🌴 Lila Downs Returns to Playa del Carmen

In partnership with

🦃 Good morning Insiders and Happy Thanksgiving wherever you are and whatever nationality you claim. This one might feel a bit rushed. I have four turkeys and three giant trays of stuffing (or dressing depending on where you are from) to prepare for our 8th annual Puerto Aventuras potluck Thanksgiving dinner! Fingers crossed there are no power cuts, we have enough gas and we don’t burn the house down. IYKYK.

Today’s newsletter is brought to you with help from AG1, Mindstream and Medik8. Be sure to check them out!

The daily health habit you’ll actually stick with…

This time of year, it’s SO hard to stay in control of your health.

Holiday travel (and meals!), big family gatherings, dark and cold days, it’s easy to skip that workout, sleep in later than you should, or have just one more cookie.

That’s why you need a daily health habit that’s easy to stick with.

Meet AG1: With just one quick scoop every morning, you’ll get over 75 ingredients that help support your immune health, gut health, energy, and close nutrient gaps in your diet.

Right now is the best time to get started - with every new subscription, they are giving away $126 in free gifts for the holidays.

Give AG1 a try today and take control of your health this holiday season.

Give AG1 a try today

TRIVIA TIME

🦃 Trivia Time – Mexico’s Contribution to Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving upon us, it’s a good moment to remember that some of the holiday’s most iconic traditions have surprising roots far from the U.S.—including right here in Mexico. Long before the modern Thanksgiving table existed, Indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica were already raising a certain now-famous bird.

You will find the answer at the end of this email! Did you get it right? We will have another brain-teaser for you next Thursday. Share this newsletter with all your Trivia-loving friends!

WEEKEND WEATHER

The weekend forecast is projected for Playa del Carmen. The Riviera Maya is notorious for its microclimates. If you are in another part of the region, your weather may vary.

⛅ Weekend Weather Outlook

Thursday (Nov 27) 85 🌡️ 70 | ☁️ → 🌦️ (late-day showers possible) | 40% | 💨 NNE 8 mph (7 knots)

Friday (Nov 28) 79 🌡️ 70 | 🌩️ Scattered thunderstorms (morning & early afternoon) | 53% | 💨 NNE 15 mph (13 knots)

Saturday (Nov 29) 83 🌡️ 74 | 🌤️ Full or partial sunshine, chance of spotty showers | ~35% | 💨 ENE 10 mph (9 knots)

Sunday (Nov 30) 84 🌡️ 75 | ⛅ → ☀️ (sun and some clouds) | ~20% | 💨 E 7 mph (6 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature ≈ 84 ºF (≈28 °C) — sea stays warm and swim-ready.

Summary: Hot days, breezy seas and a little tropical drama up front — showers and storms Thursday and Friday, then mostly sunshine with a breeze through the weekend. Great time for beach plans (just keep the umbrella handy early on).

FIVE FUN THINGS POWERED BY MINDSTREAM

Here are my picks for Five Fun Things you might want to check out! Some are coming up soon. Others you will want to reserve and plan for well in advance. As always, links to ticketing information and the locations are included in each description.

Turn AI Into Extra Income

You don’t need to be a coder to make AI work for you. Subscribe to Mindstream and get 200+ proven ideas showing how real people are using ChatGPT, Midjourney, and other tools to earn on the side.

From small wins to full-on ventures, this guide helps you turn AI skills into real results, without the overwhelm.

Get Your Free Guide

🌾 Discover Puerto Morelos’ Local Harvest Market

See another side of Puerto Morelos at Nuestra Cosecha (Our Harvest), the local farmers’ market celebrating community, sustainability, and fresh regional flavors. Meet the growers, beekeepers, and artisans who bring the land to life — from organic produce and honey to handmade agro-products and natural goods.

This open-air event invites residents and visitors alike to connect directly with local producers and support the hands that nourish our region. Come hungry, curious, and ready to support your local harvest — Nuestra Cosecha is Puerto Morelos at its freshest.

📍 Domo de la Colonia Zetina Gasca | Puerto Morelos
📅 Friday, November 28 | 8 AM – 2 PM

Producers of organic food, honey, or agricultural products, are invited to sign up through the municipal offices of Fomento Económico or Fomento Agropecuario y Pesquero.

✨ Noche de las Estrellas in Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos invites you to look up and reconnect with the universe during Noche de las Estrellas (Night of the Stars), a nationwide celebration of astronomy, science, and curiosity. This family-friendly night brings telescopes, hands-on workshops, artistic activities, science experiments, and talks designed to spark wonder in all ages.

Explore the sky, learn something new, and enjoy an evening “between stars and atoms” in one of the Riviera Maya’s most charming seaside towns. Whether you’re a stargazer, a science lover, or just looking for a magical night outdoors, this is a beautiful way to spend a Saturday. Bring your friends, your kids, or just your sense of wonder. The stars are waiting.

📍 Parque Pescadores | Puerto Morelos
📆 Saturday, November 29 | 6 – 10 PM
🎟️ Free admission — perfect for families and curious minds of all ages

🎤 Lila Downs to Light Up Playa del Carmen at Ch’i’ibal Sound Fest

Playa del Carmen is preparing to welcome one of Mexico’s most powerful and iconic voices — Lila Downs, who will headline the grand finale concert of the Ch’i’ibal Sound Fest 2025 on November 29 at Parque Fundadores.

