166th Anniversary of the Settlement of Isla Mujeres, August 17
Isla Mujeres celebrates its anniversary in August, 166 years since the first settlers in the modern era founded the village of Dolores. Events include processions, dances, music and more.
Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Izamal, August 15, Izamal
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 is one of the Yucatan’s twin Pueblos Magicos or “Magical” Towns, Valladolid is the other, and both are rich in history and traditions.
Cozumel Triathlon, Cozumel, September 11 to 18
Cozumel is hosting the Grand Final of the ITU Triathlon World Championships expected to draw 5,000 athletes to the island. The opening ceremony and parade of nations will be in Playa del Carmen and the Triathlon events and awards ceremony on Cozumel.
Cozumel has hosted an ITU World Cup event three years in a row. http://cozumel.triathlon.org/triland/triathlon_in_cozumel/
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 18
Xplor Bravest Race Volcano La Isla is a five-kilometer race with manmade and natural obstacles and chase zones where Running Lava runners will try and steal the three flags you are carrying before you reach the finish line. 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
Fiesta del Cristo de Las Ampollas, September 27, Merida
The patron saint of Merida is honored with masses, pilgrimages, processions and traditional dances.
Maya Culture Festival (FICMAYA 2016), Merida, October, October 13-23
The theme of the 2016 Festival Internacional de la Cultura Maya in Merida is “Language to Imagination.” It will showcase the languages spoken by different Mayan communities in the Yucatan Peninsula, Chiapas and Guatemala today and in the past. The expression of language, whether in tales of the Maya cosmovision and mythology, epigraphy or deciphering Mayan hieroglyphic inscriptions and codices, poetry, and literature will feature in the festival program. Events will include seminars given by leading experts on Maya culture, poetry readings and theater, live music, dance and much more.
The 2016 guests of honor are the state of Tabasco and the Dominican Republic.
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.
The Festival program features processions, altars, traditional cuisine, art exhibits, music, dance, theater, children’s events and a visit to the colorful Mexican cemetery.
Kooben Festival, Gastronomic Festival of the Mayab, Merida, November 2-6
Held in Merida, the Kooben Festival celebrates the flavors of Yucatan and other regions of Mexico and will bring together 31 star chefs from all over the country, local chefs, students from 10 catering schools, and foodies. The program features gala dinners, a cocktail, a cooking contest, seminars at the Mundo Maya Museum and an event where attendees can taste traditional Yucatecan dishes prepared by local cooks and watch a performance of jarana dances.
OHL Classic at Mayakoba, PGA golf in the Riviera Maya, November 7 to 13
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.
Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, Playa del Carmen, December 1,2 & 3
Playa Mamitas is the venue for this popular music event. The line up for the 2016 Festival has yet to be announced.
Visit the Royal Resorts blog at www.royalresorts.com for listings of more events during the year.
