Yesterday was Easter, the culmination of a week of festivities for Catholic Mexicans. Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is Mexico’s version of Spring Break. All the schools have the week off, government offices close down and many businesses give their employees a vacation. Mexicans flock to the beaches, and Playa del Carmen was no exception.

We headed to the beach yesterday to join the hordes. Here’s the scene we encountered.

Our first view of the beach from Calle 38 near Shangri-La Hotel.

What a wonderful sand replica of Chichen Itza!

Mr. Sand Turtle has Corona bottle caps for eyes.

Looking back at Shangri-La.

The empty spot of sand between Shangri La and Kool Beach Club was very popular with beachgoers.

Kool and Mamita’s Beach clubs were packed!

Just south of the beach clubs.

In contrast, there were plenty of chairs available at the all-inclusive Gran Porto Real resort.

Looking back at the mayhem from the Gran Porto.

We had a wonderful time at the beach despite the crowds. The sand was soft, the sun was shining, the sky a brilliant blue, and the water a refreshing aquamarine. Aaaah!