Holidays and Events

In addition to year-round fun like scuba diving, fishing, shopping and hiking, you might consider planning your vacation during one of several island festivals. Being a part of one of these rich, colorful island celebrations will be an experience you’ll treasure forever.

Carnival (February)

The Central and South American equivalent of Mardi Gras, Carnival is an island-wide, two week party culminating on the Tuesday before Lent begins. The streets are decorated and people fill San Miguel’s streets, squares, restaurants, and bars with music, revelry, and dancing.
In the days leading up to Carnival Tuesday, elaborately costumed groups of all ages ,called comparsas, perform in the streets and campaign to be elected best children’s comparsa, best school comparsa, best neighborhood comparsa, etc. Individuals compete for the coveted titles of King and Queen of Carnival.
The costumed color reaches a crescendo during the grand parade of floats up and down the town’s main street, Rafael Melgar Avenue. Sometimes even costumed tourists participate!
Although the Carnival festivities only last for two weeks, Cozumel’s inhabitants begin the necessary planning and preparation many months earlier. Candidates for King and Queen may spend an entire year forming their comparsas, designing their costumes and selecting the music and dances, they will perform.
What really makes Carnival so special is that kind of intense, community-wide enthusiasm — one people of Cozumel are happy to share with their visitors.

El Cedral (April-May)

This 150-year-old festival has its roots in Mexico’s tumultuous mid-19th century, when a Mayan revolt in the Yucatan Peninsula sent a wave of refugees toward Cozumel. One such group was attacked by Mayan rebels before they could reach the safety of the island. Trapped in a church in the village of Sabán, many were killed and many more wounded.
One of the survivors, a young man named Casimiro Cárdenas, believed he survived only because of a small crucifix he grasped during the slaughter. He made a sacred vow that, should the remaining refugees reach Cozumel safely, they would honor the cross with a special service every year.
Eventually, Cárdenas and the rest made it to Cozumel, settling in the little village of El Cedral. True to Cárdenas’ word, the grateful newcomers held a solemn service and received the blessing of the cross (Santa Cruz) he had held. They invited the residents of San Miguel to join in, and soon the service became an annual island tradition. The religious services are now accompanied by a regional fair celebrating the island’s blended culture and heritage. Visitors can sample all kinds of native foods, peruse a variety of hand-crafted items and watch traditional contests, costumes and dances, including the famous “Boar’s Head Dance” and “Ribbons Dance.”
The Santa Cruz festival begins in late April and culminates on May 3rd. El Cedral itself is a small agricultural village located in the south-center part of the island.

San Miguel (September)

This feast day honoring the patron saint of Cozumel’s largest town is celebrated in September with a mix of religious and popular traditions.

Day of the Dead (November)

Celebrated on November 1st, this feast day honors deceased — but never forgotten —family members and friends. Elaborate graveside altars are decorated with artwork, photos, multi-colored candles, and offerings of the favorite foods.

Christmas (December)

The Christmas season is unforgettable in Cozumel. Children sing carols in the town squares and neighborhoods. Houses and streets are festooned with lights and holiday decorations. Best of all are the many parties, called posadas, in the days and weeks leading up to Christmas