With her unmistakable style blending Indigenous roots, traditional languages, and Mexican identity, Downs promises a magical night in the heart of the Riviera Maya as part of Playa del Carmen’s 124th anniversary celebrations.

Internationally acclaimed for her work preserving native languages and promoting cultural pride, Downs will share the stage with talented artists from Mexico and Guatemala, including Auikal, Juan Sant, Za Hash, Balam Ajpu, Zara Monroy feat. Brenda Cabrera, Lupita Chan, and new voices discovered through the “La Fuerza de las Mujeres” showcase.

The performance will mark the close of two days of multicultural celebration — a vibrant fusion of art, music, and Maya heritage. Organized in collaboration with Unidos por Playa, the Ch’i’ibal Sound Fest 2025 aims to project from Playa del Carmen a message of unity, diversity, and pride in Maya roots — with Lila Downs as a living symbol of the power and beauty of Mexico’s original cultures.

📍  Parque Fundadores | Playa del Carmen
📅  Friday, November 29, 2025
🎶 Admission: Free

🌲 Puerto Aventuras Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Puerto Aventuras kicks off the festive season with one of its most beloved community traditions—the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, happening Saturday, December 6 at 6:00 PM in the green space by the marina kiosk.

This cheerful evening brings neighbors and friends together for music, lights, and plenty of holiday spirit. The Riviera Maya Fellowship Community Choir will fill the plaza with classic Christmas carols, while the Trendy Market launches its first holiday edition of the year—perfect for picking up handmade gifts, local treats, and seasonal surprises.

The celebration also features a belly dance show, a mechanical bull for the kids, a Santa letter mailbox, food and drink stands, and tastings of traditional Mexican ponche. Guests are encouraged to wear white to match the wintery theme. It’s a warm, family-friendly night designed to reconnect the community, welcome the holidays, and create new memories under the lights.

📍 Central Marina Green Space | Puerto Aventuras
📅 Saturday, December 6 | From 6 PM
🎟️ Free community event. Everyone is welcome.

👉️ Reply to this email to get your QR code for entry at the main gate.

🍷 Wine Fest X: A Decade of Flavor & Celebration at The Fives

Mark your calendars and raise your glass, Riviera Maya winelovers! Wine Fest X: Senses Edition marks ten incredible years of The Fives Hotels’ signature celebration of wine, gastronomy, and sensory indulgence. On Saturday, December 6, The Fives Plaza in Playa del Carmen will transform into an immersive playground for the senses, bringing together the best in wine, cuisine, and entertainment.

Guests can look forward to a curated tasting experience featuring some of the world’s finest wine labels paired with culinary creations inspired by fire, smoke, and the sea. Expect live cooking displays including a bluefin tuna cutting show, along with stations offering artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and decadent desserts. To complement the flavors, premium mixology and craft beer bars will keep glasses full and spirits high.

The evening’s entertainment promises to be as captivating as its cuisine, with live music setting the tone for an elegant night under the stars. The festivities will culminate in a spectacular light and fireworks show, closing the evening with a flourish worthy of a decade-long tradition.

Tickets are $1,490 MXN per person during the pre-sale period (November 10–30), $1,790 MXN for general admission starting December 1, or $13,410 MXN for groups of ten — with the tenth ticket free.

This adults-only, white-attire event is known for its sophisticated yet vibrant ambiance, where wine lovers gather to celebrate taste, artistry, and connection.

📍 The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences | Xcalacoco, Playa del Carmen
📆. Saturday, December 6 | 6 PM - 11 PM
🎟️ Presale Tickets On Sale Here
📞 For more information, call +52 984 242 0023

Save 30% for Black Friday at Medik8!

Did you hear Medik8 is having a Black Friday Sale? Grab your skin saviors at 30% off, plus some free gifts to pamper yourself!*

Shop Now

_{*Terms & Conditions Apply}

ADOPTABLE DOG OF THE WEEK

Riviera Maya Insider is working together with 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 Teddy—a handsome, under-2-year-old sweetheart who’s more than ready for his forever family. Rescued with his mama and eight siblings, Teddy grew up surrounded by care and it shows: he’s gentle, kind, and one of the shelter’s absolute favorites. He loves people time, learns quickly, and has that perfect mix of playful energy and snuggly calm—your go-to buddy for walks, toy time, and couch cuddles.

Teddy is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, parasite-free, and on monthly preventatives, so he’s healthy and ready to go home. He’d thrive with a family who’ll include him in daily life, keep up his basic training, and give him the love and consistency he deserves. Want to meet Teddy or learn more? Email [email protected]. This good boy can’t wait to wag his way into your heart.

💵 Want to help, but can’t adopt? There are plenty of opportunities to support Pancho 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. Most of the venues have transitioned into high season mode and have lots of great live music going on! Most of the slots look like they are filled but gigs and bookings may still be added at the last minute. We will do our best to keep the list up to date. Use the button below to see the updated list.

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 the lineup.

JOIN THE INSIDERS!

Did you find us on Facebook? Did a friend forward this newsletter to you? Subscribe to get the best of the Riviera Maya delivered to your inbox every week for FREE!

And be sure you are following us on Facebook and Instagram to see even more FUN things to do.

FTC Partner Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you click on them and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our work and keeps this valuable content free for readers We only recommend products and we use and love. We will always tell you if you are entering a sponsored or partner section. Thank you for your support!