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Cancun Cultural Activities

Home > Cancun Travel Guide > Cancun Cultural Activities

 

If the Mexican ever risks revealing himself completely to a foreigner, showing the full range of his eclectic religiosity, his flint-hard resignation to the numerous defeats of his daily life, and his overpowering sadness even as flowers bloom, it is during the great national fiesta, the Day of the Dead, November 1 and 2.
-Lee Foster, "Mexico: The Devil's Piñata"

 
Although Cancun's beautiful beaches and luxury resorts are probably the first things that come to mind when you think about Cancun, don't overlook the local cultural activities Cancun offers. Like many Mexican cities, Cancun offers cultural attractions such as museums, galleries, musical performances and theaters.

One of the most popular cultural activities for visitors is the National Folkloric Ballet of Mexico. Presented as a dinner show with an open bar, the Folkloric Ballet puts on a show dedicated to Mexico's diverse history. Shows are presented Monday - Friday at the Cancun Convention Center in Cancun's hotel zone. Guests can choose to purchase a ticket that includes the show, open bar, and a meal showcasing the many flavors of Mexico. The second ticket option includes the show and open bar. The show begins at 8 PM, and guests who are coming for the dinner are encouraged to arrive at 6:30 pm. The 80 minute show features traditional and modern dance and music. Tickets can be purchased at the Cancun Convention Center.

Throughout Cancun, visitors can find fun and unique dance and music performances at restaurants, hotels, theaters, bars and even on street corners. At in the Costa Blanca Shopping Center, El Mexicano Restaurant puts on shows each night from 7 pm to 11 pm. The entertainment varies nightly with mariachis, folkloric ballet and live music. Mango Tango, located at kilometer 14 in the Hotel Zone, is another lagoon-side restaurant offering nightly dinner shows, with live salsa and reggae later in the evening. The Casa De Cultura Art Center, located on Yaxchilan Avenue in downtown Cancun (El Centro), and the Teatro de Cancun, located at kilometer 4.5 in the hotel zone, both offer cultural events ranging from art exhibits to dance performances to plays and concerts.

Xcaret eco-park, located just south of Playa del Carmen in the Riviera Maya, is home to two  theaters capable of seating 6,000 guests and is known for complex shows featuring live music, acrobats and dancers. Visitors who visit Xcaret during the day are welcome to stay into the evening and enjoy the nightly shows.

The Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau held the inauguration of Cancun's Museo Maya, and Mexico's president, Felipe Calderon, officiated over the ceremony on Nov. 1, 2012. With an investment of approximately $15 million, 70 percent of which was contributed by the federal government through the National Institute of Anthropology and History. Cancun’s Maya Museum includes 350 archeological artifacts that includes relics that have never been shown as well as others that were discovered in recent excavations. Cancun’s Maya Museum boasts three exhibition halls, two permanent and one temporary venue for national and international exhibitions.

Next to the Maya Museum, the San Miguelito archeological site recently opened as well. The Maya Museum and San Miguelito are located at Km 16 on Kukulkan Boulevard in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., except on Thursday (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.). Tickets cost around $5 USD for access to both the museum and San Miguelito site. Children under 13 and adults over 60 years old receive free admission. On Sunday, admission is free to local residents with official identification.

 
Cultural Tours
 Calakmul and Balamku
Location: BALAMKU   Departs From: CAMPECHE 

 

The ancient Mayan archaeological site of Balamku (Temple of the Jaguar) is one of the most important in Mexico due to its many architectural treasures. This stunning site is located in the midst of a jungle, which offers visitors the opportunity to interact with nature while exploring the ruins of this pre-Columbian city.
 Campeche City Tour
Location: CAMPECHE   Departs From: CAMPECHE  

 

The city of Campeche is located in the southeastern region of the Mexican Republic. This beautiful colonial city is surrounded by abundant greenery and features vast architectural and cultural wealth, which can be admired in its many beautiful colonial buildings and museums.
 Chenes Route
Location: YUCATAN   Departs From: CAMPECHE

 

You'll start the journey 30 miles south of Hopelchen. You'll get to see the Mayan architectural wonders, such as the "Palacio del Este" (East Palace) at the archaeological site of Hochob. At this mystical place you'll find representations of Itzamna, the principal god of the Mayan culture.
 Chichen Itza Deluxe
Location: YUCATAN  
Transportation From: CANCUN, RIVIERA MAYA, PLAYA DEL CARMEN

 

Add an incredible touch of culture, adventure and Mexican flavor to your vacation. Take some time to visit one of the most amazing archeological sites in Mexico: Chichen Itza. This mystical Mayan city, made up of a series of pyramids, has recently been named as one of the New Wonders of the World.
 Chichen Itza World Wonder
Location: YUCATAN  
Transportation From: CANCUN, RIVIERA MAYA, PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MERIDA

