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- 🎭️ Our 2025 Carnaval Edition: Where to Find the Party 🎉
🎭️ Our 2025 Carnaval Edition: Where to Find the Party 🎉
Plus: Reports of sargassum on the Riviera Maya, a new security "portal" for Playa del Carmen, dates for semana santa 2025, coral recovery in Akumal and more.
Michele Kinnon
February 25, 2025
IN AFFILIATION WITH
☀️ It’s Tuesday February 25 and everyone is gearing up for Carnaval! While Cozumel has historically been THE place to celebrate, cities along the Riviera Maya have really upped their game over the past decade or so offering better organized parades, performances and concerts than ever before.
Since everyone really just wants to know where the party is, I’m stripping this week’s newsletter down a bit. In this edition of Riviera Maya Insider you will find:
Our Photo of the Week
Riviera Maya Roundup - Curated News of the Week
¿Que Pasa? - Upcoming Events & Happenings
Expat Living - The Carnaval Lineup for Playa del Carmen and Tulum
Do Good Riviera Maya - “Tiny Hearts, Big Needs” Campaign
This newsletter may be clipped for length in your email. For the best reading experience, scroll up and select the option to READ ONLINE. It’s a better reading experience. Trust me. 😄
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
📸 Our fantastic Photo of the Week was taken by Robert Stansfield with Blackwater Cozumel and submitted with permission by Natalie Novak Perez from Dive with Natalie & Ivan in Akumal. That’s her beautiful face behind the mask!
📸 If you would like to see your photo featured here, follow and tag @rivieramayainsidermx on Instagram.
RIVIERA MAYA ROUNDUP
You don’t have to know everything….but you should know something.
Here’s what caught my eye in the news this week.
7-day forecast for the Riviera Maya
⛱️ The annual sargassum influx has begun along the Riviera Maya, with initial seaweed patches appearing on Solidaridad's beaches. Experts anticipate increased accumulations, peaking between May and August. Efforts are already underway to manage and mitigate the impact on local beaches.
🚧 Playa del Carmen is getting a new access portal on Highway 307, designed to enhance security and improve traffic flow. With an investment of 40 million pesos, the project includes speed radars, RFID vehicle tracking and facial recognition cameras.
🐬 Environmentalists and animal activists are raising concerns following the closure of two dolphinariums. The fate of the relocated dolphins remains uncertain, prompting calls for increased transparency and the end of dolphin captivity in the region.
🗣️ A teacher in the Yucatán Peninsula is pushing for stronger efforts to preserve and promote the Maya language, warning that "castilianization" is causing its gradual decline. Through school programs, storytelling projects, and even Maya-language rap, he's working to keep the language alive.
📅 Semana Santa 2025 is set for April 13-20. This is one of Mexico’s busiest domestic travel seasons. Schools will close for two weeks, and popular destinations like Cancún and Playa del Carmen will see a surge in visitors. Plan ahead for the holiday rush!
🎨 A stunning new mural in Cozumel featuring a peculiar deep-sea fish has gone viral, drawing international praise. The piece was created by 32 year old street artist Reho2 One to showcase the island’s rich marine life. See the artwork and the story behind it.
🚖 Travelers at Cancún Airport are facing restrictions on transport options, with reports that the National Guard and taxi drivers are collusing to block access to private and app-based rides. Concerns are growing over intimidation and unfair practices affecting tourists and locals alike.
🪸 Coral restoration efforts in Akumal are showing promise, with a 70% survival rate for transplanted corals. Scientists and volunteers are working to revive the Mesoamerican Reef, despite threats from climate change, disease, and pollution.
🎣 Are you looking for something fun to do while you are here on the Riviera Maya? FishingBooker will connect you with the best boats and the most experienced licensed Captain in the region. Click through to see their entire inventory of locally owned and operated Fishing Charters.
*Riviera Maya Insider is an affiliate of FishingBooker.
¿QUE PASA?
February 26 - March 4 | Carnaval 2025 in Playa del Carmen. See the lineup of activities and events below in the EXPAT LIVING section.
February 27 - March 2 | Carnaval 2025 in Tulum with shows at the Parque Museo de la Cultura Maya. See the lineup of activities and events below in the EXPAT LIVING section.
February 28 | Gloria Trevi “Mi Soundtrack Tour” at the Plaza de Toros in Cancun. Doors open at 7PM. Concert starts at 9PM. Tickets.
February 28 - March 2 | WTA 500 Merida Open Tennis Tournament at Yucatan Country Club in Merida. Info and Tickets.
March 1 | 9th Annual Riviera Maya Chili Cook-Off in Puerto Aventuras supporting the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside. Tickets and Info.
March 1 | The Jam Band Woodstock Revival Tour at the Teatro de la Ciudad in Playa del Carmen at 8PM. Info and Tickets.
March 2 | 2025 Cancun International Women’s Half Marathon at the Tajamar Malecon in Cancun. Registration.
March 2 | 2025 Oscars Party at The Admiral Sports Bar in Playa del Carmen. The party begins at 7PM. Reservations required 984 228 0372.
