The holiday season in Mexico is a joyous occasion filled with culture, tradition, color, religious observations, food, but mostly it is a time for rituals.

With 2012 coming to a close, Mexicans are gearing up for these traditional New Year’s rituals which are believed to bring good luck, prosperity, love, and blessings in the coming year.

11 Mexican Traditions for the New Year

1. WISHES: In a normal piece of paper, write your wishes for the upcoming year and place them on top of the table. Burn the paper when that wish comes true.

2. GOALS: As the New Year’s Eve midnight countdown begins, eat 12 grapes making a wish for each one, representing the 12 months of the next year.  (Hint: eat seedless grapes.)   A sweet grape means it will be a good month next year; a sour grape, a bad month.

3. HAPPINESS: On New Year’s Eve, women who want love and passion in the next year wear red underwear; for happiness and prosperity, yellow underwear; for health and well-being, green underwear; for true love and friendship, pink underwear; for hope and peace, white underwear. Never wear black clothing.

4. LUCK: Display a rimmed tray with a candle at the center, and ask family and friends to deposit change in the tray, afterwards filling it with water for good luck.

5. PROSPERITY: Place a few candles on a white plate surrounded by lentils, beans, rice, corn, flour and a cinnamon stick to spice things up.  Allow candles to burn all night until melted; then peel the waxy food mixture off of the plate and bury it for abundance and for food to be on your table always.

6. FORTUNE: Eat a tablespoon of cooked lentils, or give a handful of raw lentils to family and friends for good fortune.

7. MONEY: At midnight on New Year’s Eve, open the door and symbolically sweep out ‘the old’. At midnight, toss 12 cents/coins on the ground and sweep them into the house for prosperity.

8. NEW: Clean the house; take a bath; or wash the pets and cars on New Year’s Eve for renewal. Sweep and mop from the inside outwards. Mop the house with cinnamon water. The water is heated with cinnamon sticks as if you were making tea. Burn incense before midnight.

9. RENEWAL: On New Year’s Eve at midnight, throw a bucket of water out the window for renewal.

10. SAFETY: Watch fireworks on New Year’s Eve to frighten away evil spirits, allowing safe passage into the next year.

11. TRAVEL: On New Year’s Eve at midnight, take empty suitcases for a walk outside; encircle the house or walk around the block for the distance to be traveled next year.  Another option is to gather the suitcases in the center of a room, and walk around them several times.

Whatever wish or goal you have for 2013, we wish you the best and hope to see you next year. Until then, have a safe New Year’s Eve and a festive New Year’s Day with your loved ones.

Next year, maybe you’ll ring in the New Year with us.

Feliz Año Nuevo!  (Happy New Year!)

Can you add any to the list?

With its beautiful turquoise waters and white sand beaches, the popular Riviera Maya is not only host to beautiful women, but it is also the home to millions of these beautiful women.

To celebrate and commemorate the lives of these women, Hacienda Tres Ríos is joining October’s global campaign for breast cancer awareness.

In 2010, an estimated 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S.

Breast Cancer is the number one cause of death among woman in the state of Quintana Roo, where Hacienda Tres Ríos is located.

Hacienda Tres Ríos’ “Where Pink Supports Life” portrays the women behind the operations of the all-inclusive resort.

In addition, the Riviera Maya resort will once again join efforts with Cancun’s campaign for breast cancer awareness.

The Cancun campaign “Cancun se viste de rosa” will coordinate the annual race for awareness, light illumination in key points throughout the city as well as the annual hanging of the giant pink ribbon.

Hacienda Tres Ríos donated several prices for the race winner as well as showcased its pink pride in the hotel. The resort has been recognized for its efforts in the Pink Campaign.

Hacienda Tres Rios Resort is throwing a big party to celebrate Mexico’s 200 years of independence. Dressed in traditional Mexican clothing, our staff will greet guests in the esplanade starting at 6:30 p.m. for a series of games, music, regional Mexican food and deserts, and tequila!

