Seizure of Beloved Hotel and Bar Sparks Protest from the Playa del Carmen Community

A peaceful but passionate demonstration was held on the streets of Playa del Carmen yesterday afternoon as members of the community gathered outside of the now shuttered hotel, La Rana Cansada to protest the seizure of the property and the eviction of some 10 long-standing employees. 

As the community seeks clarity on the legal proceedings and the future of this historic venue, the goal of the protest was to show support for the employees who had been wrongfully terminated, to shed light on the situation and demand transparency and justice.

The iconic hotel La Rana Cansada and Bar Ranita, located on Calle 10 between Avenues 5 and 10,  are currently at the center of a legal dispute following the passing of its owners, Thed Pettersson and Pia Ekasala. 

On November 15, 2024, three individuals, accompanied by a purported court official and municipal police officers, arrived at the establishment, claiming to possess a judicial order that recognized them as the new proprietors. They proceeded to change the property’s locks without providing substantial documentation to validate their ownership claims, leading to uncertainty and suspicion regarding the legality of their actions.

Thed and Pia, who have owned and operated La Rana Cansada since 1998, reportedly did not leave a will specifying the succession of the property. This claim is contested by the administrator of the property as well as close friends of the now-deceased owners.

However, the absence of clear legal directives has resulted in a contentious battle over the establishment’s ownership, with various parties asserting their rights to the property.

This sudden closure has left the hotel’s long-serving employees in a precarious situation. Many staff members, who have dedicated years to La Rana Cansada and Bar Ranita, now face unemployment and uncertainty about their future. The community has expressed concern for these workers and demand that their legal rights be recognized. 

In protest of the closure and eviction, current and former employees, friends of Thed and Pia and concerned members of the Playa community gathered in front of the property on Calle 10 and spoke to members of the local press. The delegation then marched to the Palacio Municipal carrying placards.

Currently, both La Rana Cansada and the torta shop that occupied an attached local remain closed as the legal complexities surrounding their ownership are addressed. The community awaits a resolution that honors the legacy of the original owners and ensures the establishment’s rightful succession.