A Brief History of Mexico’s Independence Day

Mexico Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th, commemorating the freedom of Mexico from Spanish rule. After being under Spanish control for over 300 years, citizens were motivated to revolt by a Catholic priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. The priest rang the church bells and delivered an impassioned speech known as the Cry of Dolores (Grito de Dolores) that started the Mexican War of Independence. A decade later, Mexico would win its independence from Spain.

Is Cinco De Mayo the Same as Independence Day?

No! Many Americans mistakenly believe that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican army’s victory against the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The holiday is also more popular in the United States to honor and celebrate Mexican culture and heritage. 

How Does Mexico Celebrate Independence Day?

Independence Day kicks off the evening before September 16th. The celebration always begins at the National Palace when the president emerges to recite the famous speech from Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. This event is broadcasted around Mexico and ends with passionate chants from the crowd saying, “Viva Mexico!” The festivities officially begin after this event, and you can expect other Mexico Independence Day traditions such as:

• September 16th is celebrated around Mexico with fireworks, parades, fiestas, traditional music, food, and folk dancing.
• Food is essential to the celebration, with street vendors serving dishes like pozole, pancita, and enchiladas. 
  • Chiles en Nogada is the most popular dish of the day since the poblano chiles, parsley, cream sauce, and garnished with pomegranate seeds to reflect the colors of the Mexican flag.
• What’s food without drinks? Tequila is a popular drink to celebrate the holiday
• Many families organize house parties and cookouts for Independence Day, while others head to local restaurants or gather for fireworks in town.
  • Playa Del Carmen hosts Mexico’s most patriotic party in front of City Hall, with food, music, drinks, and fireworks to end the celebration.

How to Celebrate Independence Day on Your Own

How does Mexico celebrate Independence Day? In short, it’s a festive gathering that includes parades, fireworks, delicious food, folk dancing, and spending time with loved ones. If you want to celebrate in Mexico, Riviera Maya Haciendas has you covered with our luxury vacation rentals along the magnificent Riviera Maya. And if you are curious about how to celebrate in your state, search for events around September 16th and join a local fiesta nearby!

The warm Caribbean waters that surround Cancun attract visitors of all kinds. From tourists looking for the perfect beach vacation to marine life looking for a meal in our seas. This includes whale sharks, who return to our waters every summer to feast on our nutrient-rich waters. And travelers have a unique opportunity to swim with these gentle giants during whale shark season in Cancun. Visit us from May-September and embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure in Mexico!

A Few Facts About Whale Sharks in Mexico

First, you should know that they are not whales but filter-feeding sharks. They spend most of their time searching for plankton since they consume around 16 tons of these microscopic organisms daily. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean, measuring almost 40 feet long and weighing approximately 40,000 pounds! Don’t let their size fool you; whale sharks are harmless to humans, making them perfect swimming partners.  

Whale Shark Tours

Cancun offers one of the best destinations for snorkeling with whale sharks worldwide! Several tour companies take advantage of whale shark season in Cancun by offering guided trips in the surrounding waters. Even if you don’t stay in Cancun, many tour operators pick you up from Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal, and Cozumel. All tours include transportation, snorkel gear, life jackets, food, and beverages. Additionally, all guides provide instructions on snorkeling and how to swim with these gentle giants before departure. 

Your personal concierge at Riviera Maya Haciendas will help tailor the best whale shark watching experience for you! Your concierge will reach out via email to prepare your tour and everything you need before your arrival.

Luxury Cancun Villas with RMH

Plan your Mexico getaway around whale shark season in Cancun and swim with these gentle giants. We offer luxury villas in Cancun along with spacious haciendas in Puerto Aventuras. Discover your perfect home away from home when you choose Riviera Maya Haciendas to host your Mexico vacation.

The Riviera Maya offers one of the top vacation spots in Mexico. From the ancient ruins in Tulum to the white-sand beaches of Playa del Carmen, there are endless destinations to visit in the Riviera Maya region. For travelers looking for the quiet charm of a small town, we recommend staying in the beautiful Puerto Aventuras! This Mexico resort town is best known for the wealth of water activities and nature experiences available in the crystal clear marinas. Whether you are interested in fishing, snorkeling, wildlife, local history, or hiking, there are plenty of things to do in Puerto Aventuras. Choose Riviera Maya Haciendas to host your getaway and spend your time on the soft white sands of Fatima Bay Beach.

Discover Caves and Cenotes: Ecopark Kantun Chi

Located just two kilometers south of Puerto Aventuras is one of the most popular destinations in the Riviera Maya. Kantun Chi is an ecological park with five cenotes and a beautiful underground river. Sign up for a guided tour of the underground river and learn about the significance of this natural area to the Mayan people. You can also hike through jungle paths to reach cenotes perfect for snorkeling. This eco-park is not to be missed during your Mexico getaway!

Explore the Water: Fishing, Sailing, Snorkeling, & Dolphins!

