Calendar

JANUARY	January 1 New Year's Day (Ano Nuevo) Major festivities all over the country, and agricultural fairs in rural areas.
FEBRUARY	February Candelmas Many villages celebrate with candlelight processions.
FEB/MARCH	Feb/March (throughout Quintana Roo) Carnaval (Carnival) The week before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Some of the best-planned festivals of the year are held during this week. Locals dress up and organize a parade in downtown Cancun to show off their elaborate Carnaval costumes.
MARCH	March 21 Vernal Equinox Chichen Itza: A phenomenon of light and shadow displays the pattern of a serpent slithering down the steps of El Castillo (Pyramid of Kokulkan)
APRIL	April Anniversary of the Founding of Cancun A variety of cultural activities are planned, including singing and dancing contests all over downtown.
MAY	May (takes place over Memorial Day Weekend) Jazz Festival Week An annual festival since 1990, has featured such greats as Etta James, Ray Charles, Carlos Santana and other favorites! Next year: TBA
JUNE	June 21, First Day of Summer / Summer Solstice – The longest day of the year and the South and West sides of El Castillo are in total darkness between 7 and 7:30 pm. Check out the local ruins at Chichén Itzá for a solstice celebration tied into the Maya astrological calendar.
JULY	July 16, Start of Mayan New Year – Check out the local ruins at Chichén Itzá for a “new year” celebration tied into the Maya astrological calendar.
SEPTEMBER	September International Nocturnal Marathon A traditonal marathon with mostly Mexican atheletes participating. It begins in the afternoon and continues late into the night. September 15 Independence Day A big celebration at Plaza de la Reforma, downtown. The Mayor of Cancun shouts the cry for independence, "Viva Mexico!". Festivities include fireworks, traditional food and souvenirs. There is also a parade on September 16, commemorating the Independence.
OCTOBER	October Travel Mart The Travel Agent Association and the Hotel Association members participate in this trade show displaying all the services they offer. Widely attended by wholesalers and retail travel agents from the U.S. October 31 Eve of All Soul's Day Celebrated all through the Yucatan. Flowers and candles placed on graves. The beginning of an eight-day observance.
NOVEMBER	November 1-2 All Soul's Day and Day of the Dead Graveside and Church ceremonies. A party-like atmosphere in all the cemeteries. A symbolic family meal is eaten at the graveside. November Caribbean Cultural Festival This festival is held downtown in front of the Municipal Hall. Artists from all over Mexico and the Caribbean come to Cancun to perform in daily events including dancing, singing, and participation from locals and tourists. November 20 Sports Parade Held to commemorate the Mexican Revolution. Cancun's schools, athletes and unions are all participants.
DECEMBER	December International Marathon Cancun Very similiar to the marathon held in September, but it attracts many more international athletes. December Christmas Festivities The posada (procession) of Christmas begins nine days before the holiday, when families and friends take part in special pastorelas (plays) that portray Mary and Joseph and their search for lodging before the birth of Christ The streets are alive with people, food, bright lights and colorful nativity scenes.