Archive for the 'Playa del Carmen' Category
Zocalo de la Playa
The Mexican zócalo is the central town plaza, often the heart of a city. You may find gardens, ornate iron wrought benches, water fountains, sculptures, gazebos. Elderly gentlemen and ladies meet to discuss world news or the latest gossip, or to feed the pigeons. Concerts and special events are held here. On Sundays, locals may gather for music and dancing. Vendors sell balloons and churros and marquesitas. Children play to their heart’s content.
In larger cities, the zócalo is often flanked by the Palacio Municipal (Municipal Palace or City Hall), a cathedral, cafes and restaurants frequented by businesspeople and tourists, and perhaps a museum — all housed in colonial Spanish architecture.
Here in Playa del Carmen, we often refer to the Plaza 28 de Julio (July 28th Plaza) as our zócalo. It’s located in the block between 10th & 15th Avenue and Calle 8 & 10. The Palacio Municipal is just across the street, and many special events are held here.
But the original Playa zócalo is from a time when Playa was just a simple fishing village, and tourists came only to take the ferry across to Cozumel. You’ll find it at the beach just a block from the ferry pier.
The oft-photographed white church is on the west side of the zócalo, right on 5th Avenue.
I decided to get breakfast at the food carts on the north side of the zócalo, on Juarez Avenue. Here they serve cochinita pibil in taco or torta form.
I got the torta along with a fresh-squeezed orange juice. Oh so good!!
This was my view from my seat in the zócalo.
The fresh fruit carts on the ocean side of the zócalo.
If you’re looking for a more familiar meal, a Burger King can be found on the south side of the zócalo, closer to the ferry.
Never fear, the tourist police are here … in their cutesy cars. 
