Arena Festival will feature 26 of the planet’s best DJs and producers playing day and night for 8 sun-drenched days in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean. White sand beaches, turquoise waters, and top talents like Chus and Ceballos, Ana Paula, Isaac Escalante, Peter Rauhofer, Phil Romano, Stephan Grondin, Honey Dijon, and Javier Medina (just to name a few) make the Arena Festival a perfect winter getaway in one of the most spectacular beach locations on the planet. “The festival provides the perfect escape from the cold. With its high-quality nightclubs and beautiful pristine beaches, Playa del Carmen is the newest ‘IT’ destination for gay and lesbian party-goers,” says event organizer Luis Barba. “We are planning amazing video projections and unique opportunities to extend our beach parties into the night.”

An eden for music lovers, Arena Festival takes over the number one destination for beach and eco tourism in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean. Playa del Carmen is a stunningly beautiful, vibrant part of the Mayan Riviera, located on the pristine Caribbean coast of Mexico. Blessed with miles of unspoiled white sand beaches and crystal-clear Caribbean waters, Playa del Carmen offers an unforgettable time and endless adventures. Filled with a variety of beautiful and affordable boutique hotels and landmark nightclubs, there is an endless number of places for dining, dancing, and clubbing.

A limited number of special advance sale priced 8-Day VIP wristbands are available now at http://www.arena.mx/.

For more information on The Arena Festival, including official events, news, sponsors, and partners, as well as hotel packages and festival details, please visit the website: http://www.arena.mx/.

Xcaret Festival of Life & Dead Traditions, dia de muertos

During the 6th Festival of Life and Death Traditions, small souls will come to visit to show us a beautiful collage of rituals, offerings, wake games, theater productions, dance, music, visual arts, and much more, so we can come to understand the “Child Death ritual”, in an exciting journey through the history and traditions of Mexico.

Tabasco will be our guest state and will bring a delegation of over 100 participants to show us and share their offerings, dances, music, folklore, theater, stories and delicious food in honor of the dearly departed.

Our hearts will dance to the beat of traditional music, and the scent of the hot earth from the piib will invite us to savor the traditional cuisine of the region. Three famous Mexican women – Sor (Sister) Juana Inés de la Cruz, Frida Kahlo and Rosario Castellanos – will be present through a masterful rendition by actress Ofelia Medina in “Mexican Voices” , and, attendees will also be able to enjoy “The Child Death, a ritual poem” , a magnificent gala concert directed and composed by Jesús Echevarría, accompanied by the Carlos Chávez quartet and world class guest musicians.

A wide spectrum of music from Veracruz, son huasteco, melodies from Michoacán, Chilean rhythms, Tabasco drums and folk guitars will also contribute a cheerful beat to the party and bring young and old to their feet to dance, while Jaramar´s extraordinary voice, accompanied by greatly experienced musicians, will bring us the gift of her song in a special concert.

Plays, dancing, painting, sculpture and chocolate exhibits; visits to the cemetery, visual arts, a ball game, pre-Hispanic dances, clown theater, a children’s and young people’s pavilion, and many artists and exhibitors, will be awaiting with a great variety of activities during four days of celebration.

Come celebrate with us on October 30th and 31st and November 1st and 2nd, starting at 4:00 pm, and enjoy the scents, colors, textures, sounds and flavors we will gladly share with our little angels and our dearly departed at Xcaret.

Xcaret's web site article

More Information of the festival of life and dead

Top 5 Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen.

Voted by tourists as The top 5 Restaurants in Playa del Carmen.

1.-Yaxché

Yaxche (pronounced jag-shey) Maya cuisine restaurant is located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. We serve the Maya culinary art in a unique style. Dining at Yaxche will be a quest into the Mayan World where you will find the flavors of the region in a unique environment that combines both ancient and cosmopolitan elements.

Yaxche Maya Cuisine Restaurant
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Telephone:     984 873 3011
(dial 011 52 before the number from the US and Canada)
Address:
Avenida 5ta y Calle 22
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Mexico 77710
5th Avenue and 22th Street
Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico

http://www.tasteofplaya.com/

2. - Babe's Noodles and Bar

Established in 2000, is a Swedish owned Restaurant and Bar with specialty Thai noodles and a mixed European kitchen. The bar makes the best mojitos, blueberry daiquiris, margaritas, smoothies and juices. Everything is freshly prepared at the time you order.

