 About
Us : 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. |
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