There are endless ways to get on the water and explore the beauty of our surrounding waters. Puerto Aventuras Marina offers the best way to sail through the Riviera Maya, where you can access fantastic diving and fishing spots. If you want to fish with a guide, sign up for a charter with Captain Rick’s Sportfishing Center. Choose one of the trolling, bottom fishing, or fly fishing charters with Captain Rick and embark on an exciting day on the water!

If you are interested in marine life, there are several tours and experiences that will give you an up-close look at this underwater world. Sign up for a guided snorkel with Dressel Divers and see corral and tropical fish, including butterfly, angel, and parrot fish. Finally, if you’ve ever dreamt of swimming with dolphins, you can make that dream a reality in Puerto Aventuras. Dolphin Discovery Puerto Aventuras offers a unique experience to swim and socialize with their friendly dolphins! 

Spend Time at the Beach: Fatima Bay Beach

It wouldn’t be a trip to Mexico without some much-needed beach time. Luckily, Riviera Maya Haciendas offers beachfront homes right on beautiful Fatima Bay Beach. This small beach offers a wealth of attractions, from swimming to snorkeling and sport fishing. Many of our haciendas include complimentary kayaks and paddle boards so you can easily access fun at the beach. 

Puerto Aventuras Luxury Vacation Homes

Start planning your Mexico vacation and discover the wealth of things to do in Puerto Aventuras. Stay with Riviera Maya Haciendas and choose one of our spacious haciendas on Fatima Bay Beach or browse our complete collection of Puerto Aventuras properties. Our personalized concierge services ensure you have everything you need for a wonderful vacation in Mexico. If you have any questions about our services or properties, don’t hesitate to reach out at 917-338-7256.

Visitors come to Mexico for a variety of reasons whether it is the beaches, delicious cuisine, natural beauty, or rich Maya history, there is something for everyone to discover. History lovers can discover over 200 Mayan ruins throughout the country, dating back thousands of years. Travel beyond the typical tourist attractions, and you will find some of the most impressive Mayan Ruins in Mexico along the Riviera Maya. The Mayan ruins, temples, and cities remain a wonder to behold, highlighting the fascinating culture and history of the Maya. Discover fascinating ancient history during your Mexico vacation and stay with us at Riviera Maya Haciendas. 

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is famous for its spot on the list of 7 Wonders of the World, accredited to the Pyramid of Kukulcan. This pyramid is one of the most remarkable displays of Maya architecture that brings in over two million visitors every year. This archaeological site was founded by the Itza around the 5th century AD, and 26 Mayan ruins remain today for visitors to explore. Some of the most notable structures include the Temple of the Warriors, The Ball Game Court, and a sacred cenote.

Learn more about Chichen Itza’s history and the guided tours available.

Tulum Archaeological Zone

The Mayan ruins in Mexico at the The Tulum Archaeological Zone are a must-visit during your vacation. Tulum was known to be one of the last great cities constructed by the Maya and an important religious and trade location. The city was built on a cliff, surrounded by an impressive limestone wall. Tulum’s pyramid is the most notable structure that was once a lighthouse. Another remarkable highlight is the Temple of the Frescoes, where you can see a beautifully preserved mural inside.

Coba Ruins

Coba was once the most prominent commercial city built by the Maya in the Yucatan Peninsula. The town’s success is attributed to its location between two lagoons and its position along trade routes. The largest pyramid here is open for visitors to climb to the top. The top of the pyramid offers picturesque views of the jungles and the other archaeological sites. One of the other distinguishing aspects of this archaeological site is the sacbes or white roads that connect the ruins.

Xcaret Park

Xcaret Park is an ecological theme park where you can experience over 50 attractions, including archaeological remains. This park is an excellent option for families traveling in Mexico since it combines history with fun. The ruins within the park highlight a Mayan community known for its maritime trade. 

Visit the Mayan Ruins in Mexico

Riviera Maya Haciendas offers beautiful villas and vacation homes along the Riveria Maya from CanCun to Tulum. Discover Mayan ruins in Mexico a short drive away from your rental property and immerse yourself in local history. Our Puerto Aventuras haciendas are ideal for large groups and families. Our luxury villas can be found throughout the Riviera Maya and are great for smaller groups. If you have any questions about our luxury properties, don’t hesitate to email us at rentals@rivieramayahaciendas.com

Quintana Roo is a popular travel destination in Mexico located along the Caribbean Sea and the Yucatan Peninsula. Each town along the Caribbean coast offers a different vacation experience, from bustling Cancun to laidback Holbox Island. Whether you want to relax on white sandy beaches, explore mysterious cenotes, visit ancient ruins, or hike through jungle trails, you can find it all in Quintana Roo! At Riviera Maya Haciendas, we represent luxury properties throughout the state, perfect for hosting your vacation in Mexico. Read on to discover which Quintana Roo beach town is right for you!