Babe's Noodles and Bar
Calle 10 between 5th and 10 Avenue
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+52 984 120 2592

Babe's Noodles and Bar
5th Avenue between Calle 28 and 30
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ 52 984 803 0056

http://www.babesnoodlesandbar.com/index.html

3.- Alux

Alux is...

...a magic cave, garden of shining stalactites and stalagmites colours which has been waiting for you thounsands of years. Home of mystical beings called aluxes, great guardians and part of this fantastic culture. Going back in the prehispanic past, it will have a enduring image with the dishes cooked by the chef who enhance the natural taste of each ingredient, along with wine from the five continents, music and exotic cocktails

This cave was discovered in 1994 by Mr. Rolando and Sergio Calderòn. After low ecological impact restoration and planning we are proud to introduce this heritage of humanity, with singular stalactites and stalagmites, you will be able to enjoy a natural show..

Juárez Mza. Av. Number 217 Lote. 2 Col. Ejidal between diagonal 65 y 70. Playa del Carmen Q. Roo. mailto:cavernaalux@hotmail.com

http://aluxlounge.net/FTP-ingles/index.html

4.-Media Luna

Inside or outside? You have your choice at this spot which offers options of upstairs dining on a terrace or street-side in the café. The menu has plenty of fresh seafood and pasta options, with a few vegetarian dishes for good measure. Blackened fish is served topped with mango salsa and a side of sesame rice. For something a bit different, sample the curried root vegetable puree drizzled with cilantro cream. The daily specials are always a good bet since the chef gets particularly creative with the day's freshest catch.
5Av./calle12y14
984 119 1660

5.-La Cueva del Chango

The culinary concept is natural Mexican food from breakfast till dinner. All the juices are made with fresh fruit and we also have a bar with an ample assortment of premium brands and a variety of Mexican wines. We believe in the Mexican cuisine and offer a high quality product at a reasonable price.

Tel: 984 1470271. info@lacuevadelchango.com

http://www.lacuevadelchango.com/

Voted in the “Ten best” web site.

Taste of Playa

ONLINE TICKET SALES START JULY 15th, 2011

Taste of Playa is a culinary event in Playa del Carmen that celebrates the creativity and cultural influences of chefs throughout the Riviera Maya. The event promotes the unique culinary perspectives of local chefs, highlights new event venues that attract a variety of participants and coordinates the efforts of local businesses and municipal governments. Taste of Playa has captured the attention of international media by showing the spirit of multi-cultural cooperation that defines the modern Riviera Maya.

International culinary festivals are held throughout the world, with each host city highlighting the best and most creative restaurants and retail food outlets that define the culture of the area. Playa del Carmen is renowned for its diversity, its international influences, its culinary expertise and its Caribbean lifestyle. The restaurants and food industry have played a major part in the development and definition of the Riviera Maya. This event provides local businesses with an opportunity to showcase the expertise of their talented chefs.

The event is scheduled for November 20, 2011 in the Parque Fundadores from 3 pm to 9 pm. Local businesses and sponsors will support the operations of this food focused event, leaving chefs free to concentrate on the execution of their creations. Government and media support will promote this festival to local residents and tourists alike, inviting everyone to sample creations that normally they may not have the means or opportunity to enjoy.

In the spirit of community, a portion of the event proceeds will be used to assist a not-for-profit food or clean water program in the area. The goal of the committee is to help develop and sustain community based initiatives that have a positive effect on the residents of Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.

http://www.tasteofplaya.com/

Riviera Maya Underground Film Festival

CALL 2011
The organizing committee of the RMUFF sixth edition calls for audiovisual producers to participate in the “Riviera Maya Underground Film Festival” That will take place in the city of Playa del Carmen Quintana Roo from 06 to October 9, 2011.
The interested directors shall deliver or send your material to the following address: RMUFF (Paola Farías) SM 50 MZ 24 L 31 Calle Dzidizantún residencial costa del mar, C.P 77533 Cancún Quintana Roo, México.

