Cancún, Quintana Roo — Cancún is celebrating its 55th anniversary with a weekend full of festivities, and the public is invited. The municipal government, led by Mayor Ana Paty Peralta, has organized a family-friendly program to commemorate the founding of Cancún, featuring events that highlight the city’s identity, culture, and history. The celebrations will take place on Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20, transforming streets and public spaces into vibrant hubs of music, tradition, and community pride.
A Parade of Cancún Identity
The festivities kick off with the Desfile de la Identidad Cancunense (Cancún Identity Parade), an event that has become a symbol of unity and pride for residents. The parade will begin at 5:00 PM on Saturday along Avenida Tulum, starting at the intersection with Chichén Itzá Avenue, and will proceed through the heart of the city before concluding at Plaza de la Reforma.
More than 4,000 participants are expected, including founding community groups, dance schools, Carnival 2025 performers, classic car enthusiasts, cultural associations, and enthusiastic spectators.
“This will be a colorful, festive, and symbolic event where we honor our traditions and reinforce the pride of being cancunenses,” said Carlos López, Municipal Director of Culture.
Sunday’s Historic Celebrations
On Sunday, April 20—the exact date of Cancún’s official founding in 1970—the celebrations continue with a full day of family-friendly activities.
At 10:00 AM, Parque Fonatur will host El Picnic más Grande de Cancún (Cancún’s Largest Picnic), an outdoor gathering under the trees where families and friends can enjoy food, laughter, and community.
Later, history enthusiasts can join the Tour Histórico (Historical Tour), guided by Tiziana Walking Tour, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, departing from Fonatur’s offices. The tour will explore key landmarks that trace Cancún’s evolution from a tourism project conceived in 1967 to the world-renowned destination it is today.
At 6:00 PM, a solemn ceremony will take place at City Hall, where the Medalla Sigfrido Paz will be awarded to citizens who have contributed to the city’s development and legacy.
The day concludes with the Festival del Danzón in Supermanzana 5 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, reviving the classic rhythms that have shaped generations.
A Celebration of Shared History
The municipal government emphasized that this anniversary is not just about marking a date but celebrating the shared history of the thousands who have made Cancún their home. Whether a lifelong resident or a visitor, all are encouraged to join the festivities and take pride in the city where the jungle and the sea came together to create paradise.
Event Schedule
Saturday, April 19
- Cancún Identity Parade
- Time: 5:00 PM
- Route: Starts at Avenida Tulum and Chichén Itzá, ends at Plaza de la Reforma
Sunday, April 20
- Cancún’s Largest Picnic
- Time: 10:00 AM
- Location: Parque Fonatur (between Avenida Tulum and Avenida Bonampak)
- Historical Tour
- Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Starting Point: Fonatur offices (Avenida Nader and Avenida Cobá)
- Solemn Ceremony & Sigfrido Paz Medal Presentation
- Time: 6:00 PM
- Location: City Hall
- Danzón Festival
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location: Supermanzana 5
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