October 2023 - AkumalNow

Day of the Dead Altars

October 31, 2023 0

In Akumal Pueblo on 2 November there will be a Spirit Walk at 6:00 pm, and Altars judging at 8:00 pm. All are welcome! What items are included on the traditional altar for Day of the Dead? Home altars are decorated with marigolds, the flower of the dead; photographs of [……]

The Cempasúchil: Day of the Dead Flower

October 31, 2023 0

Curious about cempasúchil, the iconic Day of the Dead flower? You can tell Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is near when a surge of orange flowers paints the streets of Mexican cities with golden hues. The marigold (tagetes erecta), known in Mexico as “cempasúchil”, is a staple [……]

Día de Muertos or Hanal Pixán: What’s the difference?

October 31, 2023 0

As the weeks continue to fly by, Yucatecos are eagerly awaiting the arrival of one of the region’s favorite holidays, Hanal Pixán — Yucatán’s version of Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead. In the Yucatec-Maya language, Hanal Pixán means food of the dead, hinting perhaps to the centrality of food [……]

So Much Candy, So Little Time

October 31, 2023 0

During this season of spooky delights, take this quiz to see how much you really know about candy — and maybe even learn some sweet facts along the way. 1 of 10 True or false: It is possible for a child to get a “sugar high” after eating too [……]

The Akumal Colectivo, Parts A & B

October 31, 2023 0

Part A: Every morning the white and red Akumal Colectivo picks up children in Akumal Pueblo and takes them to school in Tulum. The colectivo waits until the children are safely inside the building. It then returns to Akumal and makes continuous trips between Akumal Pueblo and Akumal Playa. [……]

Paamul Eco Market Opens

October 31, 2023 0

PAAMUL ECO MARKET starts a new season. It will be open on Thursdays, 9-11 am at the Community Centre. Everyone is welcome and please bring your own shopping bags. We feature homemade foods, desserts, juices as well as fresh veggies and fruits, and fresh shrimp! Many artisan vendors will be [……]

Mayapán: Last Great Seat of Maya Power in Ancient Yucatán

October 31, 2023 0

View of Mayapán’s main ceremonial center. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine If someone were to describe a Maya archaeological site by saying that it has a Pyramid dedicated to Kukulkán, a beautiful circular astronomical observatory and was surrounded by cenotes, one would — of course — [……]

How Much Do You Know About Onions?

October 31, 2023 0

Onions (also known as bulb onion or common onion) The onion is the most widely cultivated member of the Allium family, a group of spicy, sharp root vegetables which also includes garlic, scallion, shallot, leek and chive. Onions are high in organosulfur compounds, the chemicals that give them their strong [……]

Tren Maya: 60-day Countdown Begins

October 31, 2023 0

The Maya Train includes 1,554 kilometers of tracks running through five states. The first sections are scheduled to open in December. (Tren Maya/X) The Palenque to Cancún sections of the Maya Train are on track to open in two months’ time, General Óscar David Lozano Águila, director of the Tren [……]

Nature and Critters

Sky Excitement for November

October 31, 2023 0

What’s the bright ‘Star’ in the east in the morning? It’s Venus. From January through September, the closest planet to Earth dominated the post-sunset night western sky as the “Evening Star,” becoming ever-brighter, before sinking back into the sun’s glare. Then it did the opposite, appearing to rise higher into [……]