1. The call RMUFF 2011, is open from May 20, 2011, until August 1, 2011.
2.  Registration for the RMUFF, is free.
3.  RMUFF is an international forum, the invitation is open to filmmakers from all over the world.
4. The minimum lenght of the film is 2 min with a maximum of 25 min. With the exception of the one minute film.
5. The Categories are: Animation, Fiction, Experimental, Documentary, Cineminutos, Cortometraje Universitario. The format and the production technique is free.
6. The film must be submitted in their original language with Spanish subtitles (if required).
7.  Each producer may enter as many films as you want.
8. The year of production for the films sent must be from 2008 until the closing date of this announcement.
9. To participate in the RMUFF preselection you should fill the registration form and the request for authorization to appear on the website www.rmuff.com, and attach the requested documents to disk, in case of missing a document the film won´t be able to participate. The files must be signed.
10. The director must submit two copies of the film on DVD in NTSC format. Both copies must have the name of the Director, the short film, and the selected category.
11. The material sent to the festival won´t be returned.
12. By entering the festival, the films may be used for promotion, dissemination and publicity of the event.
13. It is essential to send the material wrapped in paper and bubble envelope or box for the DVD, without protection there is the risk of damage.
14. Contemplate dates sending the material if you use traditional mail from abroad at least one month in before the deathline .
15. The Shipment must be covered by the sender.

Everything expressed in this called is under the responsability of the RMUF.

Riviera Maya Jazz Festival 2011

The annual Rivera Maya Jazz Festival attracts an enthusiastic jazz-loving crowd to Mamitas Beach Club in Playa del Carmen. Sit Back and Enjoy performances by stars from mexico, the USA, Brazil and other corners of the globe, all for FREE! in a wonderful stage.

Randy Brecker, Alex Ataola, Richard Bona, Yellowjackets and MORE!

Learn a little bit more about Yellowjackets, great performers!

YELLOWJACKETS, NOVEMBER 26TH

In 1979, the singer and guitarist, Robben Ford assembled a group of veteran musicians to record the album: The Inside Story.
Among them was the drummer Russell Ferrante and bassist Jimmy Haslip, and promptly noted in the group certain chemistry that would lead to the formation of Yellowjackets, The album debut “Yellowjackets, ” recorded in 1981, was the beginning of a great public and critical success that continues to this day.
Yellowjackets celebrate 30 years as one of the premiere jazz groups of our time with the release of “Timeline” on March 15. William Kennedy is back in the drum chair after a 10 year hiatus, and “Timeline” features a guest appearance by Yellowjackets alumni, Robben Ford. Yellowjackets first recorded in 1980 with Robben on guitar.

The energy and creativity sparked by the quartet’s interaction, honed over three decades now, results in one of Yellowjackets’ finest albums, and it sounds like that there is plenty of gas left in the tank.

This is just a proof of the talent that we will have on 2011

Invasion 2011

New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Plexi PR) The team behind the BPM Festival, Mexico's biggest dance music party, is proud to present the first ever Primavera Festival in Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya, Mexico during the Semana Santa holiday week from April 21st - April 24th, 2011. The four-day festival includes night parties headlined by Lee Burridge, Sender Kleinenberg and Sasha, as well as free day parties at Kool Beach Club and Canibal Royal Beach Club.

The inaugural Primavera Festival will host several free daytime beach parties, as well as three night parties with some of the world's top DJs to set it off. U.K.'s globetrotter Lee Burridge, titan of the former Tyrant parties at Fabric in London, has released highly acclaimed music on Global Underground, Cecille Records and Fabric Records, as well as his own Balance Series compilation. Fellow Brit Sasha is recognized as one of the world's most innovative icons of electronic music, having constructed a number of forward-thinking concept albums, including the Grammy-nominated 'Involver,' as well as inventive remixes for Depeche Mode, Madonna and Radiohead, just to name a few. And the flying Dutchman Sander Kleinenberg has built an international reputation on his versatility in mixing musical styles as well as integrating video imagery and other visuals into his masterful DJ sets, taking the dance music experience to a whole new level.

