Carnaval Cozumel is One of the Liveliest Parties in All of Mexico

For more than 140 years, the island of Cozumel has celebrated Mardi Gras with a mélange of cultural influences during a non-stop weeklong Carnaval festival. This year’s fun stretches Feb 22^nd-Mar 1^st, with the biggest party on Fat Tuesday (Feb 28^th).

Join the Legendary Non-Stop Party of Carnaval Cozumel

When:

February 22^nd-March 1^st

The “Fiesta in Paradise,” this is the party we wait for all year. Held in “The Carnaval Capital of the Mexican Caribbean,” Carnaval de Cozumel is the place to celebrate Mardi Gras in Riviera Maya. Whether you choose to spend one day or all eight reveling on our neighbor island, the 40-minute ferry ride sails frequently – 6:30am-11pm out of Playa, and 5:30am-10pm back from Cozumel.

140+ Years of History Over 8 Days & Nights

Not only one of the largest, but among the oldest Carnaval celebrations in all of Mexico, Cozumel transforms into an island of live music, dancing in the streets, colorful floats, festive feasting, and boisterous parades for more than a week each season. Most events take place at Parque Quintana Roo, where parade routes begin as well, proceeding down the beachfront Malecon (Av Raphael Melgar) to the airport, then back. As for what’s happening when, here’s a breakdown to help plan your party:

February 22^nd

8pm: Opening Ceremonies & Coronation of 2017 Carnaval Cozumel Royalty

February 23^rd

Children’s King & Queen / Dance Competitions

February 24^th

10am: Children, Infant, & Pet Costume Shows

10pm: Adult Dance Competitions

February 25^th

9am: Food Court, Dancing, & Vendors

6pm: First Parade!

9pm: Grand Masquerade Costume Contest & Dance

February 26^th

9am: Food Court, Dancing, & Vendors

6pm: Second Parade!

February 27^th

9am: Food Court, Dancing, & Vendors

3pm: Big Color Race 5K

9pm: Tropical Caribbean Dance

February 28^th – FAT TUESDAY!!!

9am: Food Court, Dancing, & Vendors

6pm: The BIG Parade!

10pm: Closing Show

March 1^st

7pm: Awards Ceremony & Burning of “Juan Carnaval”

Playa del Carmen Knows How to Party, Too

It may not be as globally renowned, but Mardi Gras festivities in Playa are certainly a blast as well – and getting bigger every year! A stage in Municipal Park (20^th Av, btwn 8^th & 10^th Streets) serves as the centerpiece, with live shows and dancing. As for the parades, they tend to start on 5^th Av and Juarez, marching up La Quinta until the floats join at Constituyentes.