Cancun

Cancun is one of the most visited places throughout Mexico due to its spectacular beaches and world-class resorts. The beaches are famous for water activities, from paddleboarding to unique activities like scuba diving at an underwater museum. Cancun is a beach town for people who want to experience the natural beauty of Mexico and bustling city life simultaneously.

Discover our Riviera Maya Haciendas Cancun properties here

Tulum 

Tulum is a place where the past and present coincide; from ancient Mayan ruins to modern hotels, there is something for everyone here. History buffs can visit the Tulum Mayan Ruins, nature lovers can snorkel in cenotes, and those who want to relax have a wealth of beautiful beaches. We recommend Tulum for vacationers who wish to experience a bit of everything Mexico has to offer

Browse our Tulum villas here

Holbox

Holbox is a quiet island destination for those who want to avoid the crowds of Cancun or Tulum. The laidback island is a paradise for nature lovers and beach bums alike. So, if you are looking for a Quintana Roo beach town where you can relax with a tropical cocktail in hand, then Holbox is for you!

Akumal 

Akumal offers a small beach town a short distance from the popular destinations of Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Akumal is an excellent option for those who want to stay in a quiet area while also being a short drive away from some of the top attractions in Quintana Roo. And if you’ve ever dreamt of swimming with turtles, then you must-visit Akumal!

Find our Akumal Villas here

Playa del Carmen 

Playa del Carmen offers a vibrant and exciting vacation experience in Mexico. Explore one of the largest barrier reefs with snorkeling adventures, visit the legendary Xcaret nature park, and scuba dive underwater caves. Playa del Carmen is perfect for travelers who want to experience nature and a bustling shopping, restaurant, and entertainment scene.

Playa del Carmen properties

Puerto Aventuras

Puerto Aventuras is home to the only marina along the Mayan River, making it a top destination for water activities. If you are interested in swimming with dolphins, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, sailing, and kayaking, then this beach town is for you!

Riviera Maya Haciendas is based in Puerto Aventuras, with our most extensive property collection here.

Quintana Roo Villas and Haciendas

Choose Quintana Roo for your next Mexico vacation and stay in one of our luxurious villas or haciendas. Riviera Maya Haciendas offers full-service properties equipped with concierge, maintenance, and private chefs. Enjoy private access to the beach and unparalleled guest services during your stay with us. There is a Quintana Roo beach town for everyone; discover yours today!

Have you been dreaming of a tropical wedding destination with white sand beaches and beautiful turquoise waters? If you answered yes to this question, then consider planning your destination wedding in Mexico! Riviera Maya Haciendas is located in Puerto Aventuras along the picturesque Riviera Maya and the perfect place to host your special day by the beach. Our experienced and innovative wedding planners will help you plan your Riviera Maya wedding every step of the way to make your dream a reality. With scenic ceremony sites, full event coordination, gourmet chefs, professional styling, and luxurious accommodations, Riviera Maya Haciendas has everything you need to tie the knot in Mexico!

Riviera Maya Haciendas Wedding Planning Services

The Riviera Maya Haciendas Team custom-tailors all weddings. The experienced wedding planners will bring your vision to life with full event coordination, event planning software, professional styling, customized stationery, and personalized decor. Discover more about our ceremony sites, gourmet chef services, and luxurious lodging below.

Your vision. Your style. Your day.

Scenic Ceremony Sites

We have several Mexico wedding venues to choose from on-site. So, whether you are planning a large wedding or a ceremony with your closest friends and family, we have options for everyone! Choose to tie the knot on our sandy beachfront, poolside areas, lush gardens, or the Haciendas courtyards.

Gourmet Chefs

At Riviera Maya Haciendas, we have everything covered, from your lodging to your dining! Our Food & Beverage Director will customize your wedding meal with farm-to-table dishes. Our chefs have years of experience in international cuisine and can cater to any dietary restrictions. Our mixologists will then create a drink menu to pair perfectly with your dinner selections.

Luxurious Lodging

We have three luxurious Haciendas to host your wedding party and guests. Choose to rent out one of the Haciendas or rent all three together for a spectacular 39 room estate. No matter what option you choose, you will have access to a bridal suite perfect for getting ready on your special day!

• Hacienda Corazon: This Hacienda includes ten bedrooms and can accommodate up to 27 guests.
• Hacienda Del Mar: This property consists of the main building and two tiny houses, ideal for extended families. The 15 suite hacienda can sleep up to 33 wedding guests.
• Hacienda Magica: Hacienda Magica is the largest of our homes and includes 15 bedrooms for up to 36 guests.
• Haciendas Estate: Large weddings can rent all three of these luxury properties together with 30 suites and space for up to 200 guests! 

Your Destination Wedding in Mexico Along the Riviera Maya

If you are ready to start planning your destination wedding in Mexico along the Riviera Maya, feel free to reach out to our team! You can contact us via email at rentals@rivieramayahaciendas.com or call us at 917-338-7256!