World Windsurf Championship 2011 in Cancun, December 26-31

The World Windsurf Championship  Formula Experience will take place for the first time in Mexico from December 26 to December 31, 2011. This important event will be held at the beautiful Amada Marina & Beach Residences in Playa Mujeres,Cancun.

This location was chosen by the organizing committee because of the excellent wind conditions during the month of December and because of its great tourist potential. In Cancun the average wind speed at this time of year is about 18 knots (32 km/h) which allows the boards to reach speeds that double the speed of the wind (more than 60 km/h).

There will be competitors from various countries such as France, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Denmark, United States, Canada, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and Italy, among others.

The Festival of Caribbean Culture in Cancun, November 12 – 19, 2011

The Cultural Institute of Quintana Roo is hosting the Festival of Caribbean Culture in Cancun from the 12-20 November 2011.  Performers come from all over the state and from other Caribbean countries such as Cuba and Costa Rica to participate in this annual event celebrating the arts such as  theatre, poetry, ballet, folkloric dancers, classical music, salsa, rumba, and there will also be gastronomical displays.  The event opens at the Parque de las Palapas in Downtown Cancun on November 12 at 7pm with music from the Symphonic Orchestra of Quintana Roo and will have events every night in different venues until November 19.

Come and enjoy a taste of Caribbean!

For more information regarding upcoming events in Cancun visit http://cancun.travel/en/

 

Hard Rock to open all-inclusive hotel in Cancun

Hard Rock International announced an agreement with Palace Resorts LLC to transform the Palace Resorts property in Cancun into a Hard Rock Hotel. This will be the “ultimate all-inclusive” property, bringing the acclaimed Hard Rock experience to the turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean.

Cancun honoured at World Travel Awards 2011

The World Travel Awards, the most comprehensive, and prestigious worldwide awards program in the travel industry, has announced its 2011 winners and, it should come as no surprise that Cancun was awarded with top honors!

Named both “Mexico & Central America’s Leading Destination” and “Mexico & Central America’s Leading Beach Destination,” the beautiful destination is, once again, being recognized for its world-class standards.

Along with awarding the overall destination, The World Travel Awards honored Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa.

TROPICAL STORM RINA STATEMENT October 27, 2011

TROPICAL STORM RINA STATEMENT
DATE: October 27, 2011

The Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau is continuously monitoring the projected path of ”Rina,” now downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm. The CVB is working together with other government agencies at state and federal levels, to stay abreast of storm developments and potential affected areas, as “Rina” is currently over the Mexican Caribbean region.
According to The National Hurricane Center, the storm is currently south of the island of Cozumel and headed North-West towards the East Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Tropical Storm “Rina” is currently sustaining wind speeds of about 70 miles per hour.

In accordance to the protocol of the Early Warning System (SIAT) and per Governor Roberto Borge Angulo’s instructions, the State Council of Civil Protection declared a yellow alert Wednesday night for the entire state Quintana Roo in preparation for the storm and its imminent approach to the Quintana Roo coast, yet “Rina” has since weakened and is considered to be less of a threat.

At the moment, Cancun International Airport remains open, and will remain so until further notice. Even as the airport is expected to remain operational, it is recommended that passengers confirm flights and be aware that many flights may be full.

Cancun is equipped and prepared to deal with natural occurrences such as this. Mexican authorities have already set up emergency shelters and many hotels are offering visitors the flexibility to change their reservations, if deemed necessary.

Official information is being posted by the National Hurricane Center at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ and www.proteccioncivil.qroo.gob.mx

You can also find up-to-date information, along with links to other resources, at www.cancun.travel as well as on our Facebook http://www.facebook.com/cancuncvb& Twitter Page at @cancuntravel

Latest News for Hurricane Rina, October 26, 2011

The Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau is continuously monitoring the projected path of the Hurricane” Rina”. The CVB is working together with other government agencies at state and federal levels, to stay abreast of storm developstments and potential affected areas, should “Rina” make landfall along the Mexican Caribbean.
According to The National Hurricane Center, a warning is in effect for the East Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula from North of Punta Gruesa to Cancun.  Hurricane “Rina” has recently been downgraded to a Category 1 (based on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale, category one equals Sustained winds 74-95 mph).

