The Cozumel Fiestas De San Miguel Archangel takes place September 20 through the 29th. Many activities celebrating this event begin with daily processions from the Church of San Miguel (after Mass) with many locals wearing traditional costumes. Additional traditions include dancing and nightly fireworks.
The Church of San Miguel Arcángel
Our treasured of Church of San Miguel Arcángel sits on the corner of the town square.
The original building was a stable for horses. According to the historian, the building was in the vicinity of the main square, along with the Government House, the headquarters of the army and the school. Troops under the command of Isaias Zamarripa destroyed the building.
Thanks to the arduous work by the Maryknoll Missionaries, we have The Church of San Miguel Arcángel today. On May 15, 1943, Fernando Solórzano, the Archbishop of Yucatán laid the first stone of the church. Padre Jorge Hogán blessed the church on May 26, 1946. He later officiated over the first Mass in the church, on February 14, 1947.
The Archbishop of Mexico Luis María Martínez consecrated the church in honor of San Miguel Arcángel. San Miguel Arcángel church has been open to the public since that day.
Daily hundreds of tourists on the island visit the church. Undoubtedly, the main church of Cozumel, San Miguel Arcángel, continues to be a central meeting point for the predominantly Catholic population.
The Statue of San Miguel Arcángel
History notes that over one hundred years ago, on September 29, some farmers working in the field found a beautiful ebony statue of San Miguel the Arcángel holding a sword and a golden crown. The belief is that the statue was a gift from Captain Don Juan de Grijalva, who landed in Cozumel in 1518.
Inhabitants of the island have considered finding the statue of San Miguel a divine sign. That is the reason that they baptized the church San Miguel Arcángel and the town with the name of “San Miguel de Cozumel.” The statue is located at the altar of the church.
The church building is simple, and its entrance faces north. Large windows allow perfect daytime lighting. At the entrance is a marble plaque on which the caption reads: “On this island of Cozumel, at a location a few meters from this temple, the first mass was held in National Territory (Mexico), celebrated by Padre Juan Díaz, Capellán , member of the expedition headed by Captain Don Juan de Grijalva, on May 6, 1518.
To commemorate this important event, as significant for the nation of Mexico, on the initiative of the Assembly of the Fourth Degree of Knights of Columbus Francisco de Montejo and the Knights of Columbus Council Number 2109 of the same name, this stone was laid on May 6, 1951.”
The Celebration (September 20th – 29th)
There is a tribute to this Catholic Saint every year, which begins nine days before September 29th. Today, the many activities celebrating this event begin with daily processions from the Church of San Miguel (after Mass) with many locals wearing traditional costumes. Additional traditions include dancing and nightly fireworks.
On the last day, September 29th, a procession of local anglers will carry an image of San Miguel Arcángel through town to the downtown pier where they board a ferry. Local fishing boats then surround the ferry. The ceremony at sea involves flowers thrown into the waters. The Pilgrimages involve approximately four hundred devotees of different ages who carry banners. Older participants take part in the processions to promote and entrench traditions for future generations.
