Xcaret News

3rd. Life and Death Traditions Festival: Hanal Pixán

10/14/2008 12:00:00 AM

One cannot think about Mexican culture without considering the ancestral cult of death. The Day of the Dead celebration or Día de Muertos is one of the most moving and deeply rooted customs of the Mexican people, that every November the 1st and 2nd congregates at cemeteries, bringing candles and flowers, to honor the dead.

Here at Xcaret we’re proud of our traditions and that’s why we want to invite you to participate in the third emission of our Life and Death Traditions Festival or Hanal Pixán, this October 30 and 31 and November 1st and 2 at the park, starting at 4pm. In previous years we received a large number of visitors, who were able to enjoy the shows and celebrations in honor of the purest cultural roots of our dear Mexico.

This year’s program promises us lots of fun and entertainment for all types of audience; from plays, dances and videos dedicated to our ancestral costumes; to musical presentations that will liven up the nights, without forgetting the culinary specialties of our cuisine.

In addition, on November the 2nd you will be able to enjoy the presentation of the altars, the Temascal or Zumpulcheé ritual, guided tours and colorful parades, and an exclusive area for children, the Children’s Pavilion. You can’t miss the story tellers, the pre-Hispanic Ball Game exhibition, the photography and art object expos; in short, a great number of artistic and cultural activities that make it one of the most exciting celebrations of the Mexican calendar.

Experience the mystical atmosphere of the tzempazuchitl flowers, the aroma of copal, the dancing flames of candles, the offerings to our dearly departed that precede us and guide us from the afterlife, towards where we direct our chants and poems since immemorial time.

Reserve your place and celebrate with us!

To purchase your ticket and check our detailed program, visit our web site:
www.festivaldevidaymuerte.com
We’ll be expecting you!

15 years of Marine Turtles conservation at Xcaret

10/14/2008 12:00:00 AM

This summer Xcaret will be showing the exhibition “15 years Marine Turtles, Xcaret 1993-2008” at the Park’s aquarium. Here you will be able to appreciate the work Xcaret has been doing during 15 years of marine turtles’ conservation.

The Program for the Protection and Conservation of Marine Turtles began in 1990 at the CIQROO (Quintana Roo’s Investigation Center); three years later this institution handed the project over to Xcaret, including the living tag program, the initiation program and the beach protection program, the latter in charge of Fundación Flora, Fauna y Cultura de México, A.C. (Flora, Fauna and Culture Fundation of México) for the last 6 years.

In 1993 we received the first Group of 247 turtles. These turtles were protected during 12 months and afterwards liberated with the living tag marking. 30 of them were kept at the park to follow up the study of this innovative program that to date has liberated more than 1900 turtles from Xcacel beach.

The exhibition consists of 112 marine turtle’s eggs, enlarged to 20 times their actual size. Children and adults will learn more about the life of marine turtles through a series of videos showing the activities performed by the conservation program. In the interactive part of the exhibition, visitors will experience the actual texture and weight of a real turtle shell, and will even surprise their friends by hatching from a giant turtle egg.

This exhibition is annually presented during the marine turtles’ nesting season in Quintana Roo’s coasts, from May to October. After 15 years of the liberation of the first turtles, this year we expect to receive these same turtles coming back to lay their eggs at the same beach where they were born. The return of these turtles will give us information about the reaction of the living tags in the turtles’ bodies, as well as of the turtles’ survival rate thanks to the initiation program.

Xcaret welcomes all national and foreign tourists to go deep inside the world of marine turtles and then hatch as one of them.

Xcaret’s Wine Cellar

10/14/2008 12:00:00 AM

Discover the world of Mexican wines in this extraordinary cellar that will take you in a journey through the history and flavors of Mexico.

A visit to our cellar will take you to the fascinating world of wine and the regions of Mexico that produce it: Baja California, Coahuila, Zacatecas, Querétaro and Aguascalientes. This exciting exhibit at Xcaret will introduce you to the most exclusive wine producers of Mexico and their most achieved products.

The tour starts at the cellar’s colonial style subterranean entrance. The sommelier will greet you with a glass of exquisite wine and will guide you through the cellar while relating you the history of wine and the different processes of production.

Then you will have the opportunity of tasting wines of different vintages and varieties, all in a private space specially designed for this purpose. You will also be able to perform a maridaje or matching of different Mexican dishes with their appropriate wine. The term maridaje comes from the verb “to marry” and it means to join; it consists of well complementing food and wine in order to enhance flavors and textures.

Don’t miss the opportunity of taking this tour that will transport you to our most select Mexican vineyards. If you’re a wine lover you will really enjoy it, no matter your level of knowledge, being able to choose the most appropriate tour according to your experience.

At the end of your tour, you will be able to purchase that special wine that captivated your senses.

Xcaret and Hertz bring you closer to the adventure

10/14/2008 12:00:00 AM

Don’t miss Xcaret’s new Special Offer!

Now you can enjoy all the benefits of the Xcaret Plus Admission, for you and your companion, and also get a comfortable car at Hertz car rental, all for the same price!

