The 2021 Carnival was cancelled due to the global pandemic, but the dates for Cozumel Carnival 2022 will be confirmed towards the end of year. The biggest celebrations and parades are expected to be on the nights of Saturday, February 26; Sunday, February 27 and Fat Tuesday, March 1, 2022.
The island's spectacular annual Mardis Gras has 150 years of history and is held around February every year, although the exact dates vary. This year, the celebrations were cancelled, but the festivities will be back with a bang next year!
In the weeks before the main events there is also an exciting program of "pre-Carnival" warm-up events, including the presentation and election of Carnival Kings and Queens, with dancing, performances, and live music from top singers and groups. To get an idea, see the full Cozumel Carnival program from 2020 published below.
'Fat Tuesday' concludes events every year with dazzling technicolor processions along Cozumel's downtown oceanfront. Costumed revellers battle in dancing competitions and bands play live music around the city.
People line the street, dancing with the performers and catching gifts that are showered on them. After the oceanfront extravaganza, the music keeps playing and parties continue well into the night.
Then, on the Wednesday after Fat Tuesday, the closing ceremony is held with the traditional burning of Juan Carnaval.
Cozumel Carnival 2022 Program
We’ll post the full program for next year here as soon as it is announced. Register here for our free news updates to receive more Carnival information by email as soon as it's available.
Cozumel Carnival 2020 Program
At the last Carnival in 2020, the main parades were on Saturday, February 22; Sunday, February 23 and Fat Tuesday, February 25, see the full program below.
Pre-Carnival Events |
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Sat, Jan 25 |
Welcome and Introduction of King and Queen candidates with dancing and performances. Live performance by Manuel Turizo. 10pm til late, Moby Dick Hall *TICKET* |
Sun, Jan 26 |
First public presentation of the King and Queen candidates in costume. 7pm, City Hall Park - Parque Quintana Roo *FREE* |
Sat, Feb 1 |
Presentation of the King and Queen candidates with costumes and dancing. Live performance by El Fresa y la Sentencia. 10pm til late, Moby Dick Hall *TICKET* |
Sun, Feb 2 |
Second public presentation of the King and Queen candidates in costume. 7pm, City Hall Park - Parque Quintana Roo *FREE* |
Fri, Feb 7 |
Ladies' Show 5pm til late, Convention Center *TICKET* |
Sat, Feb 8 |
Dancing and Voting for Cozumel Carnival King and Queen. 10pm til late, Moby Dick Hall *TICKET* |
Sun, Feb 9 |
Announcement of winners and grand public presentation of elected Carnival King and Queen. 7pm, City Hall Park - Parque Quintana Roo *FREE* |
Fri, Feb 14 |
Dancing and Voting for Diversity King and Queen. Live music by Nani Mamú y Sus Estrellas. 10pm til late, Moby Dick Hall *TICKET* |
Sat, Feb 15 |
Dancing and Voting for Cozumel Carnival Youth King and Queen. Live music by Yerbabuena. 10pm til late, Moby Dick Hall *TICKET* |
Sun, Feb 16 |
Dancing and Voting for Cozumel Carnival Children's King and Queen. 6pm, Moby Dick Hall *TICKET* |
Carnival Events |
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Wed, Feb 19 |
Grand Opening and Coronation of Carnival Kings and Queens. Live music by Alma Libre. 7pm, City Hall Park - Parque Quintana Roo *FREE* |
Thu, Feb 20 |
Group Competitions - Kindergarten and Infant School Categories. Presentation of the Special King and Queen. 4pm, Moby Dick Hall *TICKET* |
Fri, Feb 21 |
Costume Competitions - Baby, Kindergarten and Infant School Categories, and Pets. 10am, Moby Dick Hall *TICKET* |
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Group Competitions - Youth and Open Categories. Live music from Alma Libre. 10pm, Moby Dick Hall *TICKET* |
Sat, Feb 22 |
First Grand Carnival Parade. 6pm, Oceanfront Downtown *FREE* |
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Masked Ball, Costume Contest and Empress Show. Live music from Reik. 10pm til late, Moby Dick Hall *TICKET* |
Sun, Feb 23 |
Second Grand Carnival Parade. 6pm, Oceanfront Downtown *FREE* |
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Public Concert. Live music from Los Super Lamas. 10pm, City Hall Park - Parque Quintana Roo *FREE* |
Mon, Feb 24 |
Big Color 5k Race. 4pm, Oceanfront Flag Plaza *FREE* |
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Tropical Ball, presentation of the Ladies Show Queen and traditional, comical Torito Wacax-Ché show. Live music from Chico Che Chico and La Sonora Tropicana. p>10pm til late, Moby Dick Hall *TICKET* |
Tue, Feb 25 |
FAT TUESDAY - Final Grand Carnival Parade. 6pm, Oceanfront Downtown *FREE* |
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Public Grand Finale Concert. Live music from Chayanne. After the parade, City Hall Park - Parque Quintana Roo *FREE* |
Wed, Feb 26 |
Awards Ceremony and Traditional Burning of Juan Carnaval 7pm, City Hall Park - Parque Quintana Roo *FREE* |
*FREE* - Free event open to public: arrive early! *TICKET* - ticketed event requires advance purchase of tickets from booth at City Hall or on door in some cases, subject to availability. Events may be subject to change without notice.
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Spectacular Carnival Finale.
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Carnival Coronation 2008.
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Mayor's 2007 Carnival Message.
Emotional Carnival 2007 Closing Night.
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