The vibrant village of El Cedral in Cozumel is preparing for its most anticipated event of the year, the Fiesta de la Santa Cruz y Feria del Cedral, which starts tomorrow.
This cherished tradition, rooted in over 170 years of history, commemorates the island's resilience and cultural heritage. The festival honors the vow made by Casimiro Cárdenas, who is said to have fled to Cozumel during the Caste War, carrying a wooden cross.
Legend has it that he promised to celebrate the Holy Cross annually, and this year's celebrations will run from Monday, April 28 to Thursday, May 4, 2025.
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The 2025 festivities will feature a rich program including traditional rodeos, bullfights, equestrian displays, live music, dancing, horse racing, and communal feasts. Highlights of this year's event include:
- Artistic Performances: Live concerts by renowned groups such as Tony Granel, Charanga Latina, Bilbao Show, Los Juglares, Banda Tierra Sagrada, and the iconic Flamers.
- Cultural Exhibitions: Colorful performances showcasing regional dances and traditional attire.
- Rituals and Ceremonies: An opening Mayan ritual seeking blessings, reflecting the deep respect for ancestral roots.
- Community Celebrations: Presentation of the Festival Queens of 2024 and 2025, the "Flor Más Bella," the Madrina, and the Queen of the Cabalgantes.
Mayor José Luis Chacón emphasized the significance of the festival, stating, "El Cedral was the first settlement repopulated on our island, symbolizing resistance and rebirth after the Caste War. Today, as every year, we honor our history with joy, culture, and faith."
The celebrations are open every year to locals and visitors alike. If you would like to attend, be ready for the dust from thousands of hooves and dancing revellers' feet!
For more information on Cozumel's events and public holidays, visit our Tourist Information section
Photos courtesy of the Cozumel Municipal Government.
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