Try these suggestions to enjoy a different kind of posada
We are finally a few weeks away from celebrating the long-awaited Christmas, and, for Mexicans, the holidays are not only limited to December 24 and 25. If there is a «modern» tradition that we have carried with us for generations, it’s the Winter holidays, and December is famous for its posadas. The posadas are festivities that have been celebrated in Mexico since colonial times. Its origin is religious, representing the pilgrimage of Joseph and Mary on their way to Bethlehem. Curiously, before the arrival of the Spaniards, the Aztecs celebrated the arrival of Huitzilopochtli during the month of «panquetzaliztli» (equivalent to December), and these festivities lasted around 20 days. The fusion between both customs did not take long to occur, and today we have the punch and the songs and moments with our loved ones that are unique and unforgettable. Customs change depending on the generation experiencing them. Therefore, even though we know that posadas are more often held in homes, we love the idea of experimenting and finding new spaces for our posadas, somewhere we can feel in complete harmony. Start by finding a setting that represents you, somewhere you can be yourself and demonstrate all your traditions. Remember that the more amenities available, the better things will work out. In that sense, a private reservation at a restaurant or hotel terrace is a great and intimate way to celebrate your traditions. Why not try something different? That way, this year’s posada will be something to remember. Food is essential. Not only does it bring people together, but it is also a way of showing affection. We have always believed that letting someone cook for you is better than spending all day cooking. Hiring a caterer is simple and offers countless possibilities for all tastes. Don’t forget the dessert! Having something sweet and warm at the end of the dinner will surely bring about stories and good memories. Finally, if you want to try different types of ambiance, after singing the traditional Christmas posada songs, you can play some classical music in the background or even folk songs that remind you of people who are no longer around. If you like more modern music, why not give it a try? In the end, there is no rule for celebrating in our country and, maybe, that is part of its charm.
When to start Christmas shopping?
We know that the holiday mood is already building, the change in the weather is in the air, weekend traffic seems to be heavier, and store windows are already displaying their iconic green and red. We are only a month away from celebrating many people’s favorite holiday, but we have to accept that our urban personality tends to lead us to shop at the last minute. So when is the best time to start your holiday shopping? Honestly, we think there is no perfect date to go shopping, mainly because not everyone has the same disposition and available time. If you usually take care of your money, surely the Black Friday and Cyber Monday season (late November) is perfect for you. Of course, there are disadvantages due to the high demand and overcrowding of people in stores. Therefore, it all depends on your personality. If you have the patience to wait in line, go ahead and anticipate as early as November; but if you prefer to take your time, you might be better off doing otherwise. You may not know it, but there are certain days to find more affordable prices; in fact, the brands and stores themselves usually launch their promotions, and they typically take place in December. The best advice we can give you is to contact the store directly or check the official website; you will have much more time to select the gifts. Customer service often provides this sort of information. Another issue to consider is the originality of your gifts; for example, there are bazaars specialized in the Christmas season that contain unique items at a reasonable cost. Also, since most things are for children, you can find thousands of original ideas for buying something special for them, such as a vintage dollhouse or a bicycle. The sooner you make your purchase, the better, especially when it comes to finding the perfect gift. Otherwise, you risk buying something that the person may not like or finding high prices if you shop at the last minute. Lastly, we think making a list is an excellent strategy to speed up your shopping and find something nice. Nowadays there are thousands of options to do your shopping: big stores, markets, bazaars, independent stores or, if you prefer, you can always do your shopping online. If you are in Mexico City, we highly suggest you visit the historic center. It is an area where you will find stores and all kinds of gift options; you can also visit some tourist attractions such as the Zocalo, Bellas Artes, the Citadel, or the Templo Mayor.
How many museums are there in Mexico City?
Mexico City is one of the cities with the most museums in the world. We are second only to London, according to the Local Tourism Secretariat. Fundamental pieces of our history are preserved here for society, whether it is the legacy of the conquests or what we keep from our ancestors. Our museums are not limited to natural history or classical paintings, which distinguishes us from the rest of the world. We have curiosities such as the Antique Toy Museum, the Museum of Light, and even the Perfume Museum. Every corner of Mexican streets holds a secret, but exactly how many museums are there? There are a total of 170 museums and 43 galleries in the capital. Creativity and legacy are strongly present in painting, sculpture, drawing, lithographs, engraving, object art, ceramics, talavera, antique furniture, and textiles. In fact, every weekend, there is something new to do, thanks to a cultural heritage that surprises any visitor. These «temples of knowledge» are perfect for visiting on the weekend: Sundays are the days when most of these museums do not charge admission. The best thing is that these museums are supported by various institutions such as the Federal Government or non-governmental associations such as Grupo Carso. The most famous museum is the Soumaya, located in Polanco. And which one is the best of them all? The truth is that we cannot choose; however, we have some recommendations if it is your first time in Mexico City: the National Museum of History, Chapultepec Castle, the National Museum of Anthropology, the ruins of the Templo Mayor, the Museum of the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Museum of Modern Art and the National Museum of Art. The experience will be truly unforgettable in each one, mainly because of the great interest that we Mexicans show to those who seek to know and learn more. What about you, do you have a favorite museum?
