Today, the municipality of Solidaridad turns 15 years old. Solidaridad governs the towns of Playa del Carmen, Paamul, Xpu-Ha, Puerto Aventuras and northern Akumal. Until just a few months ago, it also included Tulum. But Tulum recently won a fight to secede from Solidaridad and form their own municipality, taking most of Akumal and Chemuyil with it.

Solidaridad won its own fight fifteen years ago. For many years, Playa del Carmen and the rest of the tiny fishing villages along the Riviera Maya were governed by the municipality of Cozumel. As Cancun grew more popular, travelers started headed south and discovered beautiful, unspoiled beaches. With increased tourism, Playa del Carmen grew larger and yearned to govern itself. In 1993, Playa won that right and seceded from the Cozumel municipality. Solidaridad was born.

A program including live music was to be held at 8pm at the July 28th Park (often informally referred to as the zocalo or mail square) across from the Municipal Palace (City Hall).

On display at the Municipal Palace, were a series of photographs chronicling the history of Solidaridad and Playa del Carmen.

Here is a sampling of those photos.

WARNING: One of these photos includes a topless woman. Hey, if a Mexican government entity can post it publicly, why can’t I!

“The original Playa: Village of Fisherman” - Notice the boys in their underwear. They don’t even look embarassed at having their picture taken! In some parts of Mexico, it’s still not unusual to see boys and even grown men enjoying the beach in their underwear.

“El Cantil. One of the first restaurants in Playa by Jorge Millet. Located at the main park (Founders)”

“Main beach. In front of Founders park. In the back is the first lighthouse which is now gone.”

“View of the main beach. In the back is the dock.”

“Juarez Avenue. In front of the central park (Founders). Now you will find the Tacolote restaurant.” - Actually, Tacolote is no longer there. It is now Cholula Life.

Not sure who this is, but thought it was a neat picture.

“Tourists on the beach. 1990″ - Foreign tourists brought a lot of changes to the Riviera Maya.

“Mario Villanueva Madrid with members of Playa society.” - Mario Villanueva is revered around these parts for his role in founding the new municipality of Solidaridad in 1993 and for promoting the Riviera Maya as a tourist area while governor of our state of Quintana Roo. Playa’s own soccer stadium is named after him. He is also a convicted drug felon serving time in prison.

“The politicans of today. Back then they were kids.”

“The main beach. In front of La Tarraya. 1993″ - La Tarraya is still in the same location!

“Playacar Beach. In the back is the dock and the first Hotel Molcas.”

“Time to start to build a new Playa del Carmen. Juarez Avenue and Federal Highway (307)”