How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day
Mexico Independence Day
Mexican Independence Day is the ultimate day to celebrate Mexico and Mexican culture.
It’s a day to share Mexican pride and all traditional Mexican things.
Here I am going to share all about how to celebrate Mexican Independence Day.
What is Cave Restaurant Alux?
Have you ever eaten in a cave restaurant?
It is an actual restaurant inside of a cave. This is actually a cenote and a cave that you can dine in with a full restaurant inside!
If you have never been to Alux Restaurant and Lounge, I’m going to tell you everything that you need to know before you go!
Table of Contents
Good to Know First!
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Where is the cave restaurant in Playa Del Carmen?
Alux Restaurant Bar and Lounge is in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.
You can either take a cab, bike or walk there from La Quinta.
If you don’t know about La Quinta, it translates to Fifth Avenue basically.
It is the main street with lots of shops, reataurants, bars and activity. You can learn more about La Quinta in Fun Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen.
Anyways, you can walk or cycle up Benito Juarez which is one of the main roads that goes up from La Quinta.
The actual address is Avenido Benito Juárez Mz 217 Lt2, Ejidal, 77710 in Playa del Carmen.
Maybe you’re wondering how you find an underground cave from the street. Well, it is a bit hard to notice; it is a cave after all.
When you arrive you will only see a solid wall and gate with a sign up top that says Alux.
This is all that you can see from the street.
So, there is a solid dark gate that has a sign at the top saying Alux.
I have marked Alux Restaurant on this map so that you can check it out and decide if you will walk or take a taxi there.
There are also hotels listed on there, so you can also plan and book your accommodations here with trusted names like booking.com, VRBO, and more.
What are the details of Alux Restaurant?
So in order to dine at Alux Restaurant Bar and Lounge, you have to make a reservation.
They are opened 7 days a week from 6:00pm until 11:00pm.
The dress code is ‘smart casual’. I would recommend wearing light breathable clothing.
How do you get into the cave restaurant?
Maybe you’re wondering about how exactly you get into the restaurant.
Well above ground there is the street entrance that I showed you above.
There are some benches to sit on and a menu to read in the above ground entrance.
To enter into the cave restaurant Alux, you have to go downstairs.
Once you go down the stairs there are washrooms by the entrance in case you need them.
There is also a lobby waiting area where you can sit on velvet couches and take in the feeling of being in a cave surrounded by the stalactites and stalagmites.
In the lobby area they will ask for your name to check for your reservation.
Good to know before you go!
Some key points to help you get the most enjoyment from your experience at Alux Restaurant Bar and Lounge.
- You need a reservation. In the next section I detail how to make a reservation.
- They are only open for dinner, not lunch or breakfast service.
- They do have some vegetarian and vegan options available.
- You will see bats flying around. Yes…for real.
- It will be dark, quite dark, in fact, so dark that there are candles on the tables to help read the menus.
- Yes, there is a washroom in the cave by the entrance. You can ask your server and they will guide you with a flashlight to the washroom.
- I highly recommend flat shoes as you will be walking on a rustic cave floor that is uneven at times.
Now, let’s go into more detail…
TIP: Where light breathable clothing as it can be humid in the cave. There are fans and some space air conditioners in the cave.
How do I make a reservation for Alux Restaurant?
To make a reservation at Alux Restaurant Bar and Lounge you can either call them or go to the Alux Restaurant website.
There is a button to make a reservation that takes you to a form.
Before you make your reservation, I recommend checking out the different ‘VIP vaults’.
What are the VIP vaults? Well, they are small secluded areas of the cave that are surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites.
Some of them have chandelier lighting and intimate small tables. Some of them have couches in them. One of them is bigger for larger groups, and it’s still in its own private area.
If you are planning something really romantic or special you could also add to your reservation, for a cost, a floral arrangement, mariachis, a saxophonist, photographer and more.
I was told that there have been engagements that have happened in the VIP vaults. In fact, they have a special area that is just for engagements!!
If you have a phone with an international number, meaning not Mexican, you can use WhatsApp to communicate with Alux Restaurant and Lounge.
TIP: Research the VIP vaults and areas before your make your reservation. Some vaults have air conditioning!
What is the food like?
Their menu is diverse.
They have everything from a burger and fries to lobster.
