All we need is LOVE (and the beach!)(and maybe a nice dinner?)
Believe it or not, February 14th is already upon us! Next Monday is Valentine’s Day and love is in the air in Puerto Morelos!
In Mexico, just like in any other country, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on the 14th of February. However, one thing that makes Mexico so special is how they dedicate this day to ‘El amor y la amistad’ – love and friendship. It is not a day to dedicate 100% to your loved one, in fact, it is rather common for friends and family to all gather together for a big celebration. Mexican Valentine’s Day is celebrated by the young and the old, who all participate in making it a memorable occasion.
If you’re in town and planning to celebrate with a loved one(s),there are tons of great ways to make it special. We’ve compiled a list of some date night ideas that will speak to everyone’s love language!
Celebrate the Bodas Colectivas!
Each year, on Valentine’s Day, cities all over Mexico hold collective weddings — Bodas Colectivas — a large wedding ceremony where couples who could not otherwise afford the fees, can be married for minimal cost.
The cities put on a large, beautiful display of tables, photo backdrops and wedding decorations as well as an on-site justice of the peace to marry those who registered to exchange nuptials on the most romantic day of the year.
This is a big event in Puerto Morelos every year! Couples usually dress up in their wedding day best and meet on the Malecon to exchange vows in front of the Caribbean Sea. It’s a joyful, beautiful occasion with plenty of tears, laughter and music.
This year, due to COVID, the show will go on, but the couples will be married more privately at the DIF facility on Av. Rojo Gomez – but once the ceremonies are over, you’ll be seeing brides and grooms and their families and friends celebrating their wedding day all over the village.
Wish them well by saying “Felicidades”!
Dinner Specials
Romance is alive in Puerto Morelos! The beach, the village, the music, laughter and joy – if this isn’t the recipe for romance, I don’t know what is?
To create a little extra magic, many restaurants will be creating an even more romantic atmosphere and will offer a special menu for Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately, most restaurants have yet to post their Valentine menus (I blame it on the Super Bowl!) but check out your local favorite later this weekend to see if they are offering specials.
And don’t forget to make a reservation!!
There are way too many great restaurants in Puerto Morelos to list, but we’ve curated a little list of some that we think are bound to create a great Valentine’s night for you and your loved ones!
- Osteria Barocca – Italian delights, rooftop romance, enough said! They’ve got a Valentine’s Special, but reserve SOON.
- La Sirena – there’s love in the air throughout the restaurant, but the rooftop will be magic with live music under la luna.
- Muelle Once – beautiful atmosphere overlooking the Caribbean
- Tanino’s – gorgeous twinkly lights around a tropical courtyard, live music, great food
- John Gray’s – intimate, sophisticated, beautiful inside and outside – amazing food + sweet treats
- Punta Corcho – wood fired oven, open air and a view overlooking the charming square and the sea
- El Campanario – if the way to your lover’s heart involves a perfectly cooked steak, this is the spot.
- La Pizza Nostra – great ambiance, perfect pizza and wine (OUR FIRST DATE WAS AT PIZZA NOSTRA!)
- El Pirata – Chef Karla and her crew never disappoint – enjoy the food and feel the love!
- Al Chimichurri – wine and dine with amazing steaks, salads and empanadas – you can’t go wrong!
Sunset Boat Tour
Lighthouse Tours has a new excursion perfect for a romantic evening on the Carribean. Enjoy a 2-hour boat ride up and down the Puerto Morelos coastline at sunset! The tour includes beer, soft drinks, and water accompanied by a fresh ceviche. Bring a bottle of wine and some chocolate and you’ve got an incredible evening!
Glamping in the Jungle
Looking for something a little more adventurous? How about spending the night in the Mayan jungle!? Fall asleep under the stars and wake up to the birds singing!
Ok, camping in the jungle may not seem too romantic, but lucky for us we have the option to glamp (glamorous camping). A couple of new businesses have taken jungle camping to the next level with decked-out domes and yurts! we’re talking beds, electricity, running water… And one even offers a continental breakfast! Click the links for more details….
Flowers and Sweets
Nothing says Happy Valentine’s Day like flowers and sweets!
La Flore flower shop in the colonia is our go to for beautiful flower arrangements in Puerto Morelos! If you have time to get to COSTCO in Cancun, they’ve also got a HUGE selection of roses in every color and colorful bouquets just in time for Valentine’s Day.
As for sweets there are so many yummy local bakeries, notably Cecilia Bakes, a favorite located in Villas 1. And they’re running Valentine’s specials: individual sized cakes and sorted goody boxes.
Be sure to pre-order both the flowers and treats; these places will be BUSY on the 14th (and leading up to it!).
Feliz Dia del Amor y LA AMISTAD
Valentine’s Day not your thing?! Well, you’re in the right place because in Mexico we don’t just celebrate love between couples on the 14th, but also the love between friends! That’s why you’ll hear people say Feliz dia del Amor y La Amistad! Happy Day of love and FRIENDSHIP! Get a group together and go out for pizza, dancing, live music! Whatever it is, just FEEL THE LOVE! One great option is Don Mexkal– they’ll be featuring a cuban band Son de Caney.
So from us to you…. FELIZ DIA DEL AMOR Y AMISTAD!
Cheers!
Kim & Gabo
