There’s plenty going on in the fall for visitors to the Mexican Caribbean, here’s our latest round up of upcoming events in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Yucatan.
10th Bird Festival, Cozumel, October 12- 14
Bird watching tours, conferences, environmental education workshops and the 2nd National Meeting of Coordinators of the CONABIO Urban Bird Program.
6th Cancun International Festival of Music, Cancun, October 18 to 27
More than 300 musicians of 12 nationalities will take to the stage during the festival. Different musical genres and venues.
Hanal Pixán, Dia de Muertos in Yucatan, November 1 and 2
The Maya Day of the Dead is called Hanal Pixán, which means “feast of souls.” Throughout the Yucatán, families make the pilgrimage to the cemetery to visit the graves of their loved ones and erect altars to honor the souls of children and adults.
You can see traditional Mayan altars on display at the Cancun Maya Museum and Las Palapas Park in Cancun, in Playa del Carmen, Valladolid, Izamal and in Mérida. In Merida there is an exhibition of traditional altars in the main square, a Day of the Dead themed Paseo de Flores floral exhibition in La Mejorada neighborhood and a procession to the city cemetery called Paseo de Las Animas.
Festival de Vida y Muerte, Xcaret Park, October 30 – November 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.
The Festival program features processions, altars, traditional cuisine, art exhibits, music, dance, theater, children’s events and a visit to the colorful Mexican cemetery. Each year, a different Mexican state is invited to participate in the Festival and showcase its Day of the Dead traditions and this year it is the turn of Zacatecas. Located in the northern uplands, Zacatecas is a state rich in history.
Wine & Food Festival, Cancun & Riviera Maya, October 31-November 4
More than 15 star chefs from Mexico and leading sommeliers gather for the 10th Wine & Food Festival. The guest city is Montreal. Events include gala dinners, wine tastings, BBQs, yacht cruises and parties. For more information on the program, venues and event pricing, visit wineandfoodfest.com
OHL Classic at Mayakoba, PGA golf in the Riviera Maya, November 5 -11, 2018
A field of players that includes some of the PGA’s leading young players and former champions gathers for the OHL Classic at El Camaleón Golf Club in Mayakoba.
10th Xel-Ha Triathlon, Xel-Ha, November 17-18
Over 2,000 triathletes are expected to compete in this year’s Xel-Ha Triathlon. The money raised from this event is donated to Flora, Fauna y Cultura de Mexico, A.C. to support conservation projects.
Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, Playa del Carmen, November 30 – December 2, 2018
Playa Mamitas in Playa del Carmen will be the venue for one of the year’s most popular events, the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival. The festival line up is as follows:
November 30: Bebel Gilberto • Lori Williams • Kike Pat & Bob Baldwin
December 1: Norah Jones • Paco Rosas & PK Band • Cristina Morrison • Drew Tucker & the New Standard
December 2: Bobby McFerrin • Lalah Hathaway • Pepe Hernández
Admission to the Festival is free.
Noche Blanca Museum Night, Merida, December 8
Merida’s many museums and art galleries will be open late during the Noche Blanca and there will be concerts and other cultural events for city dwellers and visitors to enjoy.
Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe, throughout Mexico, December 12
The patron saint of Mexico is honored nationwide with serenades of “Las Mañanitas,” the traditional birthday song the evening of December 11, offerings of fragrant flowers, pilgrimages and masses.
Anniversary of the Founding of Merida, January 6
On January 6, inhabitants of Merida, state capital of Yucatan observe the anniversary of the founding of the city in 1542 by Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo. Observed with a procession, mass and serenade to the city, it marks the start of the month-long City Festival, a gala event featuring concerts, dance performances, art exhibits and more.
Check during the year for more information on upcoming events in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Yucatan.
