Here’s our monthly listing of upcoming festivals and events in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Yucatan.
Carnival, March 1-6 (dates vary slightly according to location)
From Cozumel, Cancun and Playa del Carmen to Merida and Campeche, it’s Carnival season.
Cozumel February 27 – March 6
Cancun March 1 – 5
Isla Mujeres March 1 – 5
Playa del Carmen February 28 – March 5
Merida February 26 – March 6
Valladolid February 23 – March 6
Campeche February 25 – March 5
Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza, March 20-22
The famous light and shadow serpent of Kukulcan appears on El Castillo Pyramid at Chichen Itza and descends from the heavens at sunset on the day of the Spring Equinox (March 20-22). It is also visible the day before and after, cloud cover permitting.
On the day of the Equinox the rising sun also appears through the doorway of the Temple of the Dolls in the ancient city of Dzibilchaltun to the north of Merida.
Holbox Fishing Tournament, Holbox, April 12-13
Easter Week, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Merida, Valladolid and elsewhere in Mexico, April 15 – 21
Masses, processions and reenactments of the Crucifixion, masses, floral carpets in the streets and more on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday.
49th Anniversary of the Founding of Cancun, Cancun April 20
Masses, processions, exhibitions and more in Downtown Cancun to celebrate the 49th anniversary of the founding of Cancun.
Copa Capitan Ferrat Fishing Tournament, Cancun, April 19 – 21
One of the most important fishing tournaments in the Mexican Caribbean.
Volando al Paraiso Hot Air Balloon Festival, Cancun, April 19-21
Pok Ta Pok Golf course in the Cancun Hotel Zone will be the site for this Hot Air Balloon Festival and there will also be kite flying, cuisine, music and more.
Fundadores 2019 International Riviera Maya Fishing Tournament, Playa del Carmen, April 26-28
This fishing tournament attracts fishermen from all over the state and the Caribbean. Competitors are asked to follow catch and release policy to help preserve fish stocks.
Challenge Cancun Triathlon, Cancun, April 28
1,500 top triathletes gather in Cancun for this international triathlon. The swimming course is in the bay between Cancun and Isla Mujeres; the bike race circuit is from Casa Blanca Sports Club in Bonampak Ave to The Royal Sands in the Hotel Zone (two laps) and the running event will take place on Bonampak Ave.
Don Andres Garcia Lavin Tournament, Puerto Morelos, May 3-5
Sport fishermen make their way to Puerto Morelos in early May for the town’s popular fishing tournament.
Other May tournaments take place on Cozumel from May 10 to 12, Isla Mujeres from May 17 to 19 and in Playa del Carmen from May 24 to 26
Travesía Sagrada Maya 2019, Xcaret and Cozumel, May 17-18
The Sacred Mayan Crossing is the reenactment of an ancient pilgrimage. Oarsmen set sail from the port of Pole (now Xcaret) in wooden canoes bound for the island of Cozumel where they will worship at the shrine of Ixchel, the Maya goddess of the moon and fertility.
