2024 Caribbean Culture Festival: Quintana Roo’s 50th Anniversary Extravaganza

The 50th Anniversary of Quintana Roo as a Free and Sovereign State was marked by the Caribbean Culture Festival 2024. Organized by Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa's government, the Institute of Culture and the Arts, and UNESCO, the festival drew more than 6,000 attendees. The event concluded with a closing concert at the Explanada de la Bandera in Chetumal, known as the "Gateway of Reggae and Caribbean rhythms to Mexico." The concert featured performances by the Cancun group Corpus Klan and Chilean band Gondwana.

As the only state in Mexico with three international borders – Belize, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Basin Islands – Quintana Roo is uniquely positioned to host a festival that celebrates regional unity and cultural exchange. The Caribbean Culture Festival is a celebration of Chetumal's Caribbean and Maya traditions, particularly in craftwork such as embroidery. It also aligns with the goals of the New Agreement for the Welfare and Development of Quintana Roo, which emphasizes collective effort and participation.

For five days, residents of Quintana Roo from municipalities including Othón P. Blanco, Bacalar, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Tulum, Lázaro Cárdenas, Cozumel, and Benito Juárez, gathered to enjoy the festival's diverse program. The festival, first established in 1988, was enthusiastically received upon its return.

In Chetumal, the "State Encounter of Artisans" was held to promote the cultural value of textile art and its potential as a tourist attraction. The event was attended by Governor Mara Lezama, Andrés Morales, representative of UNESCO Mexico, and the general director of ICA, Lilian Villanueva Chan.

In Bacalar, attendees enjoyed a reading of "Deep blue sanctuary beyond the seven colors of the Laguna de Bacalar," scenic oral narration "Stories from the Bay," and a poetry session. There was also a pictorial exhibition of Perceptions of Quintana Roo at the San Felipe Fort in Bacalar.

In Cancún, visual arts exhibitions included the “Painting Exhibition: “I tell you a story”, the Exhibition “Moots In Miatsil” (Root of my Culture), and the Pictorial Exhibition “Doodles and Sounds” by artist Enrique Hernández Rodríguez. Additionally, a screening of the short film “The Giant” was held, and the Choreographic Montage: Mexican Lottery took place.

The festival captivated audiences with a variety of rhythms, from bolero to reggae, and served as a vibrant celebration of Quintana Roo's rich cultural heritage.