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Carnaval
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Every
year in February, the island turns upside down. The streets are dressed
for the occasion and filled with dancing. Cozumel's Carnival is the most
important carnival in the southeast of Mexico. Not as big and famous as
the one in Maztlán or Veracruz but with the magic of the Mexican
Caribbean and the warmth of the people from Cozumel.
History
tells us that the Carnival festivities originated from ancient rites
devoted to the Gods of wine and flesh. Through time it has been banned
in several epochs and countries because of the excesses of the
festivity. Carnival is held in February and culminates on Carnival
Tuesday, just before "Ash Wednesday" which marks the
beginning of a time of religious meditation.
In
Cozumel Carnival festivities last for two weeks, but preparation for
those two weeks has been going for the whole year prior to them. During
that year the candidates for queen and king begin forming their
comparsas, designing their costumes, selecting music and the dances they
will perform during Carnival.
A
couple of weeks before the election ball, where the queen and king are
elected, the town begins to warm up. The candidates begin to campaign on
the radio and in the streets, trying to convince people to vote for
them. During these two weeks at the Benito Juarez park you may find
typical food and many things to buy at the many stands that are on the
plaza for this occasion.
Finally,
the election day for the queen and king arrives.) In a big party,
normally on Saturday, all of the candidates perform their show with
their full comparsas. Anyone who attends the event may vote for the
candidate of their choice.
The
next day the new queen and king of Carnival are presented in a public
performance at the Benito Juarez park. By this day Carnival is in full
swing in Cozumel. During the week after the election, the comparsas
perform all over town. Special events are held to elect the best
children's comparsa, queen of the neighborhoods, best school comparsa,
and many more.
Finally
on Saturday, Sunday and Carnival Tuesday the main parade is performed
along Rafael Melgar Avenue on the waterfront. After the parades you may
dance until dawn in the Benito Juarez park.
Carnival
in Cozumel is a very special festivity because it is the result of the
interest and the will of the people of Cozumel. Schools, employees,
neighbors all organize to make their costumes, to dress their cars and
rehearse the dances they will perform. Carnival is truly a community and
family event that is deep in the roots of Cozumel.
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Traditions