 

Chichen Itza is the capital of ancient Maya empire, its majestic building dates back to 435 and 455, and it is geographically located in the middle of spectacular natural environs in the Yucatan Peninsula. At this site, declared as one of the 7 World Wonders, you can visit magnificent temples.
 Coba - Mayan Encounter
Location: RIVIERA MAYA  
Transportation From: CANCUN, RIVIERA MAYA, PLAYA DEL CARMEN

 

This attraction gives you the opportunity of a fascinating encounter with Mayan culture, where you will visit Coba, a spectacular archeological site hidden inside the rain forest, at the Yucatan Peninsula. Once there you can observe the Nohoch Muul temple the most important temple in the area.
 Coba Sunset
Location: RIVIERA MAYA  
Transportation From: CANCUN, RIVIERA MAYA, PLAYA DEL CARMEN

 

Travel back in time to the pre-Columbian Mayan civilization when climbing up to the top of the Nohoch Mul pyramid. You will be amazed by the incomparable view of this immense territory engulfed by lush vegetation. It’s time to explore the archeological ruins of Coba by bicycle!
 Cuzama Sinkhole Tour
Location: YUCATAN   Departs From: MERIDA   Transportation From: MERIDA HOTELS

 

Are you ready to enjoy a great adventure during your trip to Merida? This tour gives you the opportunity to discover and swim in the famous Cuzama cenotes, which are bodies of fresh water located underground. Throughout your journey you will pass by Mayan pyramids, colonial buildings and old haciendas.
 Discover Mexico Park
Location: COZUMEL

 

Discover Mexico Park is the newest and most visited park in Cozumel, offering a unique Mexican experience. The park brings together pre-Columbian, colonial and modern Mexican wonders in one place, including the Castle from Chichen Itza, recently declared as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. 
 Edzna Archeological Zone
Location: YUCATAN   Departs From: CAMPECHE 

 

On this tour you can visit the ruins found at the archaeological site of Edzna, such as the Platform of the Knives, Nohochna (Great House), the Temple of the South, the Temple of the Stairways, the Temple of the Five Floors, the House of the Moon, the Main Square and the Temple of the Masks.
 Gastronomic Tour in Yucatan
Location: YUCATAN   Departs From: MERIDA Transportation From: MERIDA HOTELS

 

This experience begins in Merida. You will stop at a location that is between the archaeological sites of Xlapak and Labna. It will then be time to go to Mani, where you'll have the opportunity to eat authentic Yucatecan food. At the end of your meal, you will visit the ruins of Mayapan.
 Hacienda Sotuta de Peon
Location: YUCATAN  Departs From: MERIDA   Transportation From: MERIDA HOTELS

 

Welcome to Hacienda Sotuta de Peon, built in the late 1800’s and located in Tecoh, Yucatan. Join us on a marvelous journey back in time to the golden era of the sisal industry via a tour of one of the best preserved haciendas in the state.
 Handcraft Route
Location: YUCATAN   Departs From: CAMPECHE 

 

You will also visit places like Hecelchakan, Pomuch and Becal, towns of great of importance because they are known for their handicrafts, like the typical and famous Panama style hats, made from the jipi japa, a common flower in the area.
 Merida City Tour
Location: MERIDA   Departs From:  MERIDA   Transportation From: MERIDA HOTELS

 

Take a stroll and admire the sights of this beautiful colonial city. Merida is the capital city of the Mexican state of Yucatan. This city features a fascinating combination of art, history and culture throughout its cobbled streets, stunning architecture and lovely parks.
 Puuc Route
Location: YUCATAN  Departs From: MERIDA   Transportation From: MERIDA HOTELS

 

If you want to explore the Mayan World, the Puuc Route is a “must” in case you visit Yucatan. This a popular archaeological region located south of Merida, and its itinerary includes the following areas: Loltun caves, Labna, Sayil and Xlapac
 Tequila Herradura Sensorial Museum
Location: CANCUN

 

Welcome to the Tequila Herradura Sensorial Museum! Here you will discover both the modern and traditional artisanal methods of making Mexico's national spirit, Tequila, a beverage that can only be produced in one specific region of the country.
 Tulum Undiscovered
Location: RIVIERA MAYA   Transportation From: RIVIERA MAYA, PLAYA DEL CARMEN

 