April 21 Lee Burridge @ La Santanera
April 22 Sander Kleinenberg @ Blue Parrot Beach Club
April 23 Sasha @ Blue Parrot Beach Club

The Creators Of The Bpm Festival Present Primavera In Mexico

Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya is an idyllic, beautiful Mexican resort town, tucked into the coastline of the Mayan peninsula, 45 minutes south of the tourist haven Cancun. White sand beaches, turquoise waters, and plenty of sunshine are just steps away from the hot nightlife spots La Santanera and Blue Parrot Beach Club, where the Primavera Festival will be holding nightly parties. Meanwhile, daytime party spots Kool Beach Club and Canibal Royal Beach Club are located directly on the beach. The Primavera Festival takes place during Semana Santa, Mexico's most important holiday season of the year, which runs from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. With everyone flocking to the beach during this popular holiday week, the festival is sure to be a spirited affair.

Primavera single event tickets will be available for all night events. The ticket and merchandise center will be open at Kool Beach Club from April 21st to April 24th, 1pm - 7pm.

For more details and updates on PRIMAVERA, please visit www.thebpmfestival.com.

Record cold weather roundup – hundreds of new cold and snow records set in the last week in USA

by Antony Watts

From the “weather is not climate department. Oh the weather outside is frightful….

         Here’s the roundup of cold and snow records for the past 7 days. While there is a handful of new high temp records, it is clear where the bulk of the statistics is.

Wouldn't you rather be here right now?

Mexico's Most Celebrated Athlete to Attend Event for First Time

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, México — Lorena Ochoa, Mexico's most successful and decorated professional golfer, will participate in the Mayakoba Golf Classic's Wednesday Pro-Am when Mexico's Only PGA TOUR Event celebrates its fifth anniversary February 23-27, 2011.

This will mark the first time Ochoa will visit the Mayakoba Golf Classic. While her exact tee time is yet to be determined, the four-time LPGA Player of the Year will play Wednesday morning, February 23 at El Camaleón Golf Club.

Lorena Ochoa, Mexico's most successful and decorated professional golfer, will participate in the Mayakoba Golf Classic's Wednesday Pro-Am.

"This is a great honor to have Lorena join us for this special fifth year celebration," says Mayakoba Golf Classic Tournament Director Larson Segerdahl. "Not only does she represent the very best in the game of golf but she represents the very best of Mexico and shares our passion for growing the game of golf."

While the Wednesday Mayakoba Golf Classic Pro-Am is traditionally not open to the public, tournament officials are providing those who purchase tournament day tickets (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday) are invited to attend this year's Pro-Am. Also, fans, which have not purchased these daily tickets by February 23, can do so at the gate on Wednesday.

"I am so excited to finally be able to be part of this event," says Ochoa. "I have heard so many great things about it that I cannot wait longer to be there. Besides this, El Camaleon at Mayakoba is one of my favorite courses in México."

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by visiting the tournament web site www.MayakobaGolfClassic.com or by calling +52 (984) 877-2380 in Mexico. Local residents can purchase tickets at the Mayakoba Golf Classic tournament office located adjacent to the El Camaleón clubhouse.

Ochoa retired from the LPGA on April 23, 2010 after holding the No.1 spot in the LPGA Rankings as the best player in the world for three consecutive years. In her eight years on the LPGA Tour, she won 27 times and was among the top three 63 times. She finished among the top-10 an incredible 108 times in the 172 tournaments in which she competed. She was also a collegiate standout at the University of Arizona, where she won a record seven consecutive tournaments.

Ochoa and Greg Norman recently announced a partnership to jointly design championship and resort golf courses worldwide.

In November of last year, Ochoa and Greg Norman, who designed El Camaleón Golf Club, announced a partnership to jointly design championship and resort golf courses worldwide. To start this historic partnership, the two golf superstars have contacted the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in hopes of being selected to co-design the golf course that will host the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

In its first four years, the Mayakoba Golf Classic has donated nearly $1 million USD in an effort to give back to the community through various philanthropic organizations and charitable groups as well as promote the game of golf within the Cancun and Riviera Maya regions. Organizations receiving charitable contributions from the Mayakoba Golf Classic include Golf PARa Todos, the American Junior Golf Association, Centro Equinoterapia, Centro Integracion Juvenil, CINDAQ, City of Joy Foundation (Ciudad de la Alegria), Red Cross of Playa del Carmen, DIF, Flora Fauna y Cultura de Mexico, the Lorena Ochoa Foundation, Malix-Pek Pet Shelter, Rotary Clubs of Playa del Carmen, Cancun and Tulum, Un Hogar Con Amor and more.