The coastal town of Progreso is set to burst into a riot of color this weekend as it hosts the second annual Yucatan Kite Festival. The 2024 event kicks off on Saturday, July 20 at 11 a.m., continuing through to Sunday morning at 10 a.m.

The festival will be held at the iconic letters marking the Progreso boardwalk. A highlight of the event is the display of monumental kites. Event organizers Zulemy Arjona, Maria Luisa Molina, and others have invited kite enthusiasts Mr. Roberto Reyes and Mrs. Cira Caballero, both renowned for their contributions to the Isla Arena kite event.

Molina describes the festival as a family-focused project, designed especially for children and their families. The event aims to celebrate the ancient tradition of kite flying, offering children a unique opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy this traditional art form in Yucatan.

The kites set to grace the Progreso skies will range from two to 50 meters in length, featuring a variety of animal designs including whales, seahorses, squid, colorful fish, octopuses, and ladybugs. In addition to the monumental kites, the festival will feature sand decorations and a bazaar for visitors.

The festival is more than just a kite display. Free workshops for children will be held throughout Saturday, including a kite-building workshop at 11 a.m. and an origami workshop at 1 p.m. Educational talks on topics such as animal care will also be offered, including a talk titled "Being the Best Friend of My Best Friend", and a puppet show by The Go-Go Teens. On Sunday, the kite and origami workshops will be repeated, along with two new talks on pet care, followed by another performance by The Go-Go Teens. The highlight of Sunday will be a kite contest, with the winner announced before the festival concludes.

The annual event aims to unite children and families, celebrating the artistry of kite making and promoting its recognition both locally and internationally.