A historic festival was held in the small town of El Cedral, in the south of Cozumel at the end of April. This annual event is said to have been started over 150 years ago by Casimiro Cárdenas.
Cárdenas was one of a group that fled to the island from the village of Saban, on the mainland, after an attack during the War of the Castes. The attackers killed many other villagers, but Cárdenas survived whilst clutching a small wooden cross.
Legend has it that Cárdenas vowed to start an annual festival wherever he settled, to honor the religious power of this crucifix. Today, the original Holy Cross Festival forms part of the wider Festival of El Cedral, celebrated by locals and visitors alike.
The revellers enjoy fairs, traditional feasts, rodeos, bullfights, music and competitions - not to mention a few bottles of ice cold Mexican beer! The celebrations last about 5 days in all and are held every year at the end of April or beginning of May.
