anything to be on the beach, though. You only need to order anything if you want to use the chairs or beds, if you don’t plan in doing so, you can be at the beach as long as you want without a problem.

As in most beaches in Cancun, you can find restaurants & bars right at the beach in Playa Tortugas. Prices always vary, so the best is to scout around a little first; compare prices & promotions, or as we like to say in Mexico “If the place is crowded its probably good!” lol, some common Mexican folk culture for you! =) You can also always ask the locals: we are more than happy to help!

Beach Restaurant @ Playa Tortugas, Cancun

The sea was warm & delicious, as you can tell by the many people enjoying it!

Sea of Playa Tortugas, Cancun

Sea of Playa Tortugas, Cancun

Sea of Playa Tortugas, Cancun

After a great day with my family & relatives at Playa Tortugas, we decided to call it a day, since we were pretty worn out by all the sun! We hugged & said good bye, and off I went again to my place, for a much needed & relaxing bath, refreshment, and some time to chill out and write about the great Cancun Beach Sunday I had!

Until next Cancun Beach Sunday, we’re sending much sunshine & warm wishes from Cancun to you!

Remember, Cancun is Safe & a beautiful place to visit! Come see for yourself!

For watching our complete Flickr photo gallery for this Cancun Beach Sunday, please click here.

Posted by: Camilo Olea

Riviera Maya Jazz Festival 2009

Jazz in Paradise! The International Riviera Maya Jazz Festival BEGINS TOMORROW! Wednesday 25 Nov with the participation of: The Royal Band, Sacbé, Aguamala and Colin Hunter.

Riviera Maya Jazz Festival 2009 - The Royal Band

Framed in the heart of the most beautiful tourist area in the world, for 4 days the Riviera Maya will become one more time the host for the best national and international Jazz acts of all times!

Combining the most varied expressions of the genre, once again, in it’s seventh edition, the Riviera Maya Tourism Board shares with visitors an unforgettable “fiesta” of sun, ocean and music where fun is guaranteed!

All concerts will take place in Mamita’s Beach Club from 7pm onward! And entrance is FREE! That’s correct, 4 days of amazing music, ALL FREE!

You only need to be here with us!

For more info, programs, artist photos, live music & more, please check the official Riviera Maya Jazz Festival website!

And be sure to fan the festival at Facebook!

Directions to Mamita’s Beach Club HERE

Or you can also just drop by and ask us at our Facebook page by clicking HERE!

UPDATE NOV 24 2009

The city council of Cancún has provided us with some great official info & numbers on the project!

The project consists on the installation of longitudinal support structures and the usage of 6.2 MILLION cubic meters of sand to cover what has been taken away by hurricanes, currents, etc.

The sand will be distributed in the following way:

City / Cubic meters of sand that will be used

Cancun                            5,200,000

Playa del Carmen        800,000

Cozumel                          200,000

Cancun , being the most affected city, requires 5,200,000 cubic meters of sand to be distributed along the 12Km long beach strip, as well as the installation of longitidunal structures to prevent the sand to be taken away again.

The project’s full cost will be $230,000,000.00 MXN Pesos! Wow!

Thank you, Cancun’s City Council!

Update Nov 22 2009:

Today (Sunday, Nov 22, 2009) I decided to visit the beach at Cancun to see how the Cancun Beach Recovery project is going on. The beach entrance next to plaza forum is closed, and I was informed that the access has been restricted only to guests of hotels that are in the part of the beach strip that is being currently recovered.

These photos were taken from the rooftop terrace of Plaza Forum:

Cancun Beach Recovery

Cancun Beach Recovery

Cancun Beach Recovery

Cancun Beach Recovery

Cancun Beach Recovery

Cancun Beach Recovery

These are the boats that are being used to transport the sand:

Cancun Beach Recovery

Cancun Beach Recovery

Cancun Beach Recovery

These were taken at a walk at the beach:

Cancun Beach Recovery

Cancun Beach Recovery

These were taken from Playa Chac-Mool‘s observatory:

Cancun Beach Recovery

Entrance is forbidden at the parts of the beach that are under recovery:

Cancun Beach Recovery

Cancun Beach Recovery

Danger! Quicksand!

Cancun Beach Recovery

To see the full Flickr photostream please click here!

Some nice videos to see how the Cancun Beach Recovery project is coming along! More at our YouTube Channel!

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