Our first Mexican Independence Celebration, September 2021 (Copy)
When our friends, Claudia and Gil invited us to join them for a celebration, we jumped at the offer. We had no idea what to expect or where we were going. We were told we would be staying at Jolie Jungle, a rustic boutique resort on the Ruta de Cenotes, just west of Puerto Morelos. Dinner would be included and we could bring our own drinks for the private celebration of the Mexican Holiday.
Most gringos think Cinco De Mayo, May 5th is the big Mexican holiday, but that is much more an American Holiday to drink Coronas and tequila. The true Mexican Independence Day is celebrated starting at 11 PM on September 15th when, according to history, Hildago rang the church bells, and started the march to Mexico City. The battle for independence continued for 11 years.
For many, September 15th is the night of parties, laughter, dancing, drinking, consuming typical cuisine and September 16th is a national holiday which allows everyone the day to recuperate. I think more places could take lesson from this, but I digress.
On our way to Jolie Jungle we had the opportunity to stop and see the new development Gil is creating, not far away, also on “La Ruta.” It is an incredible place carved into the jungle with a lovely common area that includes a huge palapa, BBQ, restrooms and pool. They have marked out 36 lots for private homes, half of which sold before he even completed the electricity. Each will be custom homes.
When we arrived at Jolie Jungle we were checked in at the gate and then followed the dirt road into the jungle. Jolie Jungle can sleep up to 31 people in rustic but tastefully conceived accommodations scattered widely throughout the property, allowing everyone their privacy. Included with the property are bikes, restaurant, pool, games, yoga, reiki and a full temescal experience. There is even an alter to the Alux. Jolie Jungle is owned by Nema and Dino, a lovely couple who bought the property many years ago.
After getting a short tour of the property, we settled into our palapa-roofed bungalow and got ready for our first Mexican Independence Fiesta. I braided my hair, donned my red, white and green hoop earrings and Mike and I, both dressed in white, headed off to the festivities.
The restaurant was decorated with Mexican flags, candles, banners and more. Dinner was an incredible combination of chips with pico de gallo, followed by mole, assorted tacos and tamales, rice, beans and sweets for dessert. The wine and tequila both flowed as we were serenaded at our tables by an incredibly talented mariachi singer – who, I am ashamed to admit, Claudia and I held at gun point later in the evening. Of course we used his own toy gun, so no harm was inflicted. All in good fun.
Following the entertainment, Dino supplied the music for us all to dance into the wee hours. I don’t know if it was the wine, tequila, dancing, darkness of the jungle or the peacefulness of the surroundings but we slept like babies under our mosquito netting.
The next morning, we woke leisurely, enjoyed coffee and breakfast, swam in the pool walked along the paths and communed with nature. The sound of birds and squirrels were all we could here as we laid in bed. Cell service is not promised but there is WiFi at the restaurant for those who need it. This is a truly a magical place, and one we highly recommend if you are looking to relax and leave the hustle and bustle behind. It would also be a great place to host a retreat.
We look forward to visiting Nema and Dino and Jolie Jungle again when we can spend more time experiencing some of the magnificent cenotes along the “Ruta de Cenotes.”