Cancun Festivals and Events
January
Mayan Festivals – Enjoy a recreation of Mayan festivals at the Xcaret Eco park.
Epiphany - During the first week in January, local restaurants serve a cake called Rosca de Reyes which is baked with one small doll inside. The lucky recipient must invite everyone at the table to hot chocolate and tamales served in February during Candlemas.
February
Candlemas - During the first week of February, the end of the Christmas season is marked with the Candlemas celebration in homes and at local restaurants, involving a meal of tamales and hot chocolate.
Constitution Day – National Holiday
Dia de la Bandera (Flag Day)
March
Carnival - During the first half of March, Cancun celebrates its version of this pre-Ash Wednesday event, with floats, street parties with local food and drinks, and a variety of events, all over town.
Benito Juarez's Birthday ( March 21 ) - National Holiday honoring president and leader of the 19th-Century Reform movement.
Lasser Sailing Show – International sailing show featuring boat manufacturers from around the world.
April
Holy Week and Easter Celebrations and processions in observance of Christ's resurrection, during the Easter holiday
Anniversary of the Founding of Cancun - Residents celebrate the origin of their city throughout the downtown area with parades and street parties, throughout the downtown area.
May
Cinco de Mayo ( May 5 ) - National holiday commemorating Mexico's defeat of the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
Cancun Jazz Festival - Famous festival featuring jazz artist from around the world.
June
Caribbean Hotel International Congress – Annual meeting of hotel operators in the Caribbean provide the visitor with various foods, services and attractions.
July
Feast of Our Lady of Carmen The port town of Ciudad del Carmen hosts an annual regional fair which includes bullfighting and livestock exhibitions, sporting events, plenty of food, drinking and dancing.
September
Independence Day - In the middle of September, Cancun residents celebrate the liberation of Mexico by Padre Miguel Hidalgo, on El Grito, or the “Shout” Day, with festivities all over the downtown and Isla de Mujeres areas.
October
Mexican Caribbean Travel Mart – this annual event features foods and services for the travel agents association.
Eve of All Souls Day - Residents bring flowers and candles to the graves of loved ones on the eve of October 31.
November
All Souls Day; Day of the Dead - Throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, families enjoy a traditional meal at the graves of loved ones, and various festivals are held in the area, during the first two days in November.
Movie Festival - Enjoy an international gathering of cinema enthusiasts and screenings of the world’s best independent new films, during the month of November.
World Cup Triathlon - Watch international contestants compete in swimming, running and biking events at Langosta Beach, during the first week in November.
Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution ( November 24 ) – National Holiday that celebrates the Mexican Revolution of 1910. Enjoy parades and festivals all over Cancun and other cities in Mexico.
December
Christmas Holiday
Starting nine days before Christmas and concluding after the new year, a period called the “posada,” or procession, the residents celebrate the season with a variety of street fairs, piñata breaking, passion plays called “pastorelas,” and a feast in honor of the Virgen de la Soledad.
