El Cedral Festival: 177 Years of Music & Tradition in Cozumel

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The El Cedral Festival, one of Quintana Roo’s oldest and most deeply rooted celebrations, marks its 177th anniversary with a vibrant program of music, culture, religion, and historical remembrance. The festivities, running from April 23 to May 4 in Cozumel, honor the legacy of the region’s repopulation following the Caste War of Yucatán.

A Legacy of Faith and Resilience

The festival traces its origins to 1848, when families fleeing violence in Valladolid, Chemax, and other Yucatán communities sought refuge in Cozumel. Among them was Casimiro Cárdenas, a survivor of the Sabán massacre, who pledged to honor the Holy Cross every May 3 in gratitude for his survival. This promise has been upheld for 177 years by his descendants and the community.

The official program, unveiled Tuesday, includes religious processions, a nine-day novena organized by local families, and cultural performances. A highlight is the traditional Baile de las Cabezas de Cochino (Dance of the Pig Heads), held on May 3, the Day of the Holy Cross.

Cultural and Artistic Highlights

Cozumel Mayor José Luis Chacón Méndez announced a lineup of local and regional artists to attract national and international visitors. Performers include Tony Graniel, Charanga Latina, Bilbao Show, Los Juglares, Banda Tierra Sagrada, and Los Flamers. Comedians Melo Collí and Mactá will also bring humor to the festivities.

The celebration began with La Alborada, a dawn ceremony, followed by a Mayan ritual to seek ancestral permission—a nod to the festival’s spiritual roots. The event is jointly organized by the Villa Cozumel Ejido and the municipal government.

A Festival of Unity and Tradition

The El Cedral Festival remains a cornerstone of Cozumel’s cultural identity, blending religious devotion, historical remembrance, and Caribbean flair. As the community gathers for its 177th edition, the event continues to preserve the traditions of its founders while welcoming new generations of visitors.