A must-do experience is Fort Mose Historic State Park’s annual Flight to Freedom event, Feb. 26-28. Tours and demonstrations by historians, reenactors, and community members tell the brave story of men, women, and children who risked everything to flee enslavement on a British plantation and reach the free Black settlement of Fort Mose, laying the groundwork for the original Underground Railroad. In May 2025, the Florida State Park celebrated the grand opening of the replica of 1738 Fort Mose. A true community effort nearly 30 years in the making, the new fort provides a tangible monument to the settlement’s inhabitants. Over the two weekends from Feb. 6-15, history and music merge at the Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series. A curated lineup of Grammy Award-winning musicians delivers powerful performances on the grounds where freedom first took root. The Series features performances by Ledisi, Gray Clark Jr., Robert Cray and Ruthie Foster, Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, and Samara Joy.  I Lived Here, As Well: The Final Chapter Tour at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, Feb. 5-28, is a compelling look at the experiences of Black Americans who lived in the historic house, portrayed by costumed interpreters. The St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department is hosting guided experiences that highlight the voices of St. Johns County’s African American community. The History of Butler Beach Walk on Feb. 11 will explore the life of Frank B. Butler, a St. Augustine visionary who purchased and opened Butler’s Beach, an oceanfront space for African Americans to enjoy during segregation. Rails, Roots & Freedom: African American Stories of St. Johns County, on Feb. 25, held at Fort Mose Historic State Park, brings together local historians and community leaders to discuss the area’s history and the communities shaping its future. The Black History App allows visitors and locals to explore the brick-lined streets and create their own immersive tour. It details the history and location of landmarks such as the Lincolnville Historic District and the Dr. Robert B. Hayling Freedom Park; profiles significant figures such as Frederick Douglass and Francisco Menendez; covers historical topics such as time periods, themes, and local groups; and presents a historical timeline of Black History in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and The Beaches. The Black History App is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. For more information, visit www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com.

Rhythms of the Night, long considered the quintessential dinner-and-show experience of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, is entering a new culinary chapter. Adventures Group, the leading tour operator in Mexico’s Bay of Banderas, has introduced Premier Gastronomic Journey, a refined dining experience created in collaboration with acclaimed Mexican chef Paco Ruano. For the first time, Mexico’s No. 1 nighttime experience, ALMA, Rhythms of the Night, is partnering with a chef to develop a signature menu, bringing haute cuisine to one of the country’s most iconic evening spectacles. The result is an immersive experience that seamlessly blends gastronomy, nature and performance art in a dramatic waterfront setting. Widely recognized for a contemporary style deeply rooted in Mexican culinary traditions, Ruano has built an international reputation through his work in some of the world’s most prestigious Michelin-starred kitchens. His flagship restaurant, Alcalde, is featured on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and ranked No. 15 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, following notable placements in previous editions. At ALMA, Rhythms of the Night, Ruano presents an exclusive menu inspired by the flavors of the Pacific and executed with modern technique. The dishes spotlight local seafood, seasonal produce and regional culinary heritage, interpreted through a refined and contemporary lens. The evening begins with a sunset cruise across Banderas Bay, transporting guests to a secluded tropical cove illuminated only by candles and torches. Following the dining experience, guests enjoy preferential access to ALMA, the acclaimed open-air performance directed by Artistic Director Mukhtar Mukhtar. View more information at https://www.vallarta-adventures.com.

The Gullah Geechee Heritage Festival returned to Florida’s Historic Coast on December 6, 2025, at Armstrong Park in Elkton. This free festival celebrates the unique heritage of the Gullah Geechee people through traditional music, dance, food, and arts. The Gullah Geechee Heritage Festival kicked off with a special Rails to Trails Bike Tour at 9 a.m. The Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail is a multi-use recreational trail that runs through St. Johns and Putnam counties. The festival began at noon and featured live musical and dance performances by Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters, El Shaddei Dance Ministry, Str8up Jax, Cellus, and JW Gilmore & The Blues Authority; authentic cuisine; cultural demonstrations; a craft fair with traditional and modern wares; and plenty of opportunities to learn about the Gullah Geechee. The festival is free and includes entertainment and activities for all ages, from small children to adults. All festival proceeds benefit the SEA Community Help Resource Center, which provides meals, school supplies, and countless other resources to members of the communities of Spuds, Elkton, and Armstrong. Visitors can continue learning and exploring by using the free Florida’s Historic Coast St. Augustine Black History App. Created in partnership with Visit St. Augustine, the app showcases nearly five centuries of Black history. Users can read about the changemakers, from well-known figures like Zora Neal Hurston to St. Augustinians like Richard Aloysius Twine, visit pivotal locations, including the Woolworths Lunch Counter, 56 Park Place, and Andrew Young Crossing, and learn about events such as the Fort Mose Historic State Park’s Flight to Freedom Re-enactment, which brings history to life. The St. Augustine Black History app is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, the rural beauty of Hastings, Elkton, St. Johns, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. For advance travel information, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com.