March 3 | 11th Annual Paint & Run Cozumel. Registration in advance at DIF Cozumel. 350 MXN per participant.
March 3 - 7 | SED Teatral’s 1st Teatro sin Teatros Tulum Theatre Festival. Locations and info.
March 4 | Akumal Trivia Challenge Fundraiser for Hekab Be Library at Lol Ha Restaurant in Akumal. Registration at 1:30PM. More info here.
March 20 - 23 | ‘Yucatan Challenge’ Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour 2025 at the Port of Progreso Yucatan. Info.
March 22 & 23 | Festival of Beer & Wine hosted by The Lions Club in Merida YUC. 10AM - 8PM. Free admission.
March 26 - 30 | ‘Elite 16’ Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour 2025 at Playa Fundadores in Playa del Carmen.
March 28 - April 5 | Rally Maya Mexico 2025 - various locations across the Yucatan peninsula including Tulum Country Club. Info.
March 29 | The Russian State Ballet Mari El presents Romeo & Juliet at the Teatro de Cancun. Performances at 6PM and 9PM. Tickets.
April 2 - 6 | 2nd Annual Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival - various locations and times. Info.
April 4 | The Ballet of Kiev presents Swan Lake at the Teatro de Cancun. Performance at 8PM. Tickets.
April 4 - 6 | 12th Annual Tequila & Mezcal Expo in Playa del Carmen 3PM - 11PM Location TBA. Free Admission.
Do you have information about an upcoming event that you would like to see shared on Riviera Maya Insider? Let us know by replying to this email or sending it to [email protected].
EXPAT LIVING
Carnaval 2025 in Playa del Carmen is set to bring five days of music, dance, and vibrant celebrations to the Riviera Maya! From colorful parades to high-energy performances at Parque 28 de Julio, this year’s festival promises non-stop entertainment and fun for all ages.
Expect dazzling floats, live music, and plenty of traditional and modern dance performances. Whether you're a local or visiting, Carnaval is the perfect time to experience the lively spirit of Playa. Check out the full schedule of parades and performances so you don’t miss a moment of the excitement!
📆 February 26
📍 Amphitheater at Plaza 28 de Julio, Playa del Carmen Centro
Ballet of the Playa del Carmen Carnaval Committee 2025
Farewell to the 2024 Carnaval Kings
Carnival 2025 Official Inauguration Ceremony at 7:30PM
Presentation of the King's Parade Group, the Fantasy Queen's Parade Group, the Joy Queen's Parade Group and the Carnival Queen’s Parade Group.
Show by the 2025 Carnaval Kings at 9PM
Musical performances from "Banda The Summer" & "EnsamBless"
📆 February 27
📍 Amphitheater at Plaza 28 de Julio, Playa del Carmen Centro
Performances by the parade groups of DIF, Alebrijes, Infantil, UAQroo
Show by the Kings of Joy & Fantasy
Musical performances by Larissa Casas & "Play Play Records"
CONCERT: JESSE & JOY at 10:30PM
Playa del Carmen Parade Route
📆 February 28
Parade 1 Schedule
The February 28 pedestrian parade will start at Parque Fundadores at 6PM and travel along 5th Avenue to Av. Constituyentes. Here they will be joined by the parade of floats and continue west to Av. 30, south to Av. Juarez, east to Av. 10, north to Calle 8 and then finally west to the Plaza 28 de Julio.
📍 Amphitheater at Plaza 28 de Julio, Playa del Carmen Centro
Ballet of the Carnaval Committee 2025
Presentation of the Hula i ke kai, Golden Queens, Juvenil Kings & Queens and the Sexual Diversity Kings & Queens
Live musical performance from Juvan & "The Heart Makerz"
CONCERT: BOGUETO (Charly Gynn, Supa G, Guillarmy Band)
📆 March 1
Parade 2 Schedule
The second parade of floats will start from Constituyentes and 5th Av. at 5:30PM and continue west to Av. 30, south to Av. Juarez, east to Av. 10, north to Calle 8 and then finally west to the Plaza 28 de Julio.
📍 Amphitheater at Plaza 28 de Julio, Playa del Carmen Centro
Ballet of the Carnaval Committee
Presentation of the Golden Queens, the Juvenile Kings & Queens and the Independent Parade Group.
Musical performance by Corpusklan
CONCERT: RAWAYANA
📆 March 2
Parade 3 Schedule
The third parade of floats will start from Constituyentes and 5th Av. at 5:30PM and continue west to Av. 30, south to Av. Juarez, east to Av. 10, north to Calle 8 and then finally west to the Plaza 28 de Julio.
📍 Amphitheater at Plaza 28 de Julio, Playa del Carmen Centro
Ballet of the Carnaval Committee
Presentation of the Joy King & Queen, teh Sexual Diversity King & Queen and the Invited Parade group Coco Bongo.
Musical performances from Cuatrapeao & Son Latino
CONCERT: BOMBA ESTÉREO at 10:30PM
📆 March 3
Parade 4 Schedule
The March 3 pedestrian parade will start at Parque Fundadores at 5:30PM and travel along 5th Avenue to Av. Constituyentes where it will join the parade of floats at Av. Constituyentes and 5th Av.. From there, the parade continues west to Av. 30, south to Av. Juarez, east to Av. 10, north to Calle 8 and then finally west to the Plaza 28 de Julio.
📍 Amphitheater at Plaza 28 de Julio, Playa del Carmen Centro
Final performance of the Carnaval Committee Ballet 7PM
Announcement of Winners of the Independent Parade Group Contest.
Float Contest Award Ceremony.
Speeches by Municipal Leaders and Event Officials.
Election and Coronation of the Kings and Queens of Puerto Aventuras
Performance by Yucadrag
Musical performances from Pina & "S-Kndalo Musical"
CONCERT: NICKI NICOLE at 10:30PM
📍 Puerto Aventuras Civic Plaza (behind the offices of the Alcaldia)
Speeches by Local Leaders and Event Coordinators
Presentation of the Children’s Queen and King, the Young Adult’s Queen and King, the Disabled Citizen’s King and Queen, the Senior Citizen’s King and Queen, the LGBTTTIQA+ Queen and King and the Soverign Carnival Queen and King
📆 March 4
📍 Amphitheater at Plaza 28 de Julio, Playa del Carmen Centro
Reading of the Carnaval Will
Burning of Juan Carnaval at 8PM (read more below)
Musical Performance (local artists TBA)
📍 Puerto Aventuras
Puerto Aventuras Parade
The Puerto Aventuras Carnaval Parade will include floats carrying dancers and performers departing from Parque Lol Beh on Calzada Puerto Maya at 6PM and proceeding to the new Civic Plaza behind the Alcaldia offices.
Presentation of the the Independent Groups participating in the parade procession.
Musical performances still TBA
Puerto Aventuras Parade Route
A long-standing tradition marking the end of Carnaval, the Burning of Juan Carnaval has roots dating back to at least the 19th century, as referenced in historical newspapers.
Traditionally an effigy or puppet of Juan Carnaval is carried through the streets flanked by masked executioners and mourners in black—his symbolic “widows.” This theatrical farewell represents the “death of humor” and the end of indulgence until the following year.
After the procession, a satirical "will" is read, often poking fun at the year’s events, before the effigy is set ablaze. This fiery conclusion not only marks the climax of Carnaval but also symbolizes the transition into Lent, a period of reflection, restraint, and penance.
In Playa del Carmen, we skip the procession but the effigy of Juan Carnaval will be presented and burnt in dramatic fashion in the Parque de 28 de Julio for all to see!
Tulum Carnaval 2025 is set to take place from Wednesday, February 26, to Sunday, March 2, bringing vibrant parades, live music and dazzling costumes to the streets and great live musical performances to the Park at the Museo de la Cultura Maya.
Carnaval in Tulum is not on such a grand scale as the festivities in Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. Still, visitors can expect a spectacle of dancers with elaborate costumes—often adorned with feathers and sequins—colorful floats, mechanical games, street parties, concerts, fireworks and plenty of delicious food.
If you thought it was tricky to find the schedule of events for Playa del Carmen, Tulum was even more difficult to pin down. This is what I was able to piece together for you.
📆 February 27
📍 Mayan Culture Museum Park
CONCERT: LOS SÚPER CARACOLES at 9PM
📆 February 28
Parade 1 Schedule
The Opening Parade kicks off at 7PM on Boulevard Tulum, ending at the Mayan Culture Museum Park.
📍 Mayan Culture Museum Park
The Crowning Ceremony of the Carnaval King and Queen follows, marking the official start of the weekend’s festivities.
The night wraps up with a Grand Carnaval Ball
CONCERT: INTOCABLE at 9PM
📆 March 1
Parade 2 Schedule
The second parade starts at 7PM on Boulevard Tulum, once again ending at the Mayan Culture Museum Park.
📍 Mayan Culture Museum Park
This night features a costume contest, where participants showcase their most extravagant outfits.
CONCERT: SUPA G at 9PM
📆 March 2
📍 Mayan Culture Museum Park
The final day of Carnaval in Tulum includes the prize ceremony for the best costumes among locals, tourists, and group performances.
The celebrations conclude with a closing concert, featuring live music (acts still TBA) and plenty of dancing.
That’s all I’ve got. 😎
DO GOOD RIVIERA MAYA
🍼 Tiny Hearts, Big Needs: Saving Newborns in Playa del Carmen
Did you know…the General Hospital in Playa del Carmen has no neonatal heart monitors? That means doctors lack the critical tools to track a baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels. Without real-time data, life-or-death decisions become even more difficult.
The Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside is asking Riviera Maya Insiders to help raise $12,000 USD to provide essential equipment, including oxygen monitors and infusion pumps, to save newborn lives.
These babies can’t ask for help—but we can. Learn how you can make a difference. Click on the link below to learn more about what is needed, make a donation or share the campaign with your friends.
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