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Thanksgiving Feasts, Reggae Fest & PM's Best Coffee!
Thanksgiving Feasts, Reggae Fest & PM's Best Coffee!
Find the top spots for Thanksgiving, how to get to Reggae Fest Cancún, and why locals love The Local Café.
Puerto Morelos Insider
Nov 21, 2025
Your Weekly Window Into Paradise Friday November 21, 2025 |
Trivia Question❓Who is Puerto Morelos named after? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Happy Friday, amigos!
This week is all about good vibes and great food.
For our American friends, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. And whether you're craving a classic turkey dinner with all the fixings or ready to explore ancestral flavors at a Cancun food fest, we've got you covered.
There's also free reggae on the beach in Cancun, a spotlight on one of our favorite coffee and brunch cafés, and a reminder that even grabbing cash from an ATM can be done the smart, local way.
So grab your cafecito, settle in, and let's dive into what's happening in paradise this week. See you out on the town. |
Photo Of The Week |
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Best Bets For Your Week |
1. Thanksgiving Feast In Paradise
Four local restaurants are offering special Thanksgiving menus with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
Options include El Pirata's organic garden-fresh meal, La Sirena's rooftop views, John Gray's American-style comfort food, and Tulipan's continental twist.
Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025 (Thanksgiving Day) For full details on menus, pricing, and how to book, read the complete guide: Thanksgiving in Puerto Morelos 2025 .
The fourth annual Reggae Fest Cancún takes place at Playa Langosta in Cancun's Hotel Zone. This free, family-friendly event features six reggae and reggae-fusion acts, including local favorites Corpusklan (celebrating 20 years) and special guest Oneil Diamond from Jamaica.
Around 7,000 people are expected, so arrive early to find parking and a good spot on the beach. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water, a beach mat, and cash for vendors. For complete details on getting there from Puerto Morelos and what to expect.
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025 More Info: Free Reggae Festival in Cancun This November 2025 .
3. Qué Rico es Cancún: Sabores Ancestrales
The fifth edition of “Qué Rico es Cancún: Sabores Ancestrales” (How Delicious Cancún Is: Ancestral Flavors) returns to Parque de las Palapas, celebrating culinary memory with traditional aromas, stories, and recipes passed down through generations.
It is a relaxed, family-friendly evening event and a great reason to make a short trip from Puerto Morelos to enjoy, share, and savor the dishes that unite the community.
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Weekly Weather |
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Local Coffee + Shop (A.K.A. The Local Café) is a neighborhood café and brunch spot in Puerto Morelos, run by a mother and daughter.
It is known for excellent coffee, fresh breakfast dishes such as avocado toast, breakfast burritos, smoothies, yogurt and fruit bowls, and homemade baked goods.
They even have Egg Salad! (one of our favorites)
Open-air seating, friendly service, and reliable Wi-Fi make it a popular place for both locals and visitors to relax, people-watch, or get a bit of work done while enjoying highly rated coffee.
What People Are Saying: "Beautiful little cafe with local vibes charming people, great coffee and much more! Not to be missed." Nina I., Facebook
"Best coffee shop in town! Excellent coffee; delicious treats and extremely friendly staff." Barb N. Facebook
"This is the BEST place for breakfast / brunch in Puerto Morelos : really good coffee, fresh food and a great variety of options on offer.
👉 Insider Tip: Ask if they have any fresh baked goods that are not on the menu board yet, such as a quiche or cake of the day. They sometimes have off-menu treats that regular visitors know to request, which go especially well with an iced horchata latte on a warm Puerto Morelos morning. |
Portside Perspective |
“Life without Mexican food is like no life at all.” |
Insider Tip: ATM Smarts |
To avoid high fees Use ATMs at established banks like Banamex, BBVA, or Banorte (which has a private booth) for lower fees. Always decline the ATM's conversion rate and let your own bank handle it.
For one of the best spots to take out pesos, head straight to one of the Chedraui grocery stores. Inside, you'll find multiple bank ATMs (like Banorte) in a safe, well-lit spot.
