City Happenings

Cancun

Spring Equinox

If you will be visiting Cancun between March 20th and March 21st, be sure to visit the main temple at Chichen Itza to see the descent of the serpent Kukulkan during the spring equinox.

Located in the Tulum Municipality, approximately a 2hr drive from Playa del Carmen, Chichen Itza is one of the largest archaeological sites in the Yucatan Peninsula with well-preserved temples. Chichen Itza is also recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Equinox means “equal night” and is a phenomenon that only happens twice per year, once in the Spring and once in the Fall, when the length of day and night are equal all over the planet.

The main attraction at Chichen Itza is the Temple of Kukulkan, commonly referred to as ‘El Castillo’ (The Castle). The Maya constructed the Temple of Kukulkan and it is a fascinating example of their in-depth knowledge of mathematics and astronomy. It was built to represent the Maya Calendar with four sides, each with 91 steps, totaling 364 steps. The last step is at the top of the pyramid results in a total of 365 steps. Each step represents a day of the calendar year.

What is even more remarkable is during each equinox, the way that the sunlight hits the pyramid creates the illusion of a shadow creeping slowly down the staircase. The illusion of light and shadow lasts for approximately five hours. It starts at the top of the pyramid and slowly moves down until connecting with the giant serpent head at the bottom before disappearing. The shadow resembles a slithering snake, which is thought to be the descent of Kukulkan.

Kukulkan was the name of the feathered serpent god, who the Mayans believed was one of the three gods who helped create planet earth. According to ancient Mayan civilization, during the spring and fall equinoxes, the illusion of Kukulkan´s descent down the pyramid was a symbol of the ancient god returning to earth before passing into the underworld. The significance of his visit was to give blessings for the spring planting and fall harvest seasons.

If you visit Cancun during the spring or fall equinoxes, this is an experience you will not want to miss out on!

Los Cabos

If you are planning to visit Los Cabos during Easter, some traditional festivities have been canceled due to COVID-19, but there is still plenty to see and do.

In Cabo you can enjoy Easter brunch at several restaurants and bars. You can also celebrate on the famous El Medano beach, which has various family-friendly beach clubs that serve delectable dishes and thirst-quenching beverages. Or commemorate Easter by taking a thrilling tour, such as horseback riding, luxury sailing, or zip lining.

Wild Canyon Adventures is a 20-minute drive from Garza Blanca Los Cabos. It is a premiere theme park, which offers several excursions for thrill seekers - you can fly rapidly through the air, high above the canyon on an adrenaline-filled Monster Zipline tour. There is also an exciting UTV excursion that takes riders on winding trails over various terrains including desert, rocky mountains, and narrow sandy roads culminating with crossing a 330-meter-long suspension bridge.

The opportunity for spring adventures and fun in Cabo is endless!

Puerto Vallarta

Markets

There are two incredible markets in Puerto Vallarta that are fabulous places for visitors to stop and absorb the local art and culture of Mexico.

Plan a trip to the Marina Vallarta Malecon (boardwalk) on Thursday evening and visit the Marina Vallarta Art & Market. The market is held every Thursday from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm from October until May 27, 2021.

This lively market features locally-made art, international culinary delights, and thrilling live performances from local talent including mariachi and folkloric dancers. You can find clothes, jewelry, art, tequila, cigars, as well as sample some delicious dishes.

During this event, you can peruse unique items for sale and also get a spectacular view of the marina lit up at night. The stunning yachts and sailboats docked at the harbor add an impressive backdrop to your evening.

On Saturdays, head to the Olas Altas Farmers´ Market located in the Romantic Zone. The market runs from October through the end of May from 9:30 am - 2:00 pm. Taking a stroll through the market is an exciting way to start the day. You will find Mexican food specialties and international dishes, snacks, fresh juices, organic products, and a fine assortment of clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts. You can also enjoy performances from live musicians.

If you plan to visit Puerto Vallarta during the spring, spend a fun-filled evening or delightful afternoon shopping for or just browsing a unique array of goods and sampling a delicious variety of cuisine.