Father’s Day: because they also deserve a break
It’s crazy to think about what gift to buy for our fathers because, since we are young, we see them as beings who «have it all.» However, the reality could not be further from the truth. We must keep in mind that our beloved dads, as wise as they may be, are also human beings who need to be reminded of how much we love them. This week we wanted to think of something perfect for our parents to have the best celebration. We planned a whole day and came up with our favorite ideas, so you can get inspired and treat them with what they need the most: time and affection. Let us start with appearance. We know that more and more men are concerned about their physique. However, dads may forget that they should also treat themselves to a little pampering from time to time because of work or family. We suggest starting the day with a visit to La Logia, one of the most popular and manly barbershops in La Condesa. This place is perfect for any man who wants a new look or just a moment of relaxation. Plus, they sell gift packages that your dad will definitely love. After the grooming, it’s time to eat something delicious. We know that dads love to eat, that’s why we recommend Cambalache, one of the best Argentinean grills we have ever known. Our favorite branch is in Polanco and has the best cuts of meat and empanadas. We suggest you try their suckling pig along with an excellent glass of red wine. In the evening, you can enjoy a drink on a terrace and watch the sunset. We suggest you read our previous articles to find suggestions on different terraces located in Polanco and Condesa where you can celebrate dads on their day. Remember that all these gifts would be nothing without the love you can express to your dad. Hence, besides a day full of emotions, the most important thing is for you to be there and show him how much you care about his well-being.
Long-awaited concerts in Mexico City
The most exciting news regarding the return of our old life is that the concerts are back on the bill again. Thanks to the wait, event calendars are getting fuller and fuller, and it’s time to enjoy shows the way we used to. Let’s go back to nostalgia and scream at the top of our lungs with the list of events we have prepared for you. This time we have a personal selection of the concerts that will take place in Mexico City. We are sharing it so you can plan your trip should you be coming from other states of the country or abroad. Odisseo at the Pepsi Center Odisseo is a Mexican rock band officially formed in early 2010. Their music specializes in triggering the feelings of all of those who consider themselves «die-hard romantics.» On June 5th, they will be performing at the Pepsi Center WTC, in a night where the hits «Los imanes» and «Días de Fuego» will be the highlights of the night. If you like rock, this night is perfect for you. If you are coming from out of town and don’t know where to stay, our Hotel FlowSuites WTC is within walking distance. A-HA at the Auditorio Nacional The international band that brought the worldwide hit «Take on me» to fame will finally come to Mexico for a night full of eighties nostalgia. If dancing and synthesizers are your things, you won’t want to miss this great event. The date will be August 11 at the Auditorio Nacional, located in Polanco V section. And to make your night unforgettable, you can stay at our hotel FlowSuites Polanco and have a few drinks in the restaurants and bars in the area. Willie Colón at the National Auditorium And for those who are salsa fans, the same venue will host an unforgettable night full of surprises. Willie Colón will perform on June 18 and will sing all the hits we already know. An evening that will be full of emotion, ideal for you to go with your favorite dance partner. Polanco Jazz Festival Finally, we have a special suggestion: one of our favorite festivals. The Polanco Jazz Festival is an event that has brought together the best jazz performers from around the world in one place. It will take place on June 12 at the Angela Peralta Theater. We highly recommend it, as it is an event you can enjoy with your family or partner. Don’t hesitate to look for your nearest FlowSuites Hotel and stay with us.