This September 15^th Mexico celebrates 200 years of independence. Mexico’s 31 states will commemorate this special date with festivities, celebrations, and more.

In Hacienda Tres Ríos, activities include:

1. Fair Games
2. Live Mariachi band starting at 7 p.m.
3. Regional Mexican Food Station
4. Traditional Desert Station
5. Tequila Expo
6. Margarita Corner
7. Live transmission of the Independence “Grito.”

Join us this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and celebrate!

The beach has been a favorite pastime since we can remember. Here we present some old photographs of fashion, activities, and more from more than 100 years ago. Which one is your favorite? Do you have any old photographs?

Photos courtesy of http://evilclownvalley.com/how-beaches-looked-100-years-ago

In 2010, Mexico celebrates an extraordinary Independence Day, commemorating 200 years of independence and 100 years since the revolution.



These 200 years of Mexican independence are not only reminder of an important period in history, but are also a time to recognize the values and ideals of a nation. For Mexicans and foreigners alike, this meaningful occasion is an opportunity to highlight a significant segment in Mexico’s history.

1. September 16th is commemorated as Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule. At 5:00 a.m. on September 1810, priest Miguel Hidalgo called the people of Mexico to arms with the “grito” or cry for battle. Known as the Grito de Dolores, this important event marks the beginning of Mexico’s fight for freedom.

2. The Bicentenario commemorates 200 years of independence—an occasion that will be celebrated all over the country with special cultural, musical, and traditional events. Ten other Latin American countries (including Mexico) form part of the 200 Bicentenario Group, which marks their 200 years of independence between 2009 and 2011.

3. The Mexican uprising against Spain began during the period of 1800 to 1810 and had been plotted for initiation on October 2, 1810. But when the revolutionary plans were disclosed to the authorities, it became necessary to launch their plan into action immediately.

4. The three colors of the Mexican flag represent union (red), independence (green), and religion (white), known as the Three Guarantees. These important values were established during the initial peace talks which would end the war. And it is for this reason that the official army at the time was named Trigarante or “of the three guarantees.

5. On August 24, 1821, the Cordova Treaty was signed, which officially declared Mexico’s independence. And on September 27, 1821, the Trigarante Army—led by Agustin de Iturbide—triumphantly entered Mexico. After an 11-year war, Mexico was proclaimed a free and sovereign nation.

6. 2010 is also significant because in November, Mexico commemorates 100 years since the revolution of 1910. This armed struggle was initiated to overthrow longtime autocrat Porfirio Diaz, although it also arose as the result of several political and social movements of the time. The Revolucion Mexicana is seen as the most important political and social event of the 20th century. The struggle lasted until 1920 with several sporadic rebellions erupting well into the 1920s.

7. The Coat of Arms-the eagle and snake in the center of the flag; the colors of the Mexican flag; and the national anthem are all national symbols of the United Mexican States, of which there are 32 (31 states and 1 federal district).

Mexico is a country full of live, and its people continue to contribute to the evolution of the country’s history.

For Mexico, the bicentennial celebration on Independence Day this year is a special occasion to honor the past, live the present, and look towards the future.

View Hacienda Tres Ríos Bicentennial activities and evening entertainment for the month of September.

Tell us! What did you learn from this post about Mexico’s history?

Independence Day — or as Americans say, the “Fourth of July” — is just around the corner with various celebrations, from backyard barbecues and family get-togethers, to bar bashes and beach parties, all beginning with spectacular parades and culminating in an extraordinary display of fireworks in towns across America.

Brief History of US Independence

The American Fourth of July holiday marks the liberation of British colonies in America (today’s USA) from England’s overtaxation and oppressive rule.  It began in 1774 when the people sent delegates to the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to request fair representation in the English parliament.

