Events Calendar

February/March
Carnaval (Mardi Gras). Begins the week before Ash Wednesday. Locals dress in elaborate costume and parade through the streets of downtown Cancún and Cozumel.

March 13 - April 1
Lasser. Sailing Show.

March 21
Anniversario de Benito Juárez (Birthday of Benito Juárez). This holiday celebrates the birthday of one of Mexico's greatest heroes.

March 21 - 22
Vernal Equinox. Chichén Itzá: A phenomenon of light and shadow displays the pattern of a serpent slithering down the steps of El Castillo (Pyramid of Kukulkán).

April
Anniversary of the Founding of Cancún. A variety of cultural activities are planned, included singing and dancing contests all over downtown.

May
Cancun Jazz Festival May 10 -13. The tenth annual Festival, which has in previous years featured jazz greats like Etta James, Ray Charles, Carlos Santana and Tito Puente.

June 25 - 28
CHIC Caribbean Hotel International Congress.

September 15
Independence Day. The year’s biggest celebration, held in the Plaza de la Reforma, downtown. The Mayor of Cancún opens the ceremony with the shout of "Viva Mexico!"; festivities include fireworks, traditional food and souvenirs. There is also a parade on September 16.

October 4 - 6
Mexican Caribbean Travel Mart Cancún Travel Agent Association, Cancún Hotel Association members and other regional suppliers participate in this travel industry trade show. Widely attended by wholesalers and retail travel agents from around the world.

October 27 - November 4
ITU Triathlon World Cup

October 31
Eve of All Soul’s Day. Celebrated all through the Yucatán. Relatives place flowers and candles on the graves of the deceased.

November 1-2
All Souls Day and Day of the Dead - Graveside and Church ceremonies. A festive atmosphere in cemeteries throughout Mexico. A symbolic family meal is eaten at the graveside.

November 4-6
International Triathalon.

December
Christmas Festivities. The posada (procession) of Christmas begins nine days before the holiday, when families and friends take part in special pastorelas (plays) that portray Mary and Joseph and their search for a birthplace for Christ. The streets are alive with people, food stands, music and colourful Nativity scenes.