Questions about the Festival of Life and Death Traditions in Xcaret and Hurricane Rina

The Festival of Life and Death, will take place only 1 and 2 November. If you already have tickets, Xcaret is waiting in the Sixth Festival of Life and Death Traditions, from 4 in the afternoon.

 More information at: www.festivaldevidaymuerte.com or at 01-800-003-4000 

6th Festival of Life and Death Traditions in Xcaret

During the 6th Festival of Life and Death Traditions, there will be a beautiful collage of rituals, offerings, games, theater productions, dance, music, visual arts, and much more, so we can come to understand the “Child Death ritual” of Hanal Pixan, in an exciting journey through the history and traditions of the Mexican Day of the Dead.

The State of Tabasco  will be our special this year and will be bringing over 100 participants to share their offerings, dances, music, folklore, theater, stories and delicious food in honor of the dearly departed.

Hanal Pixan – Day of of the Dead

Day of the Dead – Xcaret

Hanal Pixan, an ancient Mayan tradition, otherwise known as ‘supper of the souls’ has been celebrated in Mexico since Prehispanic times.  Mexicans remember those who have passed away and believe they come back to be with their loved ones on these days.  Each region has a different way of praising their ancestors through rituals and ceremonies.  The ceremonies combine Mayan and Christian elements, offering food and beverage to their loved ones to remember them and make them feel alive once again.

November 1st is dedicated to the children’s souls and the altars are filled with toys, sweets, chocolates, honey, fruits and vegetables topped with salt, lemon and chilli for the deceased children.  November 2nd is devoted to the souls of adults, and the departed’s favorite things are put on the altar, such as stews and drinks as well as cigarettes and cigars.  The traditional food and drink for the Day of the Dead celebrations is Mucbilpollo, meaning food is that is baked in the ground in Maya, and Balché, which is a spiritual beverage made of Mayan tree bark.

A week later, Mexicans celebrate the day when the visiting souls say goodbye to their relatives and leave this world. For that reason, people place candles in their homes for souls to be able to find their way back. This custom is locally known as the Bix.

This is a beautiful celebration of the lives of your loved ones which we would recommend you experience at least once in your lifetime – especially if you are on vacation in Cancun.  The best place to experience the beauty of this festival is in Xcaret where this year will be the 6th Festival of Life and Death Traditions.  For more information http://cancun.travel/events/?event=366

 

 

HURRICANE RINA STATEMENT October 25, 2011

HURRICANE RINA STATEMENT
DATE: October 25, 2011

The Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau is continuously monitoring the projected path of the Hurricane Rina. The CVB is working together with other government agencies at state and federal levels, to stay abreast of storm developments and potential affected areas, should Rina make landfall along the Mexican Caribbean.
According to The National Hurricane Center, a warning is in effect for the East Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula from North of Punta Gruesa to Cancun.  Hurricane “Rina” is currently a category two storm (based on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale, category two equals a wind speed of 96 -110 mph or 154–177 kph). The storm has not changed in intensity and trajectory and remains at 105 mph; “Rina” has been slow moving and is expected to make land-fall on the island of Cozumel by Wednesday night before moving on to Cancun in the early morning hours of Thursday, October 27.

At the moment, Cancun International Airport remains opened, but may close if necessary. As a safety precaution, ferry ports to and from Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy have been suspended until further notice.

The Governor of the State of Quintana Roo has requested the assistance of the department of Civil Protection, who monitors and assists residents and visitors during natural disasters such as hurricanes and storms; and is also recommending that visitors in the destination remain alert and stay tuned to further reports from the National Hurricane Center & local authorities.

Cancun is equipped and prepared to deal with natural occurrences such as this. Mexican authorities have already set up emergency shelters and many hotels are offering visitors the flexibility to change their reservations, if deemed necessary.

Official information is being posted by the National Hurricane Center at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ and www.proteccioncivil.qroo.gob.mx

You can also find up-to-date information, along with links to other resources, at www.cancun.travel as well as on our Facebook http://www.facebook.com/cancuncvb & Twitter Page at @cancuntravel.