Halloween in Tulum

Halloween in Tulum is defiantly celebrated. Mexico in general celebrates the holiday of Dia de los Muertos. The Day of the Dead. I will write that post in a little bit. But whether it is because of the large number of ex pats that live in the area or a trend through out Mexico- Halloween was in full force.

The festivities started as early as Friday. We chose to head north to Puerto Morelos where some friends live. It was a fun day in the main square- kids and adults all dressed up and artisans selling all of the traditional artisan favorites. One of my favorite bands was playing and that was great. The name of the band in Bandicaro. I need to check the spelling and get a cd of their music. They are great. After a great night in Puerto Morelos we headed back to Tulum.

Saturday was the big party day for Halloween in Tulum. There were parties heard all over the main avenue and the beach. We chose to head to Pepenero's first. We all got dressed up and headed out to town. Pepenero's was filled with many of our favorite people. And we all had a great time- dancing and laughing. There were many other parties this night as well. It was our plan to go to more then just 1 but we had such a good time we stayed in Pepenero's.

On Sunday all of the adults and kids in Tulum geared up for a big night! We chose to blow off some sugar induced craziness with a jont to the beach. You have to love a few hours at the beach. It just re centers you.

We had a large group of people meet up at our house to send the kids out for trick or treating. The band of kids that we had were like an army marching up the streets taking no prisoners. New kids seeing that they were clearly out numbered joined our brood. It was a great site.

As the evening went on it was time to rinse off the crazy make up and get the kiddies into bed and let the grown ups go out to play. Great costumes could be found all over the place. Great music and laughter could be heard from bars and restaurants all over the avenue and Bar 307 was no exception. That is where we chose to go. There was a cover which is not the norm in Tulum but on a night like this it is to be expected.

A good time was heard by all and we danced until the early morning hours. I did not hear any reports of craziness or any unsafe behavior. It seems that all Tuluminarians celebrated without any major problems and you have to love that.

Next up is the Day of the Dead- and that is 1 more excellent tradition. Stay tuned.

Tortuga Festival-And the lights came on! Just in time for the dancing

This past weekend Tulum and the Rivera Maya have celebrated the annual Festival de las Tortugas and it has been great. With 4 days of great events I have not been able to make it to all of them and I know that I really missed out. All of the events for this great festival are focused on conservation and protection of these amazing creatures.

A large group of young adults from Global Vision Initiative organized and executed events beautifully. This is from the main website for GVI. I think it gives the perfect description as to who they are. “Global Vision International (GVI) runs responsible volunteering programs in over 40 countries around the world. We offer volunteers the chance for a hands-on experience by personally contributing to important conservation initiatives and community projects. Volunteer programs run from one week to 2 years.”

They have many great trips and opportunities on their website. Check it out HERE http://www.gviusa.com/ for more information. This particular excursion was for people who were interested in Scuba diving and marine conservation. So our Tortuga Festival was perfect for them. They have participated for over 8 years and the whole event was amazing. Check out the Mexico website for more info http://www.gviusa.com/programs/central-america/mexico/marine-conservation-expedition-mexico/home

It was interesting this particular day because whether by accident or by design, the city was working on our street light. The 1 street light we have in town and it is out all day- well so is the rest of the power to the whole town. Tulum went dark for over 9 hours. The entire city of Tulum had no power. This went on mostly as normal but as the day went on and there was still no power things started to get interesting.
That evening was the big event at the casa de la culture. Not thinking much of it we got ready for the dance performance and headed down. It was great. The moment you walk in you see the energetic group from GVI with face painting, the egg dropping game, puzzles, pin the head on the Tortuga and dozens of other games and tables spread throughout and dozens of kids crowded around them learning about Tortugas, this special area and how to protect both of them.

Also throughout the cultural center were displays of amazing art, craft, jewelry, and food. It was an amazing array of color, smells, and kids in brightly colored clothing and face paint. But as we were about to start the dance performance- there still was no electricity- for the whole town!!! After a few hours and trying to find out what the plan was- the sun had set and it was getting dark fast-. Although it was sort of cool to see so many candles lit along the streets of Tulum- in little taco bars and windows. And then- wouldn’t you know it!!!!- BAM! The lights came on. Everyone was so thrilled and the show began.

The performances were amazing. Proud parents, friend’s family, the community of Tulum and the great group from GVI watched the talented individuals and cheered and praised. It was an amazing night. And we were in store for more. The sand castle beach day was in the morning so we headed home to get a good night sleep.

dutzi design - Empowering Women Event.