Some other examples of menu items are: venison, octopus, shrimp, oysters, risotto, and much more.
There are vegan options, but they are not listed on the main menu. I actually ordered a portobello burger from that menu.
I wrote a guide with everything you need to know about being a vegetarian in Mexico if you would like to learn more about vegetarianism in Mexico.
Some of the dishes have smaller-sized portions, but my meal was a good size.
They also have some fancy cocktails that you can order including one that comes with flames! They all come with great garnishes too.
What is it like at Alux Restaurant?
If you’re looking for a very unique and classy dining experience you can find it at Alux Restaurant and Lounge.
Obviously, the ambience is so special and unique.
It didn’t feel creepy to me at all.
It’s really cool and interesting! It’s dark, but they have these coloured lights around the cave and candles in many areas.
It’s a really large cave with different dining areas and space for groups. There is a bar area too.
There are intimate tables for couples and big tables for groups.
To me, it didn’t feel creepy at all. It was neat and interesting.
They have some art carved on rocks and lit up sayings around the cave for photo ops.
Some of the carvings are actually original Mayan carvings that were found in the cave. Others they replicated. You can see them in my YouTube video below.
As for the cave/cenote it is all natural except for some areas of the floor and some spots where they carved to allow people to walk through.
As you can see each table gets a candle.
Once you are seated you can scan the QR code or get a paper copy of the menu when you arrive. The menu is also posted above ground to look at before you go into the cave.
BATS!
So, let’s talk about bats…
Yes, I can guarantee that you will see some bats.
I saw quite a few, it’s not like you see a bat every second, but you will see one every minute to couple of minutes flying around.
I looked and looked and I never saw a bat hanging anywhere, only flying.
That really surprised me, so I am telling you so you’re not as surprised as I was. The bats swoop low; they don’t always stay high above you. Sometimes they are kinda close to…
You can see from my YouTube video that I was seated and one flew beside me.
They are quick, sometimes you barely notice them.
I checked for you… I asked several staff members and they all said that yes, the bats do fly low at times, but they have never came into contact with a person that was at the restaurant.
What does the Alux Restaurant Cave look like?
There are tons of stalactites and stalagmites! They look like long pointed pillars from the ground or like icicles from the ceiling of the cave.
This cave has tons of stalactites and stalagmites! A lot more that the other Restaurant in a Cave in Mexico.
What’s really cool is that many are lit up in deep purples, blues, reds and greens lights.
It is a cave, but it is also a cenote!
A cenote is cenote is a natural hole or sink hole that was caused by the collapse of limestone bedrock. They are usually partially or fully underground. Cenotes have water in them. In fact, there are many cenotes in the south of Mexico.
So inside of this cave is a small area that is opened with a little waterfall and water inside.
There are some paths that go throughout different areas of the cave. This is how you can get to the VIP vaults too.
Take a tour of the cave restaurant
You can ask your server to give you a tour of the cave.
This is when I really recommend wearing flat shoes. You will be walking on uneven and a bit bumpy ground. The ground is also wet in some areas because it is a cenote too, so I also recommend shoes that are not too slippery.
You will find yourself ducking under Stalactites and walking a floor that is not completely flat and smooth.
Also, if you’re interesting in seeing more bats, you’ll most likely see more bats in these areas as they are more secluded.
Take care on the rustic and natural paths, not just where you step, but also look out for low ceilings and stalactites in some areas.
Your server will have a flashlight to help guide you safely through the cave.
As well, there are coloured lights in some places that light up the area a bit.
The lit up stalactites and stalagmites remind me of something from Fraggle Rock with all those bright purples and reds!
Ask to see the wine cellar
When you go on your tour you can ask to see the wine cellar.
It’s very interesting to see.
I have a picture of the door above. That is the entry for the wine cellar
You could pick a bottle out for your table or just look around . You’re not expected to get a bottle when you see the wine cellar.
Another nice thing about checking out the wine cellar is that it is an enclosed room with air conditioning.
When the fans and air conditioners are off in the cave, it becomes very humid, hot, and sticky. I arrived before anyone else and walked around. What a difference when all the fans and air conditioners are running!
The tour is not done yet!
There is the altar too! This is a sacred area for offering something to the Aluxes in the cave.
Some of the items that they recommend leaving are coins or cigarettes/tobacco.
