El Cedral
El Cedral is Cozumel’s oldest settlement and historical site, tracing its roots from an ancient Mayan ceremonial center to a 19th-century refugee village.
• Foundation: Built around 800 AD (with some elements dating back even earlier), it served as an important Mayan settlement and ceremonial center dedicates to the Goddess Ixchel.
Discovered by Spanish conquistadors in 1518, many of its original temple structures were partially dismantled. Additional changes occurred later during the 20th century
El Cedral’s Santa Cruz de Sabán Festival
El Cedral’s annual festival is one of Cozumel’s most cherished traditions. Dating to 1848, the celebration honors the Santa Cruz de Sabán—the Holy Cross of Sabán. In 2026, it marked 178 years of history, faith, and community.
Casimiro Cárdenas and His Promise
According to local tradition, Casimiro Cárdenas survived an attack on the mainland village of Sabán during the Caste War in the Yucatán Peninsula.
Severely wounded, he regained consciousness holding a cross. Believing it had helped save his life, he promised that if he survived and found a safe place to settle, he would honor the Holy Cross with a religious celebration every year.
A New Beginning in Cozumel
Cárdenas and other families fleeing the conflict reached Cozumel, where they established El Cedral in 1848. The settlement stood among the remains of an ancient Maya community known as Oycib. Here, the promise to honor the Holy Cross became a tradition passed down through generations.
The Cárdenas family continues to preserve that legacy. In 2026, Martín Cárdenas Ávila assumed responsibility as bastonero mayor, following his father, Eligio Cárdenas Montero, affectionately known as “Don Licho.” The role carries the responsibility of helping maintain the religious celebration and its family traditions.
The Festival Today
Over time, the religious observance has grown into a community festival combining faith with cultural, artistic, and sporting activities. Families gather to enjoy the celebrations and share traditions that remain central to Cozumel’s identity.
Among its best-known customs are the traditional vaquería, regional dancing, and the Baile de la Cabeza de Cochino, or Dance of the Hog’s Head. These traditions connect today’s celebration with the island’s cultural heritage.
When to Visit
The festival generally takes place in late April and early May, culminating on May 3, the Day of the Holy Cross. Check the official annual program for exact dates, activities, and transportation arrangements before planning your visit
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The Cozumel Sun News – Do not miss the events taking place all month in Cozumel! Check out The Cozumel Sun Calendar 2026.