I am so excited to be organizing an event for dutzi design inc. This wonderful group of Mayan women make the most beautiful bags all by hand and from beautifully recycled burlap and white raffia. They are so beautiful and the proceeds go to keeping this workshop up and running and keeping food on the tables of those in the community.

We are having an event at In Spirit Store. A beautiful store on the south side of the beach road across from Casa Violeta. The event begins at 9:00 am with a roof top yoga class followed by fresh fruit breakfast. Here is the whole schedule:


9:00- yoga class on the roof overlooking the jungle canopy.
10:00-Fresh fruit breakfast and organic coffee
11:00- Special dutzi Presentation- special discounts at in Sprit for those that attend that presentation.
12:00-4:00- Special services from women in the community. Mayan food for sale, card reading, spa treatments and masks, massages, back flowers and a kids area.
4:00- Special dutzi Presentation- special discounts at in Sprit for those that attend that presentation.
5:00- Horderves and Happy Hour
6:30- Aztec Drumming performance
7:00- Fire Show.


This is going to be an amazing event to bring focus to the amazing work of Ariane Dutzi and her work with the women in her community. These women are learning about finanaces and are able to contribute to their communities. The bags that they make are being sold in boutiques in Paris and New York as well as other locations throughout the United States, Mexico and Europe.


In addition to learning about the dutzi design project, visitors can also help the women of the area by using the services that we will be providing during the event.

Please come by and show your support for this wonderful cause.

Festival of Jazz with Fatima and David Gilmore

Starting tomorrow evening the south side beach of Tulum will be resonating with the remarkable talents of International music sensations Fatima and David Gilmore. These 2 incredibly talented performers will be at Ocho Tulum for this upcoming week and visitors are sure to get a great show.

Fatima, a New York based singer and songwriter was originally born in Germany. Born to a German mother and a Sudanese father, Fatima grew up listening to a wide variety of music both in German as well as Arabic. At 17 she received a scholorship to study at the ‘Musikhochschule’ in Berlin. And at 22 she moved to New York.

Since in New York she has worked on many wonderful projects and collaborations with very talented musicians and performers from around the world. And works on music that combine various languages and draws from both European and Arabic- African influences. As a backup singer and dancer, Fatima has worked with many African and Caribbean artists and has performed at venues through out the world.

To hear some of her music you can visit her website

The second part of the duet is David Gilmore. The global beats and amazing jazz that this talented musician round out this exciting performance. Born and raised in Cambridge Massachusetts during the 70s, David was surrounded by various forms of music and began to study with 2 of Bostons well known musicians, John Baboian and Randy Roos. Shortly after he moved to New York where he attended New York University and studied under saxophonist Joe Lovano and pianist Jim McNeely. It was during these years that David grew further as an artist.

Finding himself collaborating with other artists each with different influences and styles, David began to form his style and develop as a composer. Playing as well as composing and producing records, David has had the opportunity to work with some of the music industries most talented members. He has received awards and recognition and continues to wow audiences with his original and captivating music.

For more information on David Gilmore and to hear examples of his music you can visit his website.


Ocho Tulum has once again brought a new and exciting way to spend an evening in Tulum. Head on over to Ocho Tulum, plop down on one of the beach beds - grab a tasty cocktail and one of the killer appetizers by chef Eric Fischer and get ready for a night of amazing jazz with Fatima and David Gilmore.

Ochoberfest!!! The best of Germany hits Tulum!

One thing that I really love about Ocho Tulum is that it is constantly hosting events that encompass a different feel then many of the run of the mill happy hour fiestas that you might think of when you think of the Rivera Maya.

After living in Munich, Germany- Tulum is defiantly not the place I would have expected an Oktoberfest invitation to be in my inbox. But there it was. The colors of Bavaria flew high over the beach chairs usually reflecting the red, green and white of the Mexican flag. And even better... the taste and smells of really amazing German beer and sausage filled the wind off the sea.



In speaking to head chef Eric Fischer I could hardly wait for the event to happen. The food sounded so amazing. The same well flavored sausage and potatoes dishes that I was used to eating in Munich were about to be served, by the amazing staff of Ocho Tulum's incredible kitchen, right there on the beaches of Tulum.

The beer in Germany is a special breed. It can be very different then beers here in Mexico. Not better- but very different. I got excited even seeing the bottles on the tables!


This event did not disappoint. The food was absolutely amazing- as I was expecting. And the deep rich beers of Germany kept the guests happy and dancing on the sand well in to the night. Ocho Tulum brought an exciting and worldly flavor to their already exciting and well reviewed restaurant and beach club. I cannot wait to see what event is going to be next.

Dia de la Independcia!!! Viva Mexico!! Viva Yucatan!!!