As you know, the Xcaret Plus Admission will allow you and your companion to enjoy the Park’s facilities and its activities with the plus of getting your locker, towel and snorkeling equipment. In addition you get a delicious buffet meal, coupons for beverages and the use of our exclusive Plus area. You can also take the opportunity of getting a 10% discount on optional activities, like Snuba, Snorkeling Tour or Temascal.

As if this wasn’t enough, add to all these extra benefits the comfort of getting to the park in a Hertz rental car with no extra cost, what else can you ask for?

Hurry up, invite your partner, friend or anyone you like and let Hertz and Xcaret bring you closer to the adventure!

Book Now!

Life and Death Traditions Festival

9/17/2008 12:00:00 AM

This year, the Life and Death Traditions Festival is a real treat…trick or treat that is! Xcaret Park has once again gone all out and is ready to celebrate the third edition of this magnificent cultural event with crepe paper and spider webs from October 25th to November 2nd. Nine days of artistic and cultural activities where the Dearly Departed, offerings, rituals and oral traditions, culinary treats, theater, music and visual arts, handcrafts, children`s workshops and much more come together to make Quintana Roo`s Day of the Dead a festivity for all.

“SPECIES AND SPACES THREATENED AT THE CARIBBEAN” WE ARE NOW AT THE UNIVERSUM MUSEUM

9/15/2008 12:00:00 AM

Thank you to Xcaret an Xel Há, it was inaugurated the exhibition “Species and Spaces threatened at the Caribbean” at the Science Museum Universum, of the National University (UNAM), with the purpose to encourage children, young people and grown ups to take care of the environment, which is one of the most beautiful places in the world and also one of the most fragile ones.

“The only viable alternative in order to preservate our biodiversity is to join our strength and educate the population in order to achieve the sustainable development we have been looking for”, Iliana Rodriguez said when she spoke as the representative of both Parks, who have been encouraging the scientific research about the environment protection.

This exhibition shows the advances on the study of the sea turtle, pinck winkle, underground Rivers in Quintana Roo, as well as the coral reef.

Xcaret and Xel-Há are companies who understand the important of making alliances with the Academy in order to finance the scientific research which strengths a better manage of the natural areas, as well as the fauna and flora that coexist with us in the region.

“The Caribbean is considerate as one of the four more important areas for the preservation of the biodiversity in the planet, but at the same time is one of the 10 more poor regions. These matter should concern also the private industry as well as Scientifics and the whole society. Said Iliana Rodríguez.

Here lays the important of Xcaret, in coordination with Flora, Fauna y Cultura de México AC, who leaderate from 18 years now, the study and preservation of the sea turtle, using financial and human resources, as well as the coral reef project, as we know the Caribbean has the second most important coral reef in the world just after Australia.

XCARET RECEIVES “RECONOCIMIENTO A LAS MEJORES PRÁCTICAS EMPRESARIALES RSE 2008”

9/15/2008 12:00:00 AM

•   Xcaret receives this recognition for its bond with the community...
•   The presentation took place in Guadalajara, Jalisco the past Monday September 8th 2008.
•   This recognition is only for companies who show a positive impact in their community.

Xcaret receives the “Reconocimiento a las Mejores Prácticas Empresariales RSE 2008”, on the Bond with the Community category, given by the Philanthropy Mexican Center (CEMEFI), for participating on the Live and Death Festival.

This recognition has the purpose to recognize in public the effort of the companies who promote the Social Responsibility with other firms, and their Business are as successful on an economic way as on a sustainability way.

The public ceremony took place last Monday in Guadalajara, Jalisco, where the Live and Death Festival Project from Xcaret was an example of the bond between the Park and 369 people from 37 different Mayan communities, making this Festival a tradition for all Quintana Roo.

This project presented by Xcaret was one of the Honorable Winters of this recognition. By this way Xcaret confirms its leadership on these kind of projects.

XCARET, WHERE THE TEQUILA TASTES LOKE MÉXICO

9/15/2008 12:00:00 AM

Xcaret proudly was the first establishment at the Riviera Maya who gets the T Gold Agave Distinction, given by the Tequila Regulator Council (CRT). Only the companies who are really compromise with the principals and traditions of the Mexican Tequila and promote Mexican culture, can have this distinction.

This recognition has given to the Food and Beverage Department last September 22 2007, on a special dinner where the Tequila was the honor guest.

The Distinction “T” is the recognition of people who protects the first origin denomination of the Tequila. La Cocina Restaurant at Xcaret got its certification with a 60 Tequilas exhibition which can be visited in this place. It’s worth mentioned that the other 4 restaurants at the park received copies of this award.

In order to be honored by this recognition you must have a number of very strict service and products rules, but it’s more important to have enough knowledge about how to use the Tequila in order to prepare dishes or beverages, as well as the ability to suggest the best option to a customer.

The purpose of this award is to protect the Origin Denomination of the Mexican Tequila, as well as promote its diffusion and Mexico’s culture.

