Riviera Maya Cultural Blog

On a recent trip to Uxmal, a favored ruin in the Yucatan, we fell upon one of those surprises, the Eco Chocolate Museum.

Kings Day, or El Dia de los Tres Reyes, is the conclusion of the 12 days of Christmas and celebrates the journey of the 3 wise men finding the baby Jesus.

There are many Mexican traditions for New Years Eve, and many have been shared here on the Local Scoop. One favorite tradition is to eat twelve grapes at midnight on 31st December, making a wish on each grape.
But the most fun tradition is the yellow or red underwear tradition. Yes you read that correctly. If you wear yellow underwear you will have financial success in 2016

The Posada of Mexico is a tradition brought from the Spanish that runs from December 16 - 24th. Though rooted in religion, many people are attracted to this tradition purely for community.

This 16th century Cathedral located in Merida’s Historical District holds cultural and historical secrets within its walls.

Find some basic phases and words in Maya. This short description shows how the Maya spell and pronounce their ancient language.

Palenque has been described as the New York City of the Mayan ruins and I am inclined to agree. With its dramatic rain forest backdrop and such structures as the Aqueduct, the Palace and Pakal’s Tomb it is arguably the most impressive site. I visited Palenque on an overcast July morning which turned out to be a most fortuitous day weather-wise. While the clouds kept the sun from beating me all day, the mist hanging in the early air added to the mysterious feel of the ruins. Howler monkeys sounding off in the distance were almost eerie. Palenque is an amazing place to add to your “bucket list.”

Blessing ceremony of the Maya for cenotes in Quintana Roo, Mexico

We all know the culinary term farm to table, or the sustainable food term, buy local, but we hope that you start adopting Hive to Table when on vacation in the Riviera Maya. Mayan families are great cultivators of honey from a local stingless bee called the Melipona. Honey production has a long history in Tulum, and today is helping to build family businesses. Using Yucatan honey shows support for local bee keepers. Knowing the history and cultural significance of the stingless bee makes that teaspoon of honey the best honey you have ever tasted.

Day of the Dead, El Dia de los Muertos was originally a month long celebration of the Aztecs. Mexico has maintained many traditions in this two day celebration.