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, the Mexico outpost of Nobu Hospitality and luxury lifestyle brand that blends modern luxury and minimal Japanese tradition, announced the continuation of its On Exhibition program with a robust event lineup. From November 24 to 30, 2025, attendees will immerse themselves in a world of creativity, featuring art galleries displaying captivating pieces, live art demonstrations, and exclusive opportunities to acquire unique artworks. In collaboration with Chayul Collective, an art collective creating pop-up experiences that connect people through art, On Exhibition aims to create A Sense of Belonging by exploring what it means to find a home away from home, and ultimately, a home within yourself. This year’s theme, A Sense Of Belonging, draws from the concept of finding comfort not only in a place but also in identity and self. The exhibition invites artists and guests alike to reflect on the meaning of home – whether as a physical space, a sense of self, or an evolving identity. The diverse range of artists ensures a dynamic and eclectic showcase of talent. From traditional painting and sculpture to film and digital art, guests are encouraged to wander through the installations. For more details about On Exhibition, please visit nobuhotels.com/loscabos

With biting humor, Autistic playwright Dave Osmundsen developed his latest stage play, “Bum Bum: or, This Farce Has Autism,” which will premiere at HERE Arts Center from December 4 to 14. Farce meets authenticity in this wild, subversive, and deeply personal satire of performance, representation, and what society really wants from its Disabled artists. The play, produced by EPIC Players, New York’s leading neurodivergent theater company, features a cast of mostly neurodivergent actors. This hilarious original play which flips disability tropes on their head. The talented cast, mostly comprised of neurodivergent actors, will show audiences what they really think about “inspirational stories.” Set during a chaotic live telethon benefiting “Singing and Hearing Autistic Greatness” (aka SAHAG or SHAG), the play follows three Autistic performers as they’re pressured to deliver sanitized, “palatable” routines for a mainstream audience. Lisa is going to perform a little ballet. Sean is going to do a family-friendly comedy routine. And Jason is going to perform with his trusty ventriloquist dummy, Gil McGillicuddy. But the three can only take condescending press reps, problematic pop stars, and the widescale infantilization of autistic people for so long. When they band together to take over the broadcast and perform their less “appropriate” routines, hijinks (naturally) ensue. For more information, visit www.epicplayersnyc.org.

Scribner’s Catskill Lodge and Jewish Food Society present the second annual Jewish Catskills Weekend, December 12-14th. Guests will celebrate the lead up to Hannukah with the return of this special weekend in the mountains! This celebration brings together Jewish food, art, culture, and community for a full weekend. Expect memorable holiday meals by Airelle Nir Mamiye, Maya Yadid, and Vilda Gonzalez, thoughtful conversations, and creative programming that honors Jewish traditions, both old and new. Stay tuned for more details and look out for upcomig announcements on partners, programming, and tickets.

On Sunday, November 2, Mexico City’s iconic Paseo de la Reforma will transform into a river of color, music, and remembrance as the Day of the Dead Grand Parade returns for its highly anticipated 2025 edition. This extraordinary four-hour procession honors those who have passed while celebrating the joy of life, offering visitors from around the globe an unforgettable immersion into one of Mexico’s most cherished cultural traditions. Beginning at the Puerta de los Leones in Chapultepec Park, the parade will wind its way down Paseo de la Reforma, pass Avenida Juárez and 5 de Mayo, and conclude in the heart of the capital at the Zócalo, Mexico City’s grand central square. Along the way, attendees will be treated to a visual and emotional journey that embodies the Mexican spirit. This year’s parade promises to dazzle with monumental Catrinas, larger-than-life floats, and colorful displays of art in motion. Traditional music and folkloric dance will punctuate the route, blending the ancestral with the contemporary in a festival that is both steeped in joy and meaning.Symbolized by the golden glow of cempasúchil (marigold flowers), considered the flower of the dead, the celebration fills Mexico City with fragrance and pops of ochre. Visitors walking alongside the parade will hear the beat of drums, the laughter of families, and the stories of tradition carried across generations. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Day of the Dead exemplifies Mexico’s ability to blend ancient Indigenous beliefs with Catholic traditions, creating a cultural expression that resonates worldwide. While the Mexico City parade is the most high-profile event, Day of the Dead celebrations flourish throughout Mexico, each region adding its own distinct flavors and rituals. For more information go to https://visitmexico.com/ https://www.gob.mx/sectur

In St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States, Hispanic heritage is more than a historical fact. It’s a living, breathing force that powers tourism and inspires a strong sense of community. Founded by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565, St. Augustine was built on Hispanic roots, which are still visible today in the city’s streets, majestic basilica, and landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos and the Bridge of Lions. The city’s Spanish Colonial architecture, arched passageways, and courtyards form a picturesque backdrop, as well as tell a story of cultural identity, craftsmanship, and resilience that continues to influence every facet of the city’s growth. From the soaring towers of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine to the ornate façades of the Government House, the impressive Mediterranean influenced grand hotels, the beautifully restored Casa Monica, The Alcazar (now Lightner Museum)and The Hotel Ponce de Leon (now Flagler College) each serve as a visual reminder of the region’s Hispanic influence. Even beyond the buildings, the city’s urban design, from its plazas and fountains to its fortress walls, embodies centuries-old planning that prioritized livability, community, and environmental adaptation. Today, nearly 20% of the U.S. population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, and in St. Augustine, that number is a driving force. During Hispanic Heritage Month, local organizations host cultural festivals, art exhibitions, concerts, and culinary events that invite visitors and residents alike to celebrate the diversity of Latin American cultures. But these expressions aren’t limited to one month. Through-out the year St. Augustine embraces the contributions of its Hispanic community. For information, go to www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com.