This way Xcaret can proudly say Cheers!!!

XPÁ A SENSITIVE DELICIOUX IN XCARET

9/15/2008 12:00:00 AM

A massage experience at the Xpá at Xcaret, will make you feel part of the Nature in a very peaceful environment. Enjoy it on a special place next to the lagoon, fed with waters from the underground river, and as a plus, the wonderful Caribbean Jungle that will seduce you with it’s water falls and exotic birds.

Let us pamper you with the different options the Xpá can offer you. Pick a full body massage, you will take it on a comfortable table or on our special hammock. These relaxing massages will help your body eliminate all the pressure and stress you may have, as well as muscular pain, achieving a perfect balance between your body and energy. After this marvelous experience you will leave with a huge smile and the peaceful you have been looking for.

Other activity you can enjoy at the Xpá is the authentic Mayan Bath. It consists on going deep through the jungle, in order to find a private space. After an exfoliation of your body with mud, you can take a revitalized bath under a beautiful water fall, and finally receive from hands of professionals a relaxing massage with essential oil.

You will find at the Xá a place where you can find no worries and the pain disappear, where the most important thing is please you and share the peace and harmony that coexist at Xcaret.

Paralympic Athlets visit Xcaret

9/1/2008 12:00:00 AM

Last weekend Xcaret welcomed the Paralympics athletes representing Mexico at Beijing 2008 and became witness of the hard work and determination that lead mean to success.

After a long season of training, the members of the Mexican Delegation decided to take a day off to enjoy the wonders of the Caribbean and the greatness of Mexican Culture.

During a whole day, the athletes walked through the park among special roads and enjoyed the marine turtles, the reef aquarium, the Mayan Village and the pre-hispanic dances performed Xcaret`s greatest artists. The Athletes showed a great interested for the Mayan culture, history and archeological sites that remain them of our nation`s traditions.

After their visit to the park and only fourteen days before the Paralympics competitions started, the official physicians declared that the athletes were ready to confront the different delegations representing 130 invited countries to Beijing and to compete in the 20 different sports. The proud representatives of the Mexican flag left the park filled with Mexico and only one goal in their minds: “To win at Beijing.”

Xcaret Moment

8/25/2008 12:00:00 AM

Last August 18th owe had the most beautiful experience at Xcaret and we will like to share it with you. During the night show, we had the honor to assist a blind couple. We didn’t know if they were going to be able to enjoy the show. As we know a very important part of it, is all the visual elements of the customs and the dancing. That is why, our department of Guest Service stayed with them through out the show.

Emiliano, Luis Miguel, Ramón and Abel, described every detailed happening at the scenario. When we saw their excitement and their happy tears, we understood the importance of helping them experience new things and letting their imagination fly.

Thank you Javier and Leonor for coming all the way from Spain and make this unforgettable experience real, thank you for this Xcaret Moment!

Xcaret, an open book to Mexico

8/20/2008 12:00:00 AM

Xcaret Reinforces its compromise with United Nations

8/20/2008 12:00:00 AM

• Xcaret meets the General Secretary of United Nations in México.
• The México’s Declaration was presented.
August, 2008

For the reason of the first visit of the General Secretary of United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, the World Pact invited a few businessmen to strengthen their compromise to Social Responsibility. Xcaret was one of these 11 companies invited to this event.

The reunion took place last Monday August 4th at México City. In this event Ban Ki-moon and the 11 businessmen shared their point of view about all the new challenges the world is now confronting, specially extreme poverty, hunger and Environmental Sustainability.

Arq. Miguel Quintana, President and General Director of Xcaret, as well as other 10 businessmen had the chance to expose their leadership in order to incorporate to the global agenda the roll of the private sector as a strategic partner in United Nations.

As a result of this meeting, the Mexican Society of the World Pact established as a new initiative their compromises with the Pact principles, as well as in promoting the social development investments.

The emitted declaration at the end of the meeting, was denominated Declaración México, and mentions the important of the private sector in order to increase benefits not only economics but socials all over the World.

This reunion had the 8 Millennium Development Objectives as its base; the ones that constitute the Development Plan agreed not only by United Nations but the most important development institutions all over the World.

The two objectives that were the center of the working sessions were:

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and Hunger.
2. Guarantee the environment sustainability.

Xcaret, as a cofounder of the Global Pact is deeply proud for the opportunity to be part of this meeting which strengthen our compromise with México and its communities.

8/16/2008 12:00:00 AM

"Unique Xpressions of Mexico"

8/4/2008 12:00:00 AM

Xcaret: “Unique Xpressions of Mexico”

Xcaret is a magical paradise where culture, ecology and Mexican wildlife meet. Among its great treasures, in Xcaret we can find Underground Rivers, a Butterfly Pavilion, a Beach, Inlets and Xcaret’s one of a kind celebration “Xcaret Mexico Espectacular”. At Xcaret you can enjoy the most amazing water activities such as swimming with dolphins, snuba, sea trek and snorkeling. Visit Xcaret!