Cancun Events

2024 Cancun Events Calendar

Even if you’re dreaming of simply laying on the beach for days and days, your visit to Cancun will ultimately be about more than the white sands and the brilliant blue surf. Mexico has a rich history and cultural vibrancy that can be experienced throughout the year just by being here. Are you ready to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and tastes of not only Cancun but also an entire country? In our Cancun events calendar, we have compiled a list of fascinating happenings, fun holidays, sporting events and of course, the festivals Mexico is famous for.

As you plan your Cancun vacation, refer to our Cancun Events Calendar to ensure that you don’t miss a thing. While it is by no means exhaustive, it does cover much of what takes place regularly in Cancun throughout the year.

Plan your vacation ahead of time around these holidays and book your Cancun adventure with us!

 

JANUARY

January 6 - Dia de los Reyes (Day of the Kings)

Come sample Rosca de Reyes and drink warm chocolate on this traditional Mexican holiday of gift giving that celebrates the three kings who visited Jesus. There are many toy drives around Cancun, so bring a special toy to share with those less fortunate.

Late January - The Annual Handline Barracuda Tournament

On the island of Isla Mujeres just off the coast of Cancun, anglers gather for this well-known barracuda bash that raises money for local charities.

 

FEBRUARY

February 2- Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas Day)

Between the winter and spring solstices, people cast off the mid-season blahs by celebrating this religious holiday with their families.

February 5 - Constitution Day

Throughout Mexico, people celebrate this national holiday with parades, fairs and festivals, picnics, concerts and fun street celebrations.

February 14 - El Día del Amor y la Amistad (St. Valentines Day)

Romance blossoms in Cancun on this day that is a celebration of both friendship and love! Know that restaurants, music venues and the romantic Cancun Sunset Sailing and Riviera Maya Sunset Sailing tend to book up far in advance around St. Valentine's Day in Cancun, so be sure to make reservations.

End of February (or beginning of March) - Carnaval

Come to Cancun and celebrate Carnaval in Playa del Carmen with a parade that lasts five nights and showcases incredible floats and elaborate masks! It truly is one of the areas best and most colorful events!

 

MARCH

March 20 - Spring Equinox

Head to Chichen Itza on March 20th to see one of the ancient wonders of Mexico! Each year on the spring equinox, the angle of the setting sun causes a serpent shadow to appear on the awe-inspiring Kukulkan pyramid.

Semana Santa and Pascua

Cancun sees a large influx of vacationers during the pre-Easter Holy Week and spring break week because many families from around Mexico visit to enjoy the area’s beaches and natural beauty (and the bars).

 

APRIL

April 30 - Día del Niño (Children's Day)

While Día del Niño isn’t an official national holiday, shops, schools, and parks hold special events just for children. There are also parades, parties and family gatherings, so if you’re traveling with your kids it’s a great time to visit Cancun!

 

MAY

May 10 - Mother's Day (Día de la Madre)

Mothers are revered in Mexico, so consider bringing your own mama to Cancun to enjoy some special treatment around May 10th!

Mid-May - Cancun’s International Gay Festival

See Cancun come alive in glorious colors as gay, lesbian and trans people from around the globe come to Mexico to celebrate their identities! There are events all over the area and as long as you’re supportive, you’re welcome to join in the fun!

May 28 - The Fishing Tournament in Puerto Morelos

It’s not only one of the best places to fish; it’s also one of the best times of year to fish! This tournament includes events for sailfish, dorado and mahi-mahi, marlin, bonito and other large fish, including the striking barracuda.

 

JUNE

June 1 - Whale Shark Season begins

On  June 1st the magnificent Whale Shark season begins in Cancun. Join us to experience the amazing adventure of snorkeling alongside the largest fish in the ocean.

Late June - Summer Solstice

The Mayan calendar was intimately connected to the solstices, and there are often summer solstice celebrations at the local Mayan ruins. History buffs will love being in Cancun on the solstice!

 

JULY

July - Mayan New Year

The world didn’t end in 2012, but then again, the Mayan calendar never said that it would. Cancun is a wonderful place to celebrate the rebirth of the Mayan calendar and to learn about Mayan history in the process.

Mid-July - The Fiesta of the Virgin of Carmen

All of Playa del Carmen celebrates in this event that honors the Virgin of Carmen. There are festivals, art and music and plenty of elaborate costumes in what is truly a feast for the eyes!

 

AUGUST

August 11-13 - Fiesta de la Playa en Cancun

If your beaches were this beautiful, you would celebrate them, too! Cancun takes time each year to throw a party for its beaches with activities and events that have something for everyone.

August 17- Isla Mujeres Founding Day

Isla Mujeres is an amazing place and the festival that pays tribute to its founding date is not to be missed. It encompasses music and dancing, parades and plenty of revelries - all in a gorgeous island paradise! 

 

SEPTEMBER

September 15/16 - Fiestas Patrias (Independence Eve & Mexican Independence Day)

Independence day is in many ways a month-long holiday, with firework displays, music and dancing, plenty of traditional foods and an atmosphere of merriment that culminates in the September 16th parades and parties.

September 22 - The Autumn Equinox

This was a very important day for the ancient Mayans, and you can follow in their footsteps by visiting a Mayan ruin to watch a recreation of the rituals they used to celebrate the equinox.

 

OCTOBER

Mid-October - Dia de la Raza

The Spanish history of Mexico is recognized on this day with boisterous street parties, bands and dancing, street processions and the occasional bullfight. It’s a wonderful event for anyone fascinated by Mexico’s rich and tumultuous history.

October 31 - November 6 - WWT Classic at Mayakoba

This is Mexico’s only PGA event, and it attracts some of the best golfers in the world to the Riviera Maya. See the action at the El Camaleón Golf Club at Mayakoba!

 

NOVEMBER

November 1 - Dia de Todos Santos/Dia de Muertos

This uniquely Mexican holiday celebrates the spirits of the deceased with offerings and altar building that have birthed an art movement. Visit Cancun during this holiday and you will see a fascinating side of Mexican culture that the world is only beginning to recognize.

November 20 - The anniversary of the Mexican Revolution

Colorful parades are the highlight of this celebration of the Revolution of 1910-1917.

November 20 - Taste of Playa

This event brings together the best chefs from around the Riviera Maya so they can showcase their passion, creativity, and skills. Foodies should not miss it!

November 24-26 - Riviera Maya Jazz Festival

Relax on the beach and enjoy amazing jazz performances at this totally free cultural event that is held each year at Mamitas Beach.

 

DECEMBER

December 16-24 - Posadas

In Cancun, we celebrate the birth of Christ with gatherings called “posadas.” Processions of people re-enact Joseph and Mary’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem, asking for lodging in song. The party only truly begins when the host throws open the door.

December 28 - Day of the Innocents

This is sometimes called Mexico’s April Fools Day. On this day, all people turn into tricksters and do their best to pull practical jokes on friends and family.

December 31 - New Year's Eve

This is one of the best days to be in Cancun and Playa del Carmen! There is a party on nearly every corner and you can ring in the new year with people from many countries and cultures.

 

Of course, Cancun celebrates many more holidays and major events year-round. When you book your Cancun vacation with us, be sure to ask about any major events happening in and around Cancun during your stay!