Carnival in Cozumel or as it is known on the island, Carnaval de Cozumel is one of the oldest Carnival celebrations in all of Mexico and the Caribbean. Possibly even the oldest at over 150 years old. While Carnival dates and length vary throughout the Caribbean, Carnaval de Cozumel has traditionally followed the Catholic tradition of the sacrifices made during Lent. It is a weeklong event filled with music, dancing and parades. Typically, it is anywhere from Mid-February to early March, depending on the date for Easter,
Often when visitors think of Carnival, they think of the massive dance groups of Brazil or the colorful Krewes of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Carnival in Cozumel is steeped in thrilling celebrations and colorful traditions of its own. In Cozumel, Carnival is embraced by the entire community. It is a week of festivals, ceremonies and family events. While it has its share of drinking and dancing, Carnaval de Cozumel is an event that is inclusive of the entire community. From families with children to island visitors and young revelers there is something for everyone during this weeklong celebration.
Locally, the party begins weeks before with the Pre-Carnaval events. The candidates for all titles are initially presented 4 weeks before the festival. The candidates for Carnival King and their costumes are presented in the second week with the third week bringing the election of the Carnival Kings and their Troupes. The Pre-Carnaval activities conclude on the fourth week with the election of Youth Kings, Children Kings and Diversity Kings.
Carnival Events
Beginning the Thursday before Ash Wednesday the festivities kick off Children’s Thursday or Coronation of Infants. This is a parade for the children. For many young residents, this is the first introduction to Carnival and instills pride and memories of the traditions that they will embrace for the rest of their lives in Cozumel.
The following day, Troupe Friday gives the first opportunity for the various groups that have formed dance troupes to show off their costumes and choreographies during the first Gala Ball. The troupes take shape from a variety of groups, including friends, schools, businesses and civic organizations.
Fantasy Saturday launches the first major event of Carnival. A large parade of floats, dancers, singers and street entertainers heads down Meglar and doubles back for hours of entertainment. The community takes seats all along the seawall, restaurants and sidewalks to picnic, drink and socialize well into the night. After the Parade, concert venues and parks host music events and concerts well into the night including the Second Carnival Ball.
Sunday of Tradition features a second parade down the oceanfront with another night of community gathering along the parage route There is live music in Parque Benito Juarez and a late night music event in Carnival Palace, City Hall Park - Parque Quintana Roo.
Monday is dedicated to regional pride with festivals, music and competitions hosted in Parque Benito Juarez. Local food vendors and merchants set up booths throughout the park. It is followed by the Grand Ball lasting late into the night at Carnival Palace, City Hall Park - Parque Quintana Roo.
The final major party of Carnival is Tuesday, with the third parade of the season. The Grand Carnival Parade takes over the waterfront followed by yet another concert well into the night.
Carnival is wrapped up on Ash Wednesday with the awards Ceremony and Traditional Burning of Juan Canaval. It is a festival tradition believed to cleanse the sins of the community. The day begins with the parade of the Juan Canaval effigy through the streets of Cozumel. According to legend, Juan had affairs with thousands of women in eight countries and had an unknown number of children with them. It was passed on through folklore that his wife stabbed him to death from jealously and his will is read on Ash Wednesday. With men dressed as executioners and women in mourning, the parade ends in the reading of the will and the Burning of Juan Carnaval symbolizing the end of Carnaval and the Cozumel’s most important and historical festival.