Here’s our monthly round up of upcoming events in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Yucatan.
500 Years of Cozumel, May 2017-May 2018
Cozumel commemorates the 500th anniversary of the first encounters that Spanish explorers had with the Maya of Quintana Roo in 1517and 1518.
The Cozumel: 500 Years, the Meeting of Two Cultures festival began in 2017 and concludes in May 2018 with a series of events such as exhibitions, concerts, seminars and more.
Sixth Festival of the Oceans, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos, May 13 – June 8
The program for the 6th Festival de los Oceanos includes concerts, photo exhibitions, conferences, beach cleaning in Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Contoy and a gastronomic contest pitting colleges against each other in creating recipes using lion fish. More information: festivaldelosoceanos.com.mx
Tulum Food, Spirits & Wine Festival, Tulum, May 21-27
Celebrating Mexican cuisine in Tulum. Gala dinners with three-course menus. Visit the Festival website at tulumfswf.com for more information.
Travesía Sagrada Maya, Xcaret and Cozumel, May 25-26
One of the most popular events in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Yucatan in May, the Travesia Sagrada Maya or Sacred Mayan Journey is the reenactment of an ancient Mayan 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.
Anniversary of the Foundation of Valladolid, May 28-29
The colonial town of Valladolid celebrates the anniversary of its founding in 1543 with masses, serenades, traditional dances and a candlelit procession to the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena.
Navy Day in Puerto Morelos, June 1
Puerto Morelos has a small naval base and on June 1, Navy Day, the whole town turns out to celebrate el Día de la Marina or Navy Day. Events include a boat procession and a swimming race. This is a great way to meet local people and join the party.
Commemorating La Chispa in Valladolid, June 4
The population of Valladolid turns out on the night of June 4 to witness the representation of a rebellion against injustice in 1910 that was the first spark or chispa of the Mexican Revolution. More than 800 actors take part in La Chispa. Dressed in authentic turn-of-the-century garb, they play the parts of the rebels, ruling aristocrats, and the police and soldiers sent to arrest them. After marches through the streets to the main square, the evening culminates with the trial and mock execution by firing squad of the leaders of the rebellion.
July Sport Fishing Tournaments
Punta Allen 2018 Fishing Tournament, Punta Allen, Sian Ka’an, July 13-15
Copa Punta Herrero 2018, Punta Herrero, Sian Ka’an, July 27-29
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 13 & 14
Catch and release international fishing tournament.
Whale Shark Festival, Isla Mujeres, July 20 -22
164th Anniversary of the Foundation of Holbox, Holbox, July 22
Folk ballet and live music in the main square, July 22 at 7 p.m.
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 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.
168th Anniversary of the Settlement of Isla Mujeres, August 17
Isla Mujeres celebrates its anniversary in August, 168 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.
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.
Visit this blog during the year for more listings of events in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Yucatan during the year.