As every single person in the country knows... yesterday (Sept. 16th) was Independence Day in Mexico! The whole country, the entire state and everyone in Tulum was all set for the festivities.

First a bit of history. El Grito! On September 16th Mexicans everywhere take the time to celebrate Mexico's liberation from Spanish control. The Spanish who had came to the shores of Mexico in 1521 began their rule over Mexico and the indigenous Mayan and Aztec civilizations that lived here. Jump ahead to 1810- after much of the native population had been devastated from illness, heavy work load and mistreatment by those that ruled- the seed of revolt began to flourish.

As Spain was taken by Napoleon in 1808, the people within Mexico began to see the opportunity to sever from Spain and gain their independence. In the morning hours of September 16th father Hidalgo and others first rang the bells at a small church at Dolores Guanajuato. The chime of these bells, that night began the Independence War that lasted for over 10 years.




As my husband is from Guanajuato, he loves to always point out to me that Guanajuato is where the Independence started. After the bells rang out, Hidalgo gave orders to his followers to retaliate against every native Spaniard in Dolores.





The same "Cry of Dolores" that was heard that first night can still be heard in every small town at midnight on September 15th. A reminder and an homage to the impulsive yet critical actions of Father Hidalgo and his parishioners that fateful night.

El Grito de Dolores, "Mexicanos, viva Mexico,"

Now that the stage is set... Here in Tulum the festivities were just as they are in every other town. centro was all set with lights that shine in the expected red, white and green. Stages were ready for the wonderful bands that would be going on in the early hours on the morning.

Armed with the kids and an expectation of a patriotic evening, we set out to centro. the kids in their traditional wear all set out to make themselves sick on rides and dulces and agua frescas.

In addition to the festivities in centro there were many wonderful parties all over town. From Ocho Tulum and Om with their VIVA MEXICO parties to Ultra lounge in pueblo. Everyone offering great specials on traditional drinks and food.



We began our night watching the wonderful performances from the classes at "la casa de cultura." I was very impressed with the young ladies and they did a wonderful job. I was very impressed by the traditional bottle dance during which the young lady must dance in a very long dress with a glass bottle on her head.




Although there continued to be wonderful performances on the stage, we strolled over towards the rides and food!!! The kids went immediately to the bounce house. This is a clever contraption basically of 4 large trampolines connected by little slide and a passage way. Well worth the 40 pesos per kid for 10 minutes and I must say a smart business idea. Other then traditional inflatable bounce houses that we are used to that use a ton of energy to operate.


The kids went on a few rides and I watched in horror wondering if they were going to make it off. My son, the crazy one, full of the spirit of Achilles himself, jumped onto the moving carousel ride and then as I ran after him frightened out of my mind--- he dove off!! AHHHH! Ninos!!! But all was well and we had a great time.

The men pretty quickly ran over to find the drinks and in 1 of the largest cups I have ever seen was my margarita on the rocks. Many other options were also available. I do not quiet understand some of the glassware choices and I am not sure what I would do if I saw someone licking the chili and salt from this glass but I am sure it was happening with out my paying attention.


The kids did their best to make themselves sick on rides that went around and around - on cars that went up and down and stuffing themselves with carnival treats.

The festivities in the central park got more and more active as the 11:00 hour approached. The music from the marching band sang out as the marines stepped forward on stage and waved the Mexican flag. The state song of Quinatna Roo rang out among the crowd and was followed by the exhilarating Mexican National Anthem.

The Presidente then stepped forward to recite El Grito. The crowd did as it was supposed to and responded with an animated and lively VIVA!!! After each name was called of the heros who first began the Independence from Spain the crowd grew louder and louder.



After all the "VIVA MEXICO"s were shouted the traditional fireworks began. It was a beautiful site that made the first Independence Day celebration from the newly created municipality of Tulum of total success.



As the mother of 2 young children that were at this point only being held awake by the loud blast of the fireworks above I was the honorary person who got to go home while all the boys continued their adventure.



The next day there was not shortage of celebration. Although the crowds around town and on the beaches were more tranquil from the success of the night before, Dia de la Independencia is in Mexico much the same as in the USA... the perfect opportunity to take the day, celebrate with friends and family that you are in your country... that it is YOUR country... and that you get to be part of such a special place.

We spent our morning at the beach party at Ocho Tulum. The music could be be heard pumping prideful music as we sipped our margaritas and snacked on Ocho's amazing food.

The rest of the day was spent swimming, bbqing, eating, drinking, laughing and just enjoying being Mexican. just as Father Hidalgo would have wanted it I am sure! The pride that has been felt through out Tulum, Quintana Roo and the whole great country of Mexico can be felt everywhere you go.

Viva Mexico!!!