The carnival season in the Yucatán Peninsula kicked off in February and will wrap up in early March, featuring a blend of music, dance, history, and traditions. These vibrant events are taking place in the states of Yucatán, Campeche, and Quintana Roo, promising days filled with fun and cultural festivities.
Progreso
One of the most anticipated carnivals is in Progreso, which began with the traditional Burning of Bad Mood. Highlights include the parade of famous floats on the boardwalk, the Children’s Dog Carnival, the Fantasy and Masks Walk, the Sunday Walk, the Battle of Flowers Walk, and the Burning of Juan Carnival. The event features renowned artists such as Cecilia Galeano, Edwin Luna, La Trakalosa de Monterrey, comedian Ismael Salazar “Mactá,” Sebastián Ruli, and Matute. The carnival started on February 20 and will conclude on March 5.
Mérida
Mérida’s carnival, a highly anticipated event, is also in full swing at the Xmatkuil fairgrounds, running until March 5. The festivities include performances by Ruperta Péres Sosa, Rubén Baeza Junior, Estibent, Reyes del Sabor, and Yuri. Shows like Fantastic at the Castillo de los Sueños, Forever Circus “Amazonia,” and the Kings of the Carnival of Mérida “Amazónico” add to the excitement.
Kanasín
Kanasín is hosting its own carnival from February 27 to March 5, featuring an impressive lineup of artistic guests. Performers include Lis Vega, Poncho de Nigris, Los Capitanes de la Cumbia, Súper Lamas, Brigitte Bozzo, Agustín Fernández, Bellakhat, Súper Caracoles, Mega Boom, TilaTila María Sesto, Flash Gordon, and Estampida Musical. The Burning of Juan Carnaval on March 5 is eagerly anticipated.
Campeche
The Carnival of Campeche, one of the oldest in Mexico dating back to 1582, combines indigenous and Spanish traditions. The festivities include the coronation of the Children’s Kings, the Carnival Kings, and the Kings of the Show. Parades, known as derroteros, fill the streets with color and joy. Events include the Burning of Bad Mood, the Walk of Flowers, the Children’s Corso on Friday, the Saturday of Bando, and the Naval Round. Besides the main carnival in the capital, towns like Lerma, Samulá, and Chiná hold their own celebrations a week later. The Carnival of Ciudad del Carmen is notable for its independence from the capital and includes parades, live music, and cultural activities.
Quintana Roo
In Quintana Roo, the carnival festivities take place in multiple locations. The main event in Cancún began on February 27 and concluded on March 4 at the Tajamar Boardwalk, featuring performances by La Arrolladora Banda El Limón, La Sonora Santanera, La Sonora Dinamita, Matute, and Intocable. Other notable celebrations include Cozumel’s carnival with Sonora Dinamita, Ladies Show, Alejandra Guzmán, Los Méndez, Charanga Latina, Wendy Guevara, and Piso 21. In Playa del Carmen, performers include Jesse & Joy, Bogueto, Charly Ginn, Supa G, Rawayana, Bomba Estéreo, and Nicki Nicole. Puerto Morelos’ carnival features Sonora Dinamita, Banda El Recodo, Junior Klan, and Edwin Luna, along with other well-known artists.
The Yucatán Peninsula’s carnivals are a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant community spirit, offering a kaleidoscope of experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Source: Por Esto