I left some pesos there. It’s said that if you leave an offering they will take care of you and the place that you are in.
This altat is in it’s own secluded spot as well. I couldn’t hear the people from the restaurant at all.
What is Alux?
Maybe you’re wondering why it’s called Alux.
What does Alux mean? Well, it’s not a Spanish word.
Alux is a Mayan word. Alux is a mythological tradition or spirit that looks like a small human.
They are summoned to take care of caves, crops and forests. This is why people give offerings.
My server explained that there are 3 Aluxes in this cave restaurant.
There is a guardian near the entrance, the evil one at the 1st VIP vault area and the good spirit.
Cave Restaurant in Mexico
Believe it or not, this is not the first that I have ate in a cave! I enjoyed another Restaurant in a Cave in the state of Mexico.
Actually, it was very different than this restaurant in a cave as it was more open and has holes where you could see the sky above.
It was less dark and I didn’t see any bats, perhaps there are bats, there probably are. I just didn’t see any when I was there for dinner.
Which cave restaurant in Mexico would you rather visit?
These neon signs look great when it’s dark to take a great photo.
I used a flash to show the area more, but they are more lit up.
So you can get your photo with these inspirational signs that say:
- The world is yours
- You are pure magic
Here you can see the difference the flash makes with the photos.
Ready to visit this cave restaurant?
Okay, so if you’re in and ready to pack your bags, here are the details.
You can get the address here, make your reservation at Alux Restaurant and Lounge, and even book your hotel in Playa Del Carmen here too!
Alux Restaurant and Lounge is located on Avenido Benito which is a major road in Playa Del Carmen. I have marked it on this map.
There is a little blue martini glass on the map, if you hover over it the name will pop up.
Playa Del Carmen is a great place to visit! There are so many Fun Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen! Check out my list of some of them.
If you’re headed to Tulum after here are the Best Downtown Tulum Restaurants.
Also, in Tulum you can’t miss this iconic photo op with the Ven A La Luz Tulum Guide.
You can take the ADO bus to Tulum from Playa Del Carmen. I have written the Ultimate Guide to Long Bus Trips in Mexico to help you with having a great bus ride.
Mexico Travel Tips
If you’re looking for some travel tips about travelling in Mexico, check out these blogs.
Best Mexico Travel Tips! (Read Before You Go)
More Adventures in Mexico!
If you love interesting and diverse experiences that you can have in Mexico like visiting cave restaurants are more, then I suggest checking out these awesome experiences!
Restaurant in a Cave – Mexico (Let me know which one you would rather dine in)
Guide to Visiting the Teotihuacan Pyramids
Longest Suspension Bridge in the World!
Ultimate Guide to Long Bus Trips in Mexico
3rd Largest Monolith in the world!
Must-Do things in Puerto Escondido!
15 Must-Try Unique Experiences in Sayulita!
Happy reading, then happy adventuring!
Would you eat at the Cave Restaurant Alux?
So, what do you think? Would you dine at this cave restaurant in Playa Del Carmen?
Would the bats and darkness scare you off?
Are you up for something completely different? Let me know what you think.
Next I have some great travel resources to help make your trip to Playa Del Carmen even more awesome! Enjoy!
Tours in & around Playa Del Carmen
Are you looking to book some tours for you trip to Playa Del Carmen? You can check out your options, and even book, right here!
This way you can learn about other awesome things to do in Playa Del Carmen to make your trip the very best that it can be.
Where to Stay in Playa Del Carmen
There are many different unique and interesting hotels in Playa Del Carmen.
You can look up some of them and check their reviews here using booking.com.
Keep your phone in service
You can use Airalo to keep in contact with all your friends and family, use Google maps to get around, and check out fun things to do in the area without roaming or data overage fees!
Just download the Airalo App then you pick your destination. You get an eSim card so that you can use your phone freely! I find it helpful for when I first arrive somewhere and I need to call a taxi, check directions or let loved ones know that I have arrived safely.
Besides being a travel blogger, I am also a travel writer, Amazon author and an English teacher. Check out my services here!
When is it?
Many people assume that Mexican Independence day is on May 5th, Cinco de Mayo that is.
Mexican Independence Day is actually on September 16th.
But in true Mexican style, the celebration begins the day before on the 15th of September. More on that later, but first…
Where is it celebrated?
Mexican Independence Day is celebrated all over the world!
