Dust off your costume, practice those dancing moves and get ready for the island's biggest parties. Cozumel Carnival 2016 is on its way!

This week the local government officially announced the program, poster and candidates for the Kings and Queens for next year's Cozumel Carnival, which will see the main week of events running from February 3 to 10, 2016.

If you're planning to visit while Carnival is on then note the biggest parades will be on the nights of Saturday, February 6; Sunday, February 7 and Fat Tuesday, February 9.

Every year Carnival draws top artists from around Mexico and Latin America to perform at the prestigious event. This year is no exception and performers confirmed so far include: Mexican cumbia band, Súper Lamas; crowd-pleasers from Honduras, Amos del Ruido; Mexican singers, Aleks Syntek, Belinda and Yuri; and the world-famous Cuban reggaeton group, Gente De Zona.

The island's spectacular annual Mardis Gras has over 130 years of history and sees dazzling technicolor processions along Cozumel's downtown seafront. People line the street, dancing with the performers and catching the gifts that are showered on them.

After the parades the music keeps playing and parties continue well into the night. Costumed revellers battle in dancing competitions and bands play live music around the city.

Apart from the parades themselves there is a festival atmosphere around the whole island and lots of free activities during the daytime in the park in front of City Hall.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, old or young, you'll find something in the rhythm of Cozumel's Carnival that will bring a smile to your face and a sway to your hips. Don't be shy, come and join in!

Find more information and the full program on our Cozumel Carnival 2016 page.