Things to do in Cancun: Nightlife
02.04.2006, 13:11
Ballet Folklorico
The Ballet Folklorico performs in various locations around Cancún. Internationally recognized, the ballet features lavish costumes and traditional dances.
Cantina's
Cantinas have been around Mexico for over 100 years. The cantina started when an astute liquor store owner decided to install a crude bar with tables and chairs in a space next to his store. It provide a refuge for men to meet in the afternoon or evening to meet to drink tequila, socialize and gamble. Away from their wives and girlfriends a man could loosen up his belt, lift up his voice in song and share intimate secrets with his friends. The shop owner later connected the two establishments by opening a hatch in the common wall.
The architectural term, in Spanish, for an opening between two rooms is "cantina". Cantinas soon became inextricably associated with bullfighting. It was here that the Matador went after every week's spectacle to mingle with the common fans, politicians and movie stars who swarmed the place. In the early 1980's cantinas opened their doors for the first time to women. Inside Cancun's modern day cantinas you will find great food and drink with a charming ambiance that make these bar-restaurants so popular among the local Cancunites.
Most of Cancun's cantinas are scattered around the bullring in downtown Cancun. On Wednesday afternoons when Cancun has its weekly bull fights you can expect these bars to be packed and very lively just like in traditional times.
Dance Clubs
Cancun is alive at night time with multi million-dollar discos lining up the Hotel Zone. For those who love to dance, Cancun offers the best clubs around. Special effects and laser lights provide a frame for non stop music, which covers everything from rock and reggae to salsa and techno.
Many clubs are divided into sections with live rock bands on one side and techno dance music on the other. These clubs usually open their doors at 10 pm and close when the sun breaks into a new day. Many have different theme nights such as bikini contests or no cover nights. Most nightclubs offer all you can drink open bar specials for a fixed price.
* El Alebrije: at La Isla entertainment center.
* Azucar: fiesta atmosphere with live Caribbean music. Camino Real hotel.
* The City: Features a tri-level, state-of-the-art nightclub, a beach club, a lounge, a restaurant and a terrace bar.
* Batach: live tropical music, Caribbean setting. Miramar MisiÚn hotel.
* La Boom: English pub-style decor; holds up to 3500; high tech disco with nightly laser and light shows. L.F.
* Caliente: sports book and elegant restaurant/bar. Fiesta Americana Cancun.
* Caliente fiesta americana
* Cancun Queen: cruise the lagoon aboard an authentic Mississippi paddleboat. Live music, dancing, dinner. Morning cruises as well. Tel. 85-2288.
* Caribbean Carnival: swashbuckling themed party cruise with costumes, buffet, open bar.
* Cassis: live jazz music at the Hyatt Cancun Caribe.
* Christine: Cancun's premier club, enormous dance floor. Krystal hotel.
* Coco Bongo: the newest hot spot for tropical disco dancing.
* Dady'O: tiered seating surrounds dance floor; zany atmosphere. Near Convention Center.
* Dady Rock: restaurant/bar with live and DJ music.
* Fat Tuesday: funky restaurant with beach party atmosphere.
* Hard Rock Cafe: crowded and popular, live rock music. Plaza Lagunas Mall.
* Liquid: popular club with rock 'n roll, high tech lighting.
* Mango Tango: Caribbean floorshow featuring live music and dance.
* El Mexicano: restaurant/bar with spectacular beach view and romantic music. Party Center: 50 stores, restaurants and clubs.
* Pat O'Brian's: three bars and variety of music (jazz, country, rock, piano). Flamingo Plaza.
* Planet Hollywood: one of Cancun's newest and hottest nightclubs. Flamingo Plaza.
* Solarium: great bar with live jazz music; Hyatt Regency Hotel.
* Sports World Cafe: sports book; dining/ bar with big screen, all sports, off-track betting.
* Sports world cafe
* Zandunga Cantina Beach & Mexican Grill: Resturant/Bar; DJ's and live bands; mariachi shows. The acclaimed Ballet FolklÚrico showcases the different musical traditions of the various regions in Mexico. Dancers perform nightly (except Wed.) at a dinner show at the Continental Plaza hotel, tel. 83-1022/85-1444.
* How about an American movie? Plaza Kukulcan, La Isla, and Plaza Las Americas all have multiple screens showing the latest flicks. Tel. 85-30-21.