Your Weekly Window Into Paradise Friday October 23, 2026 |
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If you’re in town this weekend, you’re in for a treat... the first weekend of Janal Pixán (maya day of the dead) is here.
It’s also the fifth Caribbean Grill Festival, and if you’re anywhere near Parque Fundadores, you’ll probably smell something delicious on the grill. There’s a full lineup of live bands and DJs to keep the waterfront lively all weekend, so come hungry and stay for the music.
We’re also excited to see Cielito Lindo reopening, with a Queen tribute to celebrate this weekend. We wish them every success and look forward to many more events there.
See you out on the town! 😎 |
This Week’s Insider Picks |
Come hungry... the waterfront is turning into a weekend of charcoal cooking, live music and plenty of reasons to linger. The fifth Caribbean Grill Festival brings grilled meats, fish and seafood to Ventana al Mar and Parque Fundadores on Saturday and Sunday.
Among the visiting chefs are Alessandro Di Fiore, whose background spans Italian cuisine and fine dining, and Maximiliano Velarde of Grupo Península, who brings Argentine-Mexican roots to his open-fire cooking. Puerto Morelos restaurant La Vita al Mare is joining in too, with wood-fired pizza, pasta and a taste of Italy by the Caribbean.
The music gives you another reason to make an afternoon or evening of it. Saturday’s lineup includes Daniel Gutiérrez of La Gusana Ciega, Oliver Escuder and La Sonora Barón, while Sunday brings Los Hijos del Tercer Mundo, The Mates and La Sonora Cancunense, among others.
Date: Saturday and Sunday, October 24–25, 2026 Location: Ventana al Mar and Parque Fundadores, Puerto Morelos Admission: Advance tickets through October 23 are 200 MXN for one day or 350 MXN for both days. Gate admission is 250 MXN per day; children under 12 enter free. Food, drinks and optional experiences are extra.
More Info: Read our festival guide or check tickets and experience reservations.
2. 💃 Salsa Rosa: Dance for Life
Friday evening brings live salsa to Parque Fundadores, with a message of hope at the heart of the gathering. Salsa Rosa, Movimiento por la Vida, invites the community to come together in support of breast cancer awareness.
The orchestra of Quintana Roo’s Secretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana will provide the music. Bring your best moves, meet up with friends, or simply enjoy the band and the evening atmosphere in the square.
Date: Friday, October 23, 2026 Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Parque Fundadores, Puerto Morelos Admission: Free
3. 💀 Mar de Almas / Janal Pixán: Opening Day by the Sea
Saturday is a lovely chance to ease into Puerto Morelos’ Janal Pixán celebrations with a stroll by the water. The opening day of Mar de Almas includes a free outdoor exhibition of handcrafted Catrinas and alebrijes at the fishermen’s pier from 5:00 p.m.
Catrinas are the elegant skeleton figures you will recognize by their elaborate outfits and hats. They are a familiar symbol of Mexico’s Día de Muertos celebrations and appear here alongside Janal Pixán, the Maya tradition of remembering loved ones with food and offerings. Their presence brings a touch of color and humor to a season centered on remembrance.
Alebrijes are brightly painted fantasy creatures that mix features from different animals, sometimes with wings, horns or wonderfully unlikely combinations. They began as Mexican papier-mâché folk art, rather than an ancient Maya tradition, and add another layer of imagination to this local celebration.
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026 Time: Exhibition from 5:00 p.m.; canoe display at 6:00 p.m.; Catrina costume contest at 7:15 p.m. Location: Outdoors at Muelle de Pescadores, the fishermen’s pier, Puerto Morelos Admission: Free |
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Insider Tip: Pan de Muerto |
Many Puerto Morelos bakeries bring out Pan de Muerto (day of the dead bread) in October. Try enjoying one with coffee. |
Local News |
The Caribbean Grill Festival returns to Ventana al Mar and Parque Fundadores on October 24–25, from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. both days.
Food and Experiences
Expect 40 stands, including 22 grill specialists, plus food, drinks, artisan offerings and 18 culinary experiences such as classes and tastings.