Our selection of must-see places in Mexico City this time of year
We are in spring, one of our favorite seasons to enjoy the cultural events in Mexico City. For those of you who don’t know, the museums have many exhibitions during this season as it is considered the best time to enjoy art and musical events. Get ready for our selection of must-see events to enjoy during this time of the year, but not before reminding you that, due to the pandemic, each place has sanitation measures and controlled capacity for your safety. 1. Object to be desired Claudia Doring-Baez, from the United States, and Stuart Sandford, from the United Kingdom are hosting an exhibition in the Colonia Roma that will feature physical elements that rethink what art is. The exhibition will be open to the public until June 4. Featuring polaroid collages and oil paintings, Object to be desired is one of our favorite exhibitions to see this season. Where: ALMANAQUE Fotográfica, Colonia Roma. 2. Crossing Geographies For those who love dramatic works, this monologue will be on stage until May 30 and will address the topic of migration and how this feeling of exile and dispossession affects us human beings: «A man abandoned by his people and a bird that first stalks him and then accompanies him, meet in a time and space that could easily fit within the history of mankind, but which resonates with the current situation of migrants in the world.» Tickets are $120 and can be purchased online or on the day of the event. Where: Tlalpan 79. 3. Fury and Poetry Moving on with our artistic tour, on this occasion, you will be able to enjoy an exhibition that will celebrate the tenth anniversary of Atelier Romo. It is a workshop that has seen many generations of young artists through different expressions such as painting, sculpture, and photography. In this gallery, you will find a special anniversary edition that will feature the best pieces known so far. The exhibition will be available until June 13, and the ticket costs only $25. Where: ARTZ Pedregal, Periférico Sur. 4. Candlelight – Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons Finally, we want you to learn about this musical event that promises to be one of the best experiences this year. Candlelight is a concept that unites live classical music with the best candlelight atmosphere. On this occasion, a quartet will perform Vivaldi’s seasons in a magical place that will be slightly illuminated with candles. This concert is ideal for enjoying together with friends or as a couple to celebrate any special occasion. Where: Nacional Monte de Piedad Building.
Three great ideas for pampering mom in Mexico City
Mothers’ Day is just around the corner, and with it comes the anxiety of not knowing how to celebrate it. We think it’s time to treat your mom to a fancy meal or take her to the best bar in your neighborhood. Remember that the best thing you can do with her is to spend time with her and have fun, instead of leaving her to take care of the kitchen again. Here are our three favorite ideas for you to go out and have a memorable day. Zesta Punta – the perfect restaurant This restaurant is the new spot in the city where chef Guy Santoro combines Spanish, French, and Mexican influences. The service is top-notch, and as soon as you arrive, you feel a friendly and pampering atmosphere. We are sure that Mexican mothers will enjoy specialties such as amuse bouche, sea bass with bean stew, spinach mousseline, or almond cake with vanilla ice cream on this special day. Zesta Punta is located at Avenida de la República 17, and its consumption per person is approximately $700. Las Brujas Bar After lunch, it may be time to walk around Colonia Roma and enjoy some outdoor activities. Street musicians and flower vendors abound, so you can buy a small bouquet of gardenias for your mom while you’re at it. Next, you can enjoy Bar Las Brujas, which is located next to Rio de Janeiro Park. The interesting fact about this bar is that it is run by women, meaning that you will feel a feminine and familiar atmosphere. The specialties offered at this bar are herbal drinks, combining flowers, herbs, and spices in your favorite cocktail. Our favorite is the yellow witch, which has yellow lemon, marigold syrup, and mezcal. The bar is located at Rio de Janeiro 56. Home Concert Your mom probably has a favorite artist or musical group that she never fails to mention. To end the day, you can adapt the living room, light a couple of candles, and put on the TV the concert she likes the most. Watching concerts at home has become a very nice dynamic since you can pour their favorite drink and comment at ease about how much you love music. Plus, this gift is quite inexpensive. You can also serve cheese or cold meats on a plate and enjoy.
A perfect plan for enjoying a fun afternoon in the CDMX as a child
The experiences we have with children close to us remind us of how great childhood was. We know that the years have become slightly more complicated. However, we have the advantage of being able to decide how much our environment affects us. Sometimes we just need to take a break and find the little moments that fill us with energy. Bringing Children’s Day as a reference, we at FlowSuites want to provide you with a couple of suggestions to go out and enjoy what the city has to offer, with the hope of making you remember your childhood. To start with a rush of fun, we have an extremely tempting proposal. How long has it been since you’ve been to an amusement park? Surely, many of your dates as a teenager happened at places like Six Flags. And lest you had no idea, this park has reopened its doors with all the sanitary measures, which means you don’t have to worry. Six Flags offers an excellent opportunity to feel the adrenaline again and eat something delicious outdoors. If you are more of an introvert and prefer to be in the company of just a couple of friends, we offer an entirely different experience. Do you know what an escape room is? Escape rooms are interactive rooms where you must solve a mystery to open the room. We suggest you try the ones at Enigma Room, located in the Roma neighborhood. There are all kinds of themes: Jurassic, medieval, space, and even horror. The idea is that you go with a group of friends and solve the clues to get out in time. It is an excellent game for adults and youngsters. Another cultural attraction that we love is the city’s Chinatown. The restaurants, colors, and outdoor activities will surely entertain you. The stores are full of accessories inspired by Asian culture, and there are even cute desserts in the shape of animals and cartoon characters. We encourage you to go out and experience other customs besides our own. Finally, we believe that this activity will be perfect for you to enjoy in company with others. If you want to feel like a kid again, we suggest you visit the adult section of Kidzania. This place is known as «the city of children» and has all kinds of activities such as theater, pizza cooking or a dance floor. However, they also offer an «adult night,» where you and your companions can go and have fun while doing the same activities. Dare to do something new and enjoy all that this didactic world has to offer.
