Here’s the monthly Royal Resorts round up of upcoming events in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Yucatan this fall.
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.
Equinox at Chichen Itza, September 22
The light and shadow serpent that appears on the Pyramid of Kukulcan in the Great Plaza at Chichen Itza as the sun goes down on the Equinox, September 22, is also visible the day before and the day after (cloud cover permitting).
Merida Restaurant Week, Merida, September 24-30
300 of the city’s restaurants are participating in this annual event offering set menus for a special rate.
Fiesta del Cristo de Las Ampollas, September 27, Merida
The patron saint of Merida is honored with masses, pilgrimages, processions and traditional dances.
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 also 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 29 – December 1, 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 program has yet to be announced.
Check during the year for more information on upcoming events in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Yucatan.