Just don't go on the days locals get paid (1st and 15th), because often the ATMs run out of pesos. Especially the larger bills. |
Puerto Pulse |
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Thanksgiving is a U.S. holiday, but here in Puerto Morelos it has grown into a relaxed local tradition.
Each year, a handful of favorite spots on the port side and in La Colonia put on special menus so you can enjoy a classic turkey dinner without cooking in the heat.
For 2025, four restaurants are confirmed.
On the port side, El Pirata is serving a fixed‑price Thanksgiving feast built around roast turkey, rich gravy, and a lineup of house‑made sides, many using produce from their own garden.
And near the pier, La Sirena is offering a traditional turkey dinner with all the familiar fixings and pumpkin pie, plus the bonus of rooftop Caribbean views and an option to order for home celebrations.
John Gray’s Kitchen, also on the port side, is planning a comforting holiday meal with a multi‑course option as well as a simpler turkey plate, keeping the focus on generous portions and cozy flavors.
Across the highway in La Colonia, Tulipan is the lone confirmed Colonia restaurant serving an American‑style Thanksgiving dinner, with a set price and two fixed seating times, perfect for planners.
At all four spots, reservations are highly recommended and in some cases required, since Thanksgiving seats in Puerto Morelos tend to sell out fast. Read More... |
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Get ready for some good Reggae music!
A fantastic free reggae festival, Reggae Fest Cancún, is happening on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Langosta Beach in Cancun. The party starts at 3:00 p.m. and entry is completely free for everyone.
This fun, family-friendly event is put on by the city and local groups, bringing people together on a beautiful beach.
If you're coming from Puerto Morelos, it's easy to get there by bus or colectivo. Just be aware that parking is limited if you drive.
You'll enjoy a diverse lineup of six reggae bands, including local favorites and a special artist from Jamaica.
Remember to bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and water to stay comfortable under the sun. It's a wonderful chance to enjoy great music and the Caribbean coast. Read More... |
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Mexico just scored a big win at the 2025 World Cheese Awards, bringing home six medals!
This is a huge honor for Mexican food, showing the world the incredible flavors our country has to offer.
The awards were held in Switzerland, where Mexico's cheeses were among the best out of over 5,000 entries.
A Gold Medal went to Finca Las Luciérnagas Andante from Querétaro, which was also named the Best Latin American Cheese.
Silver Medals were awarded to La Providencia Mozzarella and Quesos Navarro Cheddar and Panela.
Quesos Navarro also earned Bronze Medals for their Queso Fresco and Queso Menonita.
This success makes all of Mexico proud, highlighting the rich food traditions and quality ingredients.
It encourages us to explore the diverse and delicious world of Mexican cheeses. This is a fantastic time to celebrate Mexican food and the talented people who make it. Read More... |
Adoptable Furry Friend |
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Hi, I’m Blue 🐶
I’m a sweet, curious boy (about 5–6 months old) who was rescued from the mountains with my siblings at a construction site.
Life started out a little confusing for me. I already had a family once… they even dressed me up and got me excited for my new home, but then they left me behind. I didn’t understand why, but I’m still full of hope.
Now I’m looking for my real forever family, someone who will keep me safe, take me on walks, play with me, teach me new things, and give me the love I’ve always wanted.
I’m still just a puppy, so I’m ready to learn, grow, and become your loyal best friend 🤍
If you have room in your heart and home for me, I promise I’ll give you endless tail wags, kisses, and companionship.
Would you like to meet me?
Send a message to my foster hooman — I’m waiting for you. |
What's On Tap |
Special Events: Thanksgiving in Paradise - El Pirata, La Sirena, John Gray's, & Tulipan Thursday Nov 27th Reggae Fest Cancún - Playa Langosta Cancún, Saturday Nov 22nd Qué Rico es Cancún - Parque de las Palapas Cancún, Saturday & Sunday November 22nd and 23rd
Friday, November 21
Saturday, November 22 Sunday, November 23
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: José María Morelos y Pavón. He was a revolutionary leader in the Mexican War of Independence |