LOCAL FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS

HOLY WEEK is an important date in Mexico as it has deep-rooted Christian traditions, it starts on Palm Sunday as according to the Gospels Jesus arrived triumphantly to Jerusalem riding a donkey. there are lots celebrations including parades with people wearing traditional attire, dances and even a procession with a man carrying the cross.

 CARNIVAL  It takes place in February and  March a wonderful time to visit Cozumel, there is a coronation award for the best costume and dance. A colourful parade with beautifully decorated floats as well as people walking wearing intricate costumes decorated with feathers and sequin.

SAN MIGUEL ARCANGEL CELEBRATIONS  In 1526 Francisco de Montejo a conquistador for the King of Spain gave the island the Christian name of San Miguel. From then on ,during  the week of September 21st to the 29th people celebrate it with a procession carrying an effigy of Saint Michael the Archangel, wearing traditional clothes with flowers and bows, in the town square they set stalls with tasty traditional dishes, on the last they there is a procession following the fisher men who symbolically set out into the ocean and throw flowers into the water. It is a beautiful old tradition.

DAY OF THE DEAD (Halloween) Hanal Pixan or "food for the souls," is a Maya tradition observed to specially remember friends and relatives who have departed on the eternal journey. It is a special occasion for the loved ones left behind, as they know that during these days—from October 31 to November 2—the souls  "receive permission" to visit their families. There are various rituals, the main one is setting a table as an altar with photographs, food and candles.

EL CEDRAL FESTIVAL  is one of Quintana Roo’s oldest and most deeply rooted celebrations, 

marks its anniversary with a vibrant program of music, culture, religion, and historical remembrance. The festivities, run from April 23 to May 4 in the town known as El Cedral, it honours the legacy of the region’s repopulation following the Caste War of Yucatán.  The festival traces its origins to 1848, when families fleeing violence in Valladolid, Chemax, and other Yucatán communities sought refuge in Cozumel. Among them was Casimiro Cárdenas, a survivor of the Saban massacre, who pledged to honour the Holy Cross every May 3rd in gratitude for his survival. This promise has been upheld for more than 177 years by his descendants and the community. 

MEXICO INDEPENDENCE DAY On the eve of September 15th, residents and visitors attend City Hall, to take part in the traditional cry for independence. At midnight they enjoy fireworks, folk dancing, music and stalls selling all kinds of fabulous food and crafts. On September 16th, the official Independence Day, people parade through Cozumel’s downtown and along the waterfront. some even on horseback, residents and visitors enjoy the dancing, food stalls, crafts and more.