On September 16, Mexicans celebrate Independence Day with equal gusto, since it represents the end of 300 years of Spanish rule over the colonies (today’s Mexico) beginning in 1519.  Spain’s devastation of over half of the native population and disregard for their human rights contributed to the Mexican War of Independence (1810 – 1821), which lasted 11 years.

Tired of being oppressed by Spain, the Mexican-born Spaniards, mestizos (mixed Spanish & American Indian), and American Indians rebelled against the Spanish colonists on September 16, 1810, when a Catholic priest, Father Miguel Hidalgo from the small town of Dolores, took the lead.

Hidalgo issued a call to action — the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores) — encouraging Mexicans to end Spanish tyranny, and led a revolt for nearly one year before being executed.  Hidalgo is known as the father of the country.

After Hidalgo’s execution, while others also fought for the cause, another Catholic priest, Jose Maria Morelos, assumed leadership and paved the way to independence by formalizing Mexico’s Solemn Act of the Declaration of Independence of Northern America, granting equal rights to all Mexicans, but which led to his execution. Morelos is recognized as one of Mexico’s revolutionary leaders.

Mexican Bicentennial Celebration

This year, Mexico’s Independence Day holiday on September 16th is even more spectacular, since 2010 is the Bicentenario (bicentennial) celebration, commemorating 200 years of Mexican independence since its initiation in 1810 and acknowledging 100 years since the Mexican Revolution of 1910.

Mexico and the USA have always had a close relationship politically, culturally, and economically as we share common ideals: our fight for freedom and the pursuit of happiness. Independence Day is an opportunity to pay tribute to our emancipation and unity — two national ideals that both the USA and Mexico share.

Enjoy the best of both cultures when you visit the Riviera Maya, and let’s celebrate Independence Day together.

If your significant other can’t remember what you planned for her last year on Valentine’s Day, then this year, it’s time to change it up a little – or a lot!

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, rekindle the romance at a Riviera Maya vacation spot that will make you fall in love again whenever you visit.

If you choose an all inclusive beach resort for this special occasion, you don’t have to worry about all the details, since they will be arranged for you. Concierges are among the most resourceful staff members at resorts, so they can help you implement great creative ideas.

Our Top 8 Romantic Ideas:

• Escape to paradise together.

Take a break from daily life to focus on what’s most important: your time together. Capture special moments by collecting postcards and restaurant menus, and by taking romantic pictures on the beach, in the rainforest, or on a boat.  Then create an album that will evoke wonderful memories for the two of you.

• Watch the sunrise or sunset.

Forget about sleeping indoors!  Beach beds are the perfect place to watch the sun come up side by side.

• Write a love letter.

Write a love letter or poem for your Valentine, and put it in a glass bottle filled halfway with sand.  Then fill your Jacuzzi tub with water, and place it on top.  When she enters the room, it will be floating on the water!

• Go horseback riding.

Go galloping by horseback along the trails of the Mayan rainforest.  Take a private horseback riding lesson for two, or enjoy a horse and carriage ride in a restored antique carriage.

• Coordinate a private dinner.

Have a private dinner by moonlight on the beach or by the river.  Some resorts provide personalized service and will set up a complete dinner for you outdoors or anywhere you please.

Select a private luxury yacht and carry out your nautical adventure from our very own dock.  Equipped with captain, crew and your choice of catered menu, our yachts are a lovely way to explore the Caribbean Sea.

• Spa treatment for two.

Indulge in a relaxing massage or any spa treatment for two, surrounded by the scents of natural aphrodisiacs, such as lavender, jasmine, and sweet orange.  Then relax in a personal Jacuzzi with wine and fresh fruit.

• SenseAdventure Experience.

Enjoy a guided activity through our nature park while blindfolded to heighten your senses.  You’ll hear the sounds of flowing river water and singing tropical birds as a holistic guide describes your environment so eloquently that you feel one with nature.

What’s the best Valentine’s Day activity you’ve done?