Tulum Undiscovered Tour starts early in the morning and takes you on a guided visit of the archeological site, conducted by a specialist in Maya culture who will teach you about the building of the pyramids, the lives of the inhabitants, their religion and their advanced mathematical and scientific achievements.
 Uxmal and Kabah
Location: YUCATAN   Departs From: MERIDA   Transportation From: HOTELS IN MERIDA

 

Uxmal is one of the most representative cities of the Mayan culture. It is 38 miles from Merida and, at its peak, had a population of 25,000. During this tour, we will visit the Magician's Pyramid, the Quadrangle of the Nuns, the Ball Game Court, and the Governor's Palace. Later, we’ll go south to explore Kabah.
 Uxmal Light & Sound Show
Location: YUCATAN   Departs From: MERIDA   Transportation From: HOTELS IN MERIDA

 

Uxmal, the city that has been built three times, lies majestic surrounded by nature, witness of the Mayan’s lifestyle at its peak. It is 38 miles away from Merida and it is considered one of the most representative Mayan site in the Puuc area, name given to describe the architectural style of the region.
 Xichen
Location: YUCATAN  Transportation From: CANCUN, RIVIERA MAYA, PLAYA DEL CARMEN

 

Venture into the ancient Mayan world to discover their greatest secrets with this visit to the ruins of Chichen Itza. Experience one of the Wonders of the World, the Pyramid of Kukulkan, also known as The Castle! Once the tour around Chichen Itza is over, visit the beautiful city of Valladolid.
 Yucatan Haciendas Tour
Location: YUCATAN   Departs From:  MERIDA   Transportation From: HOTELS IN MERIDA

 

Go to the Uayalceh, Yaxcopoil and Ochil haciendas and learn about the machines that extracted the henequen fibers used in the production of rope. You will also visit the main house and the chapel, which is still used today. You'll then have the chance to enjoy genuine Yucatecan cuisine at one of the haciendas.

Mayan Ruins in Cancun

Ruinas Del Rey   Large signs on the Zona Hotelera's lagoon side, roughly opposite Playa Delfines, point out the small Ruins of the King. Although much smaller than famous archaeological sites like Tulum and Chichen Itza this site, commonly called El Rey, is worth a visit and makes for an interesting juxtaposition of Mexico's past and present.

First entered into Western chronicles in a 16th-century travelogue, then sighted in 1842 by American explorer John Lloyd Stephens and his draftsman, Frederick Catherwood, the ruins were finally explored by archaeologists in 1910, though excavations didn't begin until 1954. In 1975 archaeologists, along with the Mexican government, began restoration work on the 47 structures.

Dating from the 3rd to 2nd century BC, El Rey is notable for having two main plazas bounded by two streets-most other Mayan cities contain only one plaza. The pyramid here is topped by a platform, and inside its vault are paintings on stucco. Skeletons interred both at the apex and at the base indicate that the site may have been a royal burial ground. Originally named Kin Ich Ahau Bonil, Mayan for "king of the solar countenance," the site was linked to astronomical practices in the ancient Mayan culture. In 2006, workmen unearthed an ancient Mayan skeleton on the outskirts of the park.

Address: Blvd. Kukulcan, Km 17, Zona Hotelera, Cancun, Quintana Roo, 77500 * Phone: 998/849-2880 * Cost: $3.50; free on Sun. * Open: Daily 8-4:30

 
Yamil Lu'um  Located on Cancun's highest point (the name Yamil Lu'um means "hilly land"), this archaeological site stands on the grounds of the Park Royal Cancun, which means that non-guests can only access the ruins from the beach side. Although it comprises two structures-one probably a temple, the other probably a lighthouse-this is the smallest of Cancun's ruins. Discovered in 1842 by John Lloyd Stephens, the ruins date from the late 13th or early 14th century. Keep your eyes out for iguanas roaming around the ruins. Address: Blvd. Kukulcan, Km 12, Zona Hotelera, Cancun, Quintana Roo, 77500 * Phone: No phone * Cost: Free * Open: Daily 9-5
 
El Meco Ruins Near the Isla Mujeres ferry ports, the ruined city of El Meco dates back to AD 300. An impressive pyramid and the remains of an opulent Mayan palace can be seen. Location: KM 2.7, Puerto Juarez - Punta Sam, near the Isla Mujeres ferry.  Admission: 35 Pesos (about $3.00 U.S.)
 

