With a moving religious celebration that brought together hundreds of people, the festivities in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, patron saint of Playa del Carmen, officially began on Sunday, July 5. This tradition, which has strengthened the identity, faith, and sense of belonging of the people of Playa del Carmen for more than six decades, is a testament to this tradition.
As part of the opening activities, Mayor Estefanía Mercado attended the solemn Mass celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, accompanied by her husband, Eduardo Nájera, as well as members of the City Council, including the Secretary General, Luis Herrera Quiam, and the Director General of the Municipal Institute of Culture and the Arts, Ernesto Martínez Cuéllar.
The Eucharist was presided over by the Bishop of Tenancingo, Monsignor Víctor Carabés Chávez, and Father Enrique Flores, who emphasized the profound spiritual significance of these festivities and the importance of preserving traditions that strengthen the social fabric and keep the community’s faith alive.
Earlier, the traditional solemn procession with the venerated image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel took place, departing from the chapel on Fifth Avenue and proceeding to the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, located on 15th Avenue, between 10th and 12th Streets. Along the route, dozens of faithful accompanied the image, while hundreds more awaited it at the church to participate in the liturgical celebration.
At the end of the ceremony, the mayor emphasized that these festivities represent much more than a religious tradition, as they constitute a historical and cultural legacy that has accompanied the growth of Playa del Carmen from its origins as a fishing community to becoming one of the most important tourist destinations in the country.
“The festivities in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which span more than 60 years, give us identity and strengthen the sense of belonging among the residents of Playa del Carmen. This celebration is part of the historical and cultural legacy of our beloved municipality,” the mayor stated.
She also announced that the cultural and artistic program for the 2026 Carmen Fair will be presented this Monday. The program includes activities for the whole family and aims to preserve traditions, promote artistic talent, and strengthen community ties.
Finally, the mayor recalled that, in recognition of its profound historical, social, and cultural value, the Playa del Carmen City Council declared the patron saint festival in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel an Intangible Cultural Heritage of the State of Quintana Roo last year, reaffirming its commitment to preserving one of the most representative expressions of Playa del Carmen’s identity.
Source: lajornadamaya
