Cozumel Fiestas
The most important festivities in Cozumel
Cozumel Fiestas – The most important festivities
In this article we describe the most important festivities on Cozumel and describe the most beautiful traditions behind them.
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Cozumel festivities: Carnival in February
Cozumel festivities: Carnival
Every February, the Carnival transforms Cozumel into another world. The beautifully decorated streets fill with loud music and hot dances. The Cozumel Carnival actually begins two weeks earlier: The Cozumel Carnival King and Queen have to be elected and the city is preparing to the upcoming event.
The next day there will be performances by the newly-elected Cozumel Carnival royal couple in the park Benito Juarez. The following week, further elections will be held for the carnival on Cozumel; for example, the best children’s performance, the best school performance and many more. The main parade of the Cozumel carnival takes place on Saturday, Sunday and Shrove Tuesday. There is a break on Carnival Monday.
After each performance at the Cozumel Carnival, the spectators can also dance and there is music until dawn. Colorful costumes, decorated cars and the number of visitors make the carnival on Cozumel an event that is deeply connected to the island.
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Spanish Word by Word
El Cedral Fiesta of the holy cross – End of April, Beginning of May
Festivities Cozumel: El Cedral
A man named Casimiro Cardenas sought protection from the approaching Maya and hid in a church in the village of Saban. When the Maya attacked, the shelter proved useless and many of those seeking protection died. Even Casimiro was badly wounded and survived only thanks to a cross in his hand. Casimiro was grateful that he was still alive. Therefore, he swore to God to hold a festival in his honor and repeat it every year, should he ever reach a safe place.
Fiesta in Cozumel: El Cedral
Cozumel festivities: Horse race El Cedral
Today, the Cozumel Fiesta of El Cedral is the oldest of all the celebrations on Cozumel after 146 years without interruption. Local art is sold, there is plenty to eat and drink. Traditional events such as horse racing, bullfighting and cockfighting show the close integration with local traditions. Even the many new residents of Cozumel could not abolish these rituals yet.
Traditional Maya Crossing – May
The traditional crossing of the Maya
In Xcaret on the mainland, the rowers meet and begin their journey. Only canoes and paddles are allowed. They travel to the Chancanaab Natural Park on Cozumel, from where it then goes back to the mainland. The Yukatan Channel between the mainland and Cozumel is only 10 miles long, but there are some very strong currents. Therefore, the participants train long before the actual event for the exhausting round trip.
Meanwhile, more than 1,000 canoes participate in the competition, with rowers from all over the world. Before the crossing starts, there are traditional rituals. A great event that is also very popular with spectators. The Yucatan Times newspaper provides interesting background information.
Summary
- The Cozumel Carnival is one of the most famous in Mexico
- The El Cedral festival in the village of the same name attracts thousands of guests every year.
- The Maya crossing between Xcaret and Chancanaab on Cozumel is reminiscent of times long past.
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Hello, my name is Birgit and I write about interesting topics around vacations in Mexico and traveling on the Yucatan peninsula. I would love to hear from you and I am always happy to receive ideas and recommendations for new articles.
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