Live Music
There are 18 musical performances planned, with Daniel Gutiérrez of La Gusana Ciega presenting his Storyteller show Saturday at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets and Reservations
Advance tickets through October 23 are $200 MXN for one day or $350 MXN for both days; gate admission is $250 MXN per day, and children under 12 enter free.
Some classes and tastings require separate reservations through the official festival ticket page, and a portion of ticket income supports DIF Quintana Roo. Read More... |
Looking for high-flying adventure without giant crowds? The sunny Mexican town of Puerto Morelos just earned two major global travel trophies for its incredible outdoor fun.
Big Honors for Outdoor Thrills
Puerto Morelos was named Mexico’s top adventure destination for the eighth year in a row at the 2026 World Travel Awards. The area's famous Ruta de los Cenotes also won the top prize for nature-based attractions.
Travelers visit the quiet spot to zip line through lush jungles, snorkel along coral reefs, and dive into hidden swimming holes. Even with thousands of hotel rooms, it keeps the peaceful charm of an old Caribbean fishing village.
Growing Green for Local Families
Town leaders say these awards celebrate their focus on sustainable, eco-friendly travel. The goal is to support local family businesses, like tour guides and restaurants, while keeping forests and underground rivers safe.
These big wins help Puerto Morelos shine bright next to crowded neighbors like Cancun. It proves that travelers now prefer calm, nature-first getaways over mega-resorts. Read More... |
A quiet corner of Mexico just earned a massive worldwide honor. National Geographic named Maya Ka’an as one of its top 25 travel destinations in the world.
A Global Spotlight on Conservation
The respected magazine highlighted the area for its lush jungles, clear lagoons, and sacred cenotes. It also praised the local Maya communities for protecting their home through eco-friendly tourism.
You will not find giant all-inclusive hotels in this peaceful region south of the Riviera Maya. Instead, local families lead sustainable trips that share profits directly with the community and keep the forests safe.
Living History and Wild Nature
Visitors can experience authentic traditions, taste homemade local food, and learn about historic Maya crafts. Travelers can even explore ancient limestone temples at the Muyil archaeological site.
The area is also home to the huge Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which protects over one million acres of wetlands. Guests can float along quiet mangrove canals to spot manatees, crocodiles, and hundreds of rare birds. Read More... |
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Sargassum Report |
Could smelly brown seaweed actually help put food on the table for local families? In Mexico, coastal fishermen may soon get paid to catch troublesome sargassum before it ever hits the shore.
A New Paycheck for Boat Crews
A new project in Quintana Roo plans to turn sargassum collection into an official fishery by 2027. Hundreds of small boats from local fishing cooperatives will scoop up the floating weed directly from the ocean.
This effort provides a steady paycheck during months when seasonal bans stop normal fishing. Instead of losing their income, boat crews can stay active on the water.
Cleaner Shores and Useful Goods
Stopping the seaweed in deep water keeps tourist beaches clean and protects delicate coral reefs. It also blocks the terrible rotten smell that happens when thick piles bake in the hot sun.
The harvested seaweed will be unloaded in Puerto Morelos and turned into commercial products. If the pilot succeeds, a long-running coastal problem will transform into a stable living for local families. Read More... |
Local Events Update |
Things are picking up as we head into the final days of October. This weekend brings women’s rugby, a women entrepreneurs’ fair, an art opening, a thrift bazaar and a Queen tribute, with Halloween plans filling the calendar too.
You may have more choices than hours in the day. These are just some of the recent additions to the PMI Events App, so take a look at the full calendar for even more to do.
Grand Opening of “Alma del Manglar”
Women Entrepreneurs Fair
Women’s Caribbean Rugby Cup
Tribute to Queen: The Show Must Go On
Third Thrift Bazaar
Son de Canay
Los Hijos del Tercer Mundo
Keep the Music Going
Memo Ruiz Bossa Jazz
Sad Dogs
The Roomies
Looking Ahead: Halloween, Saturday, October 31
Puerto Morelos Halloween Festival
Halloween Party at La Sirena
Halloween with Changora Drums, RMNSTR & Chinok |