By Michelle da Silva Richmond
It’s hard to believe that it’s time to celebrate Christmas and welcome another new year to our sunny shores.
We have a sparkling slate of festive activities planned and we look forward to spending the holidays with you. As always, our traditional Christmas tree serves as the glittery centerpiece for our signature Christmas and New Year’s menus and festivities, which are always peppered with time-honored Mexican traditions.
Christmas celebrations in Mexico traditionally showcase a series of rites and rituals, which combine with our amazing weather, tasty food and warm ambiance to draw thousands of tourists south of the border this time of year.
A Time-Honored Christmas Tradition-
Posadas, a longstanding practice carried out nightly during the Christmas season in Mexico are both a religious and social celebration, honoring the biblical journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Typically carried out December 16-24, they are one of the most impressive holiday customs staged throughout Mexico. Originally created by the Spanish Conquistadors to teach the Aztecs the story of the birth of Jesus, they coincided with the nine-day Fiestas del Sol, celebrating the birth of the Aztec Sun God, Huitzilopochtli.
Christmas Activities-
In keeping with that ritual, we will host a festive posada on December 23, where we will meet at 6:45 p.m. On the Sunset Terrace where you will be treated to a true Mexican fiesta. The colorful event will feature customary food such as tamales, tacos, buñuelos, punch and other seasonal dishes along with caroling and fun activities. The Posada will culminate with children breaking a colorful piñata, which will be overflowing with candy and toys for the kids, and gift certificates for Gem Spa treatments, a Master Suite upgrade, bottles of wine and more for the adults.
On December 24th at 7 p.m. the City of Cancun Chorus will present Christmas songs and Mexican villancicos (carols) in our main lobby.
At 9 p.m. our new Asian-fusion eatery Nah K’aax, will showcase an exceptional fire show with agile acrobats and synchronized antics on the beach in front of the restaurant.
For our little guests, Santa will be visiting them on December 25 at noon by the Christmas tree in that main lobby.
Dining Options –
Christmas:
As always, dining options abound with some special additions, as noted.
December 24:
- La Joya – regular menu with one special entrée.
- Tuscany – regular menu with one special entrée.
- Viña del Mar – Christmas buffet
- Isla Contoy – Christmas buffet
- Le Basilic – special menu (additional charge).
- Nah K’aax – regular menu.
December 25:
- All restaurants will be featuring regular menus.
- Isla Contoy – turkey entrée added to the traditional menu.
- Gran Coral – Christmas buffet.
On December 25th at 9 p.m. The Grand Coral Theater will be celebrating with 24 K Las Vegas-style shows such as: the 24 K, World Tour, Glow and others, with a cast of more than 20 professional dancers participating in a stellar production with special lighting and video effects
New Year’s Eve:
La Joya – special menu
Le Basilic – special menu (additional charge)
Tuscany – special menu
Isla Contoy – buffet
Viña del Mar – closed
Na’h Kaax – special menu
Gran Coral –New Year’s Eve celebration (additional charge)
Once again Na’h Kaax will be featuring the exceptional fire show with agile acrobats and synchronized antics on the beach in front of the restaurant at 9 p.m.
As we say in Mexico: As we say in Mexico: Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año Nuevo!