Here’s our regular round up of festivals and events in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Yucatan in the summer and fall.
July Sport Fishing Tournaments
Nuestra Señora del Carmen, Playa del Carmen 2019, July 14
Punta Allen 2019 Fishing Tournament, Punta Allen, Sian Ka’an, July 19-21
Feria del Carmen, Playa del Carmen, July 7 – 16
Masses, processions, music, a fair and more to honor Playa del Carmen’s patron saint.
La Diosa del Mar Women’s International Fishing Tournament, Puerto Morelos, July 12 & 13
Catch and release international fishing tournament.
Whale Shark Festival Isla Mujeres, July 19-21
A celebration of the world’s largest fish, a summer visitor to the Mexican Caribbean.
165th Anniversary of the Foundation of Holbox, Holbox, July 22
Folk ballet and live music in the main square, July 22 at 7 p.m.
Tunich Craft Fair, Dzitya, July 29 – August 7
Located 15 minutes to the north of Merida, the village of Dzitya has been hosting a craft festival for 15 years now. Local wood and stone carvers exhibit their art, in addition to other Yucatecan crafts such as hammocks, embroidered textiles, ceramics, palm and henequen products. This year, folk artists from five guest states: Puebla, Veracruz, Michoacán, Querétaro and Guanajuato will join them. There will also be stalls selling honey, candies, drinks and traditional cuisine from the Yucatan and the other states.
Procession de la Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre, Isla Mujeres, August 2
A procession of boats sails out into the bay to honor the statue of the Virgin.
Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Izamal, August 15, Izamal
Ten days of masses, processions, traditional dances and music in Izamal, a historic town in the Yucatan famous for its colonial convent and surrounding buildings all painted in bright yellow with a white trim. Izamal shares the distinction of being one of the Yucatan’s twin Pueblos Magicos or “Magical” Towns with Valladolid, a name given to smaller Mexican communities that are rich in history and traditions or are the site of natural wonders.
169th Anniversary of the Settlement of Isla Mujeres, August 17
Isla Mujeres celebrates its anniversary in August, 169 years since the first settlers in the modern era founded the village of Dolores. Isla Fest events include processions, dance performances, live music and more.
Cruz de la Bahía, Isla Mujeres, August 17
Islanders take to their boats in a pilgrimage to honor the submerged cross in the bay between Isla Mujeres and Cancun
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 22
Competitors face a new course this year with more than 40 obstacles and challenges.
Fiesta del Cristo de Las Ampollas, September 27, Merida
The patron saint of Merida is honored with masses, pilgrimages, processions and traditional dances.
Fiesta de Santo Cristo Negro, Sitilpech, Izamal, October 18
A procession of local gremios or guilds carries the statue of Christ from the parish church of Sitilpech through the streets of Izamal to the sanctuary where it will remain for 27 days before being returned to the church. This traditional fiesta is celebrated with processions, masses, fireworks and a vaqueria.
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. Dia de Muertos is known as Hanal Pixan in the Yucatan.
Triathlon Xel Ha, November 16 – 17
This annual event draws triathletes from all over Mexico and overseas.
Mayakoba Golf Classic PGA tournament, November 11-17, 2019
A field of the world’s leading golfers competes for the OHL Classic trophy at El Camaleon Golf Club in Mayakoba, Riviera Maya.
Fiesta de la Inmaculada Concepcion, Izamal, December 8
Thousands of pilgrims join processions to honor the Virgin Mary. There are masses and the traditional fair or vaquería with dances, food stalls and more.
Check the Royal Resorts blog for more events in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Yucatan during the year.
