Here’s our monthly guide to events in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Yucatan this fall.
Mexican Independence, September 15 & 16
Mexico celebrates the anniversary of its Independence from Spain with delicious food, music and colorful festivities the night of September 15 and processions on September 16.
Xplor Bravest Race, Xplor Park, September 17
Xplor Bravest Race is a fun 5-kilometer race through the jungle with a course of 30 manmade and natural obstacles to test your strength and bring you into contact with the elements: water, earth fire and wind. One of the elements will be your ally during the challenge.
As you run through the jungle, you’ll encounter rival Elementals who will motivate you to race harder and also try and prevent you from reaching the finish line and steal your flag. With the help of your Element ally, you can defy them and even turn the tables on them taking their flags. Competitors who complete the race with flags representing all four elements are The Bravest.
Up to 3,500 people will be competing in this event. Minimum age of competitors is 16. http://en.xplorbravestrace.com/about-xplor-bravest-race.php
Fall Equinox at Chichen Itza, September 22
See the serpent of light and shadow descend the Pyramid of Kukulcan at Chichen Itza as the sun sets on the day of the fall Equinox.
Fiesta del Cristo de Las Ampollas, September 27, Merida
The patron saint of Merida is honored with masses, pilgrimages, processions and traditional dances.
Festival Internacional de la Cultura Maya (FICMAYA), Merida, October 1 –23
Now in its sixth year, this celebration of Mayan culture past and present takes place in Merida, the Cultural Capital of the Americas 2017. Events will include seminars given by leading experts on Maya culture, poetry readings and theater, live music, dance and much more. It also features an offering of live transmissions from the famous Cervantino Festival in Guanajuato.
15th Annual Sea Turtle Festival, Xcacel, October 20, 21 & 22
Festival de Vida y Muerte, Xcaret Park, October 30, 31, November 1 & 2
Hosted by Xcaret Park, the Festival of Life and Death Traditions showcases one of Mexico’s richest and most colorful customs, the Day of the Dead or Día de Muertos, which takes place on November 1 and 2. At this time of year, Mexicans believe that the souls of the departed come back to the world of the living for a short time. They welcome their loved ones with altars laden with flowers, food, treasured possessions and other offerings, and with candlelit vigils, masses and serenades.
In the Yucatan, the Day of the Dead is known as Hanal Pixan or “feast of the souls” and the state is the guest of honor for this year’s festival. Delegations from Spain and Argentina will also be participating with music and dance.
The Festival program features processions, altars, traditional cuisine, art exhibits, music, dance, theater, children’s events and a visit to the colorful Mexican cemetery.
OHL Classic at Mayakoba, PGA golf in the Riviera Maya, November 6 to 12
A field of players that includes some of the PGA’s leading young players and several former champions gathers for the OHL Classic at El Camaleón Golf Club in Mayakoba.
Xel-Ha Triathlon, Xel-Ha, November 18 & 19
A field of 1,800 athletes will compete in the Xel-Ha Triathlon and the National Triathlon Championship Mexico 2017.
Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, Playa del Carmen, November 30 – December 2
Playa Mamitas is the venue for this popular music event.
Check this blog for more events in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Yucatan during the year.