Mexico Special Events & Holidays

Statutory Holidays
Date English name Spanish name  
January 1 New Year's Day Año Nuevo First day of the year.
February 5 Constitution day Día de la Constitución Celebrates the Promulgation of the 1857 and 1917 Constitutions Observance: First Monday of February.
March 21 Benito Juarez's birthday Natalicio de Benito Juarez Commemorates President Benito Juarez's birthday on March 21, 1806 Observance: Third Monday of March
May 1 Labor day Día del Trabajo Commemorates the Mexican workers' union movements
September 16 Independence Day Día de Independencia Commemorates the start of the Independence War by Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1810
November 20 Revolution day Día de la Revoluciíon Commemorates the start of the Mexican Revolution by Francisco I. Madero in 1910 Observance: Third Monday of November.
December 1 Change of Federal Government Transmisiíon del Poder Ejecutivo Federal Every six years, when a new President is sworn in office. Next observance: December 1, 2018.
December 25 Christmas Navidad Christmas celebration; secular and religious holiday.
 
Civic Holidays
Date English Name Spanish Name  
February 19 Army's Day Día del Ejercito Celebrates the Mexican Army on the Loyalty Day ("Día de la Lealtad"), when President Madero was escorted by the Cadets of the Militar College to the National Palace.
February 24 Flag Day Día de la Bandera Celebrates the current Flag of Mexico and honors the previous ones. Flag Day was implemented by President Lazaro Cadenas in 1937.
March 18 Anniversary of the Oil Expropriation Aniversario de la Expropiacion petrolera Celebrates the Oil Expropriation by President Gral. Lazaro Cadenas in 1938.
April 21 Heroic Defense of Veracruz Heroica Defensa de Veracruz Commemorates the United States occupation of Veracruz in 1914.
May 5 Fifth of May Cinco de Mayo Celebrates the victory of the Mexican Army, led by Gral. Ignacio Zaragoza, against French forces in the city of Puebla, on May 5, 1862. A

lso widely celebrated in the United States. US "celebration" of this Mexican historical event is largely a result of promotions in the US by liquor, beer, and bars/taverns/clubs/restaurants since the 1980s. For many years Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the US promoted Cinco de Mayo as Mexican Independence Day which is actually September 16. Although Mexican citizens feel very proud of the meaning of Cinco de Mayo, it is not a national holiday in Mexico, but it is an official holiday in the State of Puebla where the mentioned battle took place.

May 8 Miguel Hidalgo's birthday Natalicio de Miguel Hidalgo Commemorates the birth in 1753 of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, the initiator of the Mexican Independence War.
June 1 Marine's Day Dia de la Marina Celebrates the Mexican Navy.
September 13 "Boy Heroes" or "Heroic Cadets" Dia de los Niiños Heroes Celebrates the Battle of Chapultepec during the Mexican-American War of 1847.
September 15 Cry of Dolores Grito de Dolores Celebrates the Grito de Dolores, an event that marked the start of the independence war against Spain on the eve of September 16, 1810. It took place at a church chapel in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, led by a Creole Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla.
September 27 End of Independence War Consumacion de la Independencia Celebrates the end of the Mexican Independence War on 1821, 11 years after Father Hidalgo started it.
September 30 Morelos' birthday Natalicio de Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon Commemorates the birth in 1765 of Father Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon one of the founding fathers of the Mexican nation.
October 12 Columbus Day Descubrimiento de America y Dia de la Raza Commemorates the Discovery of the Americas in 1492 by the Italian navigator Christopher Columbus. It is also celebrates La Raza.
 
Festivities
Date English Name Spanish Name  
January 6 Epiphany Dia de los Santos Reyes Celebrates the Biblical New Testament story of the arrival of the three wise men who each brought a gift to the Christ child. Traditionally, children receive toys, and people buy a pastry called rosca de reyes. Anyone who bites into the bread and finds a figurine of the Christ child must host a party for the Day of Candlemas (February 2). It is not a state holiday.
February 14 Valentine's Day Dia de San Valentin Celebrates amorous unions. On this day, traditionally, men give chocolates, flowers, jewelry, dinner and serenade to their special women, as well as to their female friends. It is not a state holiday.
March or April Easter / Holy Week Pascua /
Semana Santa
Holy Week and Easter. . Celebrations and processions in observance of Christ's resurrection.
April 30 Children's Day Dia del Niños Honors all the children. It is not a state holiday.
May 10 Mother's Day Dia de las Madres Honors all the mothers throughout the country. It is not a state holiday.
May 15 Teacher's Day Dia del Maestro Honors all the teachers throughout the country. It is not a state holiday.
May 23 Student's Day Dia del estudiante Honors all the students throughout the country. It is not a state holiday.
Third Sunday of June Father's Day Dia del Padre Honors all the fathers throughout the country. It is not a state holiday.
November 1 All Saints' Day (Day of the Dead) Dia de Todos los Santos Honors dead relatives and/or friends with candles, food and flower offerings, altars, and pre-Hispanic and Christian rituals. It is not a state holiday.
November 2 All Souls' Day (Day of the Dead) