Events

Year-Round Excitement

The year 2012 is of particular importance for the Riviera Maya, as Tulum and Cobá are two of the archaeological icons designated as “must-sees” before the Mayan calendar comes to an end on December 21st. Visitors will want to keep an eye on events and happenings celebrating this date and Mayan culture as part of the Mundo Maya 2012 program.

In the meantime, there are plenty of other events taking place. The Mayakoba Golf Classic comes to El Camaleón Golf Club for the fifth time February 22-26th. This is Mexico’s only PGA Tour event. 



Come springtime, a re-creation of the Mayan Sacred Journey comes to life. This is a cultural project co-sponsored by Xcaret in which hundreds of oarsmen board canoes and cross the ocean to pay tribute to the goddess Ix Chel, whose sanctuary is found on the island of Cozumel. The crossing departs from Xcaret at sunrise and is complemented by other activities and Mayan celebrations. Xcaret also puts together a festive Day of the Dead Celebration from October 30th to November 2nd.

Isla Mujeres will also see the 5th Annual Whale Shark Festival and welcome around 1,400 of the world’s largest fish. The event helps raise awareness for the preservation of the local marine ecosystem; visitors also get the chance to swim with whale sharks, enjoy visiting speakers and participate in other activities. A portion of the festival’s proceeds are donated to not-for-profit organizations.

With the likes of Natalia Lafourcade, Herbie Hancock, Richard Bona and Sergio Mendes having graced the stage at Riviera Maya Jazz Festivals of years past, this year should be even more exciting. Jazz aficionados now know to book a hotel ahead of time and get ready for both local and international performers. For more information on this and other events, visit rivieramaya.com.