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PLAYA DEL CARMEN - Visitors in Playa are almost guaranteed to get an invitation to a fire show. On most days during high season a plane flies up and down the beach, trailing a banner that announces the "World Famous Fire Show" at Blue Parrot.
Fire dancing is traditional art of Samoa and New Zealand, where the indigenous typically dance with props called poi. Poi is a ball of wicking that's suspended on a string or wire, dipped in gas or alcohol, and twirled or even juggled, during dance ceremonies. Over time fire dancing became very popular on the beaches of Thailand, and many foreign travelers studied the art and, eventually, brought it West. Not surprisingly, many fire performers who dance in Playa spent time on the beaches of Thailand.
In my experience, the fire performers in Playa are mainly from Central Mexico and typically have backgrounds in modern dance or Capoeira. The groups travel frequently, and they often have newer members who apprentice with them for a season. They train for long hours during the days, with props and drumming, and if you're interested in seeing them practice, a group has been training most afternoons at Playa's main stadium on 10th Avenue at 28th Street.
Before you rush out the Blue Parrot, consider all of your options because there are a number of different venues in town that host these shows, and the same dancers usually travel from one location to another throughout the night. During high seasons, like December and Easter week, these shows take place nightly, but during low seasons they're scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights. Shows at Fusion, probably my favorite beach-front restaurant, are free. The atmosphere is relaxed, and you can see the dancing from your table. These performances are often less crowded because they're scheduled for 9 p.m.
If you plan to see a performance at the Blue Parrot be prepared to pay about $7 US for the cover to the club. The show here is near the dance floor, and depending on the night, can draw a fairly big crowd, creating a more festive atmosphere. Shows at the Blue Parrot tend to be scheduled for around 11 or 12 p.m. Keep in mind that all performances place on the beach, so they can be delayed by wind or rain, and may not have an exact start time. The Blue Parrot is more of a dance club than a beach bar, and they have local DJ's who play mostly mainstream hip hop from the United States, so the vibe here is more American than Playense.
These fire shows are popular events, and when you see the physical condition of these dancers you'll understand why. It's obvious they train hard and enjoy performing. At the end of most shows one of the dancers will collect tips, and if you enjoyed yourself, you should consider making a donation. Like many performers in Playa, fire dancers depend on audience tips to support their practice.
See these links for more information on fire show venues:
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