Cozumel Carnaval - The Greatest Show on Earth

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Coming in February

Cozumel has had a carnival since 1800! Carnival is called Carnaval in Spanish! Visitors from all over the world arrive in Cozumel to attend this weeklong event. It is a wonderful time to be in Cozumel!

Cozumel Carnival is truly the greatest show on earth! I was so proud of our little island; the festival exceeded all expectations. Well, 150 years of experience paid off! It all started in 1874 when an American magazine published fragments of the Cozumel Carnival. The praise of the colorful costumes, choreography, and lively music started the publicity that would lure tourists to the island year after year.

Cozumel Carnival 2014 The Greatest Show on Earth

Since 1874!

For over 150 years, this event has taken place, making it the oldest and most important presentation in the State of Quintana Roo. Natives and residents of Cozumel as well as tourists enjoy the true carnival spirit each year. Carnival is a holiday in Cozumel and carnival is a family affair with no age limit, everyone takes part. Participation in Carnival is a family tradition in Cozumel, which is passed down from generation to generation. It is such a serious affair that the planning for the next Cozumel Carnival starts at once after the close of Carnaval.

All hotel rooms that are members of the hotel federation have no vacancies during carnaval. There is no data available for the number of tourists staying in private residences, but it is always clear by the number of tourists at the grocery stores buying food, that many come. This is in addition to the many visitors that come by annually and consider Cozumel their second home. The Ferries from Playa del Carmen are full of tourists coming to view the parades all three nights. There are thousands of people in the streets every day and night.

The island is alive all weekday and night, not just downtown, everywhere on the island, as the dance groups perform their routines in all the neighborhoods.