A February of Carnivals: Events in Riviera Maya and Yucatán

February is one of the most vibrant months of the year in the Mexican Caribbean. Beyond its beaches and sunshine, the region comes alive with music, parades, competitions, and long-standing traditions that invite locals and visitors to celebrate together in an atmosphere of color and joy. Below, we share the must-see events in Riviera Maya and Yucatán for February 2026, across destinations such as Playa del Carmen, Mérida, Cozumel, and Isla Mujeres.

Playa del Carmen Carnival

Dates: February 23^rd to March 4^th

Playa del Carmen is getting ready for one of its most anticipated celebrations of the year: Playa del Carmen Carnival 2026, a festivity that spans more than a week and features a diverse program designed for the entire family.

The festivities begin with the Coronation of the Carnival Queen and King (February 8), followed by an energetic week of parades, dance troupes, live concerts, and cultural activities centered around the Plaza 28 de Julio Amphitheater, the heart of the carnival.

Confirmed concerts for this edition include performances by national and international artists such as Nicki Nicole, Bomba Estéreo, and Jesse & Joy, turning the celebration into a lively gathering of live music, dance, and performance art.

In addition to the traditional parades (derroteros) that wind through the main streets with colorful floats and elaborate costumes, the carnival also features cultural showcases and family-friendly events, ensuring entertainment for all ages.

Las Noches del Carmen (Carmen Nights)

Dates: February 20^th and 21^st

Alongside the carnival, “Las Noches del Carmen: Flavor, Culture, and Magic” returns for its second edition as a gastronomic and cultural celebration that highlights Playa del Carmen’s identity, hospitality, and culinary traditions. Part of the city’s cultural calendar, the event is designed to appeal to those who appreciate local cuisine, music, and distinctive cultural experiences.

This year’s guest city is Bacalar, famous for its stunning Lagoon of Seven Colors and recognized for its natural beauty, folklore, gastronomy, and traditions.

The event brings together the best of regional cuisine and local talent through traditional dishes, handcrafted products, and flavors that tell a story. Classic ingredients such as corn and achiote blend seamlessly with the sounds of marimba and contemporary musical proposals.

Las Noches del Carmen has become an important gathering point for families and visitors alike. Parque Fundadores transforms into a vibrant stage filled with music, dance, artisan crafts, and artistic interventions. The musical lineup features DJ sets from Bacalar, along with local folkloric expressions such as the Danzón de Bacalar, making each evening a celebration that bridges tradition and modernity.

Cozumel Carnival

Main dates: February 11^th–18^th

The island of Cozumel preserves one of the oldest carnival traditions in the Mexican Caribbean, celebrated through iconic parades, costume contests, and live music.

Highlights include multiple carnival parades, the presentation of the royal court, competitions across several categories, and concerts held in public spaces such as Parque Quintana Roo and Parque Benito Juárez.

From February 14 to 17, the carnival reaches its peak with three major parades and a packed live-music lineup featuring nationally recognized artists such as María José, Alexander Acha, and Margarita “La Diosa de la Cumbia.”

Isla Mujeres Carnival

Dates: February 6^th–17^th

Isla Mujeres dresses up for celebration with its “Soy Isla Mujeres Carnival 2026,” featuring activities in both the Continental Zone (February 6^th-8^th) and the Island Zone (February 12^th–17^th).

The program includes a coronation gala, children’s performances, themed nights, and concerts by artists such as Gente de Zona, La Factoría, and La Original Banda El Limón, offering something for every taste and age group.

Colorful parade troupes, live music, and the festive energy filling the Main Plaza and Rueda Medina Avenue make this carnival an unmissable cultural experience in the Mexican Caribbean.

Mérida Carnival 

Dates: February 11^th–18^th

Although Mérida is located in Yucatán, its cultural connection and easy access from destinations like Cancún and the Riviera Maya make it an ideal option for travelers seeking a traditional Mexican celebration with a cosmopolitan twist.

Under the theme “Circo Carnaval Mérida 2026,” the city offers experiences across multiple venues within the Xmatkuil fairgrounds, featuring themed shops, live music, acrobatic installations, interactive activities, historical exhibitions, and family-friendly shows.

Visitors can also enjoy cultural programming such as photographic exhibitions celebrating the centennial history of Mérida’s carnival, reflecting the blend of tradition and modernity that defines this iconic festival.

Tips for visitors

• Plan ahead: Carnivals coincide with key festive dates, such as Carnival Tuesday (February 17^th), and attract large crowds.
• Check official schedules: Some activities are free, while others may require reservations.
• Mix and match experiences: Take advantage of the region’s cultural calendar by pairing carnival celebrations with local gastronomic and artistic events.

February transforms the Mexican Caribbean into a vibrant stage of celebration, tradition, and community. It’s the perfect month to experience the region at its most authentic.

If you’re in Quintana Roo, this is your sign to join the festivities. And if you’re visiting, get ready to discover that the magic here isn’t only found in the sea—but also in its streets, its people, and its carnivals.