Local Events
Annual events
SAN PEDRO Y SAN PABLO FESTIVAL
June 29
A religious festival honoring Saint Peter and Saint Paul, complete with a fair, rides, food and craft shows.
A religious festival honoring Saint Peter and Saint Paul, complete with a fair, rides, food and craft shows.
DÍA DE LA INDEPENDENCIA (INDEPENDENCE DAY)
September 15 - 16
A nationwide festival celebrating Mexican Independence Day. On September 15 local residents and visitors congregate around the City Hall to participate in the traditional “grito”, or cry for independence. Followed by an impressive fireworks display and other festivities including traditional foods as well as musical and folkloric dance performances. On September 16, Independence Day, the celebrations continue with a parade that goes through Cozumel's downtown waterfront.
A nationwide festival celebrating Mexican Independence Day. On September 15 local residents and visitors congregate around the City Hall to participate in the traditional “grito”, or cry for independence. Followed by an impressive fireworks display and other festivities including traditional foods as well as musical and folkloric dance performances. On September 16, Independence Day, the celebrations continue with a parade that goes through Cozumel's downtown waterfront.
FIESTAS DE SAN MIGUEL ARCANGEL
September 21 - 29
One of Cozumel's most important religious festivals honoring San Miguel Arcángel, Saint Michael, Patron Saint of the island. The celebration begins on September 21, featuring colorful processions that start from the church of San Miguel and go throughout downtown, along with lively food and craft fairs. During this time, local residents attend mass and take part in daily processions wearing traditional Mayan outfits called “hipiles.”
One of Cozumel's most important religious festivals honoring San Miguel Arcángel, Saint Michael, Patron Saint of the island. The celebration begins on September 21, featuring colorful processions that start from the church of San Miguel and go throughout downtown, along with lively food and craft fairs. During this time, local residents attend mass and take part in daily processions wearing traditional Mayan outfits called “hipiles.”
In 1526, Francisco de Montejo, a representative of the King of Spain, was authorized to conquer and develop the island of Cozumel and gave the island the Christian name of San Miguel de Cozumel.
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS (DAY OF THE DEAD)
November 1 - 2
The history of the Day of the Dead dates back over 3,000 years ago. Life was seen as a dream and it was believed that only in dying was a human being truly awake and the soul set free. For the Day of the Dead, special altars are made with flowers, candles and food. Particularly popular are marigolds, a sacred orange flower that represents death.
November 1, Día de Todos los Santos (All Saints Day) is known as the day when the spirits of children are expected to return and Mexicans pay homage to the souls of the children who have passed on. Tradition states that the departed descend from the heavens on this day, so family members prepare for their arrival by leaving sugar skeletons, skulls and treats on altars specially made for the occasion. On November 2, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a celebration for all the adults that have passed away takes place. Families leave the favorite food and drink of the deceased on a special altar constructed in their home or on the tomb of the departed ancestor.
DIA DE LA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE
December 1 to December 12
Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most popular celebrations in Mexico and Cozumel. Cozumeleños are very devoted to the Virgin of Guadalupe and every year an island-wide celebration takes place, Cozumelenian style. The celebration kicks off on the first day of December with a pilgrimage lead through the island, by a variety of religious and non-religious organizations, to the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
CARNAVAL
February
Each year, since 1908, Cozumel celebrates Carnaval, the island's time-honored pre-Lenten festival. In Cozumel, grandparents, adults, teenagers and children alike come together to participate in the harmonically colorful and musical explosion. Within the Mexican-Caribbean, Cozumel displays the most popular and authentic Carnaval celebration, providing a more traditional and family-oriented event. Together locals and visitors enjoy five days of fun that includes parades, floats, traditional regional foods, music and dancing. The highlight of the festivities is the Comparsas Ball that features an incredible dance competition, not to be missed!
EL CEDRAL
April 20 to May 5
The anniversary of the first Catholic mass in Mexico, which was celebrated in El Cedral. A more than 150 year old tradition, the fair at El Cedral is held every year during the first week of May to commemorate the Day of the Holy Cross, honoring the safe passage of the 11 founding families who fled the mainland to Cozumel in 1848 during La Guerra de Castas (The Caste War). Particularly of note are the “Head of the Boar” and “The Ribbons” traditional dances which are performed on May 3rd Day of the Holy Cross (Día de la Santa Cruz ).
The anniversary of the first Catholic mass in Mexico, which was celebrated in El Cedral. A more than 150 year old tradition, the fair at El Cedral is held every year during the first week of May to commemorate the Day of the Holy Cross, honoring the safe passage of the 11 founding families who fled the mainland to Cozumel in 1848 during La Guerra de Castas (The Caste War). Particularly of note are the “Head of the Boar” and “The Ribbons” traditional dances which are performed on May 3rd Day of the Holy Cross (Día de la Santa Cruz ).
RODEO DE LANCHAS MEXICANAS (MEXICAN BOAT RODEO)
May 16-18
Annual sport fishing tournament that brings together competitors from Mexico and around the world to fish for Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Wahoo, Dorado, Tuna, Barracuda and other game fish. More than a 100 boats participate in the event each year.
Annual sport fishing tournament that brings together competitors from Mexico and around the world to fish for Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Wahoo, Dorado, Tuna, Barracuda and other game fish. More than a 100 boats participate in the event each year.