Mexican bakeries that we love for their great taste and history
It is very Mexican to wake up in the morning and dip our favorite bread into a latte. Bakeries have always existed, and it is a tradition that our grandparents inherited from us when we went on a Sunday morning in search of the best cinnamon roll or the tastiest garibaldi. We are discovering more and more places that we love because, despite being new, they preserve a local concept that is perfect for us. Today we want to share with you a tour of our favorite places to have a delicious hot chocolate bread for breakfast and enjoy a tour of the city. Concha y Nata: a bakery that offers tamale cakes and breakfast On Colima Street, close to Insurgentes Avenue, is this small family business that opened during the pandemic to offer a very friendly service. Its menu consists of traditional breads such as conchas, peinetas, cuernitos and walnut rolls. Its motto is «Mexican, rich, filling and fast», thought specially for those who are already on their way to work and want to eat something fast and delicious, although you can also come in and sit down and relax and enjoy it. You can also order the famous cactus, mushrooms and chicharrón (pork rinds) sandwich; or order some delicious chilaquiles with coffee and juice. We recommend you sit at the bar overlooking the street and watch what is happening in the city with all the time in the world. Address: Colima 268, Colonia Roma. García Madero The story of this bakery began with Ismael, a boy who studied law but started baking bread as a hobby until it became his real passion. The specialty here is freshly baked conchas which, since 6 a.m., fill the Colonia Condesa with their smell. The place is quite simple, and its service model is for take-out, but we love to see the trays of bread decorating the place and giving away their exquisite aroma. The best way to start your day is with the chapatas with honey and blueberries, conchas with pieces of almonds or the orejas with bits of chocolate. We invite you to discover its open kitchen and enjoy Ismael’s excellent service, and then go for a walk in Parque Mexico, where you can savor your bread. Address: 64 Vicente Suarez Avenue, Colonia Condesa. Rosetta Rosetta has become, par excellence, the most sought-after bakery in recent years by the capital’s society. Located in a large house in Colonia Roma, it has become famous for its exquisite guava roll. Its menu is divided into three parts: one for sweet and salty bread, one for food and one for drinks. Early risers start to line up at 7 a.m. to enjoy the first breads that come out of the oven. Its rustic architecture makes it the perfect spot for sitting at the bar and enjoying a cozy chat. This year they opened a new branch on the street of Puebla with the same success. We believe it is the perfect place to visit and enjoy the houses and parks in the surrounding area. They also offer delivery service. Address: Colima 166 y Puebla 242. Colonia Roma.
What we can do to have a safe vacation this summer
Collecting experiences is one of our favorite things. Memories become stories that we can tell ourfamily and friends the next time we meet at a gathering, and although we don’t have to go very far to start an adventure, we do feel that we need to get out there a bit lately. We have the rest of the summer to find a little ray of sunshine, but with the isolation still upon us, we may feel that it is getting a bit complicated. Today we will share a couple of safe options to vacation in and out of the city that we find ideal, affordable, and that follow all the hygiene rules. It is your opportunity to take a break from the home office and give yourself a moment of peace and happiness. An Airbnb on the outskirts of the city With gasoline and groceries for the weekend, renting a cabin in Morelos or Hidalgo is an excellent option to save money and spend a few days in the pool without any worries. You can devise the plan with four or five friends and split the expenses so you can save more money. Airbnb homes are an excellent option to besafe since they are cleaned frequently, and you do not need any contact with the outside world because you have all the comforts —TV room, garden, and even jacuzzi— inside the house. Also, it is a perfect time to be alone with your couple. ¡Camping¡ Looking for something cheaper? Then it would be best if you tried camping in a natural park or forest near the city. You will only have to spend on gas and some travel expenses to have a perfect night. You can even make your campfire and bring a guitar to set the mood for the evening. The best thing is that such places tend to be sparsely crowded, and contact with others would be minimal, so it’s a pretty safe and fun option for taking pictures. A hotel to explore the city Finally, we have a plan for you to change your perspective on the city a little bit. We are talking about renting a hotel room in your favorite area for one night. We assure you that the experience will change your perspective of Mexico and make you feel like a foreigner in your city. Everything will be different, from the bed to the view and the services. We suggest exploring La Condesa and its beautiful parks with your partner or a companion. This option is ideal for pampering yourself for a moment and letting others do the cleaning and cooking for you. Our favorite place would be the FlowSuites Hotel since it borders on our favorite spots in the area.