For example, the Niagara Falls and CN tower make their lights and illumination match the colours of the Mexican flag on Mexican Independence Day.
In Mexico, there are countless celebrations that honour Mexican independence and Mexican pride.
Each town has their own festivities and fiestas!
The main celebration, the one that is televised, happens in Mexico City in ‘El Zocalo’.
This is where the President of Mexico gives the famous speech, which I will soon explain.
There is a massive gathering of people at the Zocalo.
As well, people all around Mexico and different parts of the world watch this televised tradition and celebration!
If you would like to learn more about Mexico, check out Interesting Facts About Mexico!
Here is a map showing where the Zocalo is. You can check out the area and book your hotel here too.
What is 'El Zocalo'?
What is the ‘Zocalo’ you’re probably wondering…
Well, the ‘Zocalo’ is the main city square, or municipal square in Mexico City.
Most towns and cities have town squares, but the one in Mexico City has this special name. Before it was called ‘La Plaza de Constitucion’ but is now called “El Zocalo’.
Mexico City is the capital of Mexico, and this is also where the President’s headquarters are located.
Actually this town square is massive! It is 57,600 square feet!
You can find people from around the world visiting this historical site.
It is known as a gathering place for many people since Aztec times.
Due to all the history here, it makes sense that is the centre of all of the festivities.
Mexico City and the surrounding areas have so much history!
Did you know that there are pyramids in Mexico? Yep! Here is your Guide to Visiting the Teotihuacan Pyramids.
There is even a Restaurant in a Cave around Mexico City!
El Grito
Ok, back to the celebration starting the day before the 16th of September.
On the 15th of September, there is a famous tradition that kicks off the Mexican Independence Day festivities with a bang, or a yell, I should say.
It is called “El Grito”. ‘Grito’ means a yell, shout or cry.
The original ‘El Grito’ was a war or battle cry.
Moreover, the original location of ‘El Grito’ was actually in Dolores Hidalgo, in the state of Guanajuato. The original ‘El Grito’ happened in 1810.
They still continue to do ‘El Grito’ there, but the main televised one is now in Mexico City.
Viva Mexico!
So, what do they say and do for ‘El Grito’?
Here it is:
First they say ‘Viva’ followed by significant historical Mexican people’s names who helped to bring independence to Mexico.
They are Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon, and Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, Ignacio Allende, Leona Vicario, etc.
After each name is called, everyone in the crowd cheers out ‘VIVA’.
Next the president yells out ‘Viva Mexico’! Viva La Independencia” Viva los Heroes que nos dieron patria!” Viva Mexico! (3 times)
This translates to:
Long live Mexico! Long live the Independence! Long Live the Heroes who gave liberty! Long live Mexico! (3 times)
Lastly, ‘Viva Mexico’ is called out 3 times in a row.
This is said to remember the Mexican revolution. A priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called out for freedom from Spain as he triggered the Mexican war of Independence.
As each sentence is being said, everyone in the crowd yells out ‘VIVA’!
So, if you hear ‘El Grito’, or you’re watching a ceremony live, feel free to yell out VIVA after the person says “Viva Mexico”!
VIVA MEXICO! 🇲🇽
The Festivities Continue!
‘El Grito’ is just one of the things that happens in the Zocalo.
There are traditional dances, musical performances, and much more.
The featured and significant event is the parade.
There is a very unique parade that honours and features the soldiers.
This includes fighter jets, parachutes, horses, army vehicles, the air force, charros (who are soliders dressed like mariachi-type style clothing on horses), marines, and marching soldiers. There are almost 18,000 soldiers participating in this parade!
All the soldiers travel for 10 kilometers starting at the Zocalo and ending at ‘Paseo de la Reforma’. That is a main avenue in Mexico City.
Even more, there are amazing fire works, speeches, Indigenous performances, and much more in the Zocalo!
So, now when you hear ‘El Grito’ you will know more of how to celebrate Mexican Independence Day authentically!
There are often musical performances including mariachi music. If you would like to know more about mariachis you can check out Complete Guide to Enjoy Mariachis in Puerto Vallarta!
If you don’t know many mariachi songs, I have created a guide with Mariachi Songs To Request.
Pride with Mexican Foods
There are some specific foods that represent Mexican pride and culture.
Yep, even some of the food has meaning!
One example is Chile en Nogada. This is shown in the picture below and represents the colours of the Mexican Flag.
They use pomegranate seeds on top of the white walnut sauce and green parsley to show Mexican pride with the colours of the flag!
Another patriotic dish sometimes is enchiladas.
Sometimes the enchiladas will use 3 types of salsas to represent the colours of the Mexican flag.
Did you know that Mexican cuisine is so very diverse and authentic?
In fast, UNESO has a list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Mexico is on that list!
The traditional foods of Mexico are officially designated by UNESCO as a traditional treasure. This is because of the cultural and ancestral tradition that comes with making many traditional dishes.
Actually, there are 35 UNESCO sites in Mexico that are all rich in culture and history
On the lists are the The Teotihuacan Pyramids, Mayan ruins, historical towns, archaelogical sites, caves, biosphere reserves, and more!
More than that, there is so much more to be proud of in Mexico! They have cenotes, Longest Suspension Bridge in the World, the 3rd Largest Monolith in the world, and you can Release a Baby Sea Turtle into the ocean, etc…
Mexico is the country with Magical Towns! Yes, magical towns! Check it out in this Guide to Pueblos Magicos in Mexico.
And of course, we can’t forget the music! Mariachi music is famous around the world. It originated in Mexico, I have created a Complete Guide to Enjoy Mariachis in Puerto Vallarta!
If you want to hear more about Mexico and Canada, fill out this form. You will get weekly blogs and a free guide to save $$ on travel expenses!
Traditional Foods
Food is big part of the Mexican culture.
As well, it’s a big part of how to celebrate Mexican Independence Day too!
Some of the traditional foods that Mexicans often enjoy to celebrate Mexican Independence Day are:
- pozole
- pambazos
- tostadas
- tamales
- enchiladas
- mole
and of course
- tacos!
Do you love Mexican food? What are your favourite dishes? I have a guide for Everything you need to know about being a vegetarian in Mexico.
Decorations everywhere!
You will see vendors selling decorations to display around their houses.
There are also coloured paper or plastic flags spread over streets, squares, stores, markets, and other public areas.
Of course, the Mexican flag is displayed everywhere!
What to wear
Another way that people celebrate Mexican Independence Day is through clothing and self-expression.
Many people wear the colours of the Mexican flag.
Some wear sports jerseys from Mexico sports teams such as soccer.
Soccer is extremely popular in Mexico!
Other people choose to wear traditional clothing such as hand-embroidered flowers on colourful shirts, dresses, skirts, shirts and head bands and more.
Of course, sombreros are also common at this time.
Practice your Spanish!
Here’s your chance to bust out your Spanish!!!
I am going to share some helpful words to help you to understand and participate in the Mexican Independence Day traditions more.
- Cheers - Salud
- Long live Mexico! - Viva Mexico!
- Independence Day - Dia de Independencia
- Mexican Independence Day - Dia de Independencia de Mexico
- Dance - Baila
- Freedom - Libertad
- Yell or battle cry -Grito
- President - Presidente
- Culture - Cultura
- Celebrate - Festejar
- War- Guerra
- Revolution - Revolucion
Get ready!!!
Get ready for a party… or should I say a fiesta!
But really, there will be singing, shouting, cheering, drinking, eating, dancing, gathering, and enjoying every moment!
So, now that you have learned more about how to celebrate Mexican Independence Day! Go enjoy the fun and the Mexican pride and culture!
Enjoy this Mexican Independence Day!
🇲🇽 Viva Mexico! 🇲🇽
Tours in Mexico
Looking to explore some of the rich cultural and fun excursions and tours available in Mexico.
You can browse them with Viator.
Where to Stay
Book your hotel with booking.com well in advance if you’re planning on celebrating Mexican Independence Day anywhere in Mexico!
The hotels tend to sell out around Independence Day.
There are literally celebrations everywhere!
I made this fun Mexico Fiesta Word Search Book that you can get on Amazon.
It’s an 8.5″ x 11″ large print paperback.
It’s all fun Mexican-themed topics to continue your fiesta! Get yours here!
How will you celebrate Mexican Independence Day?
Write in the comments below this blog what you do, or will do to celebrate Mexican Independence Day!
Besides being a travel blogger, I am also a travel writer, Amazon author and an English teacher. Check out my services here!
