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.
8th Bird Festival, Cozumel, October 14, 15 & 16
Cozumel residents and nature lovers from the mainland celebrate the diversity of the island’s bird species in October with a Festival. The program features seminars, a photography exhibition, documentaries and bird watching trips in different parts of the island.
14th Sea Turtle Festival, Santuario de la Tortuga Marina Xcacel-Xcacelito, Tulum, October 21-23
Celebrating the 2016 sea turtle nesting season in the Riviera Maya with turtle conservation and awareness events for the public and turtle art, sand sculptures and other fun activities for children in Tulum, Chemuyil and Sea Turtle Sanctuary at Xcacel-Xcacelito.
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, concerts, children’s events and a visit to the colorful Mexican cemetery.
This year, the state of Puebla is the guest of honor at the Festival and will bring with it a wealth of traditions, including the representation of the Huey Atlixcayotl fiesta which honors San Miguel Arcángel and Quetzalcoatl and brings together processions of pilgrims from the 11 ethnic regions of the state in Atlixco to celebrate with dances and ceremonies. Day of the Dead traditions from the northern mountains of Puebla will also be showcased with altars laden with flowers and offerings. Handicraft displays will showcase the famous blue and white Talavera ceramics, trees of life from Izucar de Matamoros and textiles. The enticing aromas of mole sauce, tinga and tamales will waft through the air mixing with the fragrance of flowers and clouds of copal incense.
Famous Mexican actor Ignacio Lopez Tarso and singer Lila Downs are both returning to the Xcaret stage this year.
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 Beach Club in Playa del Carmen is the venue for this popular music event. The line up for the 2016 Festival features the following artists:
December 1
Steve Gadd Band
Paco Rosas
Gonzalo Rubalcaba Volcan Trio
December 2
Blood, Sweat & tears
Fiusha Funk Band
Antonio Sanchez and Migration
December 3
Dirty Loops
Aguamala
Bill Evans
Cozumel Scuba Fest, Cozumel, November 30 – December 4
Divers who love exploring the underwater world of Cozumel are getting ready for the island’s Scuba Fest in December, an event featuring scuba routes, a photography exhibition, documentaries and lectures.
Advanced divers with Advanced Open water certification will be able to follow a route comprising nine dives that will take them to reefs to the north of Cozumel, the wreck of the Xicotencatl, a ship sunk in 1999, and challenging southern reefs such as Palancar Caves, the Devil’s Throat and Maracaibo.
The JM Cousteau Route takes in some of the reefs made famous by Jacques Cousteau in the 1960s and particular favorites of his son Jean-Michel Cousteau.
On the Yucatan Peninsula Diving Route advanced divers will venture into Xibalba, the mysterious underworld of the Maya and explore sacred caves, cenotes and a labyrinth of hidden waterways hollowed out of the limestone over millions of years. The route will take them to the Riviera Maya, site of the world’s longest underground rivers discovered to date, Valladolid to explore the cenotes of the eastern Yucatan and to Merida.
www.cozumelfest.com
Visit the Royal Resorts blog at www.royalresorts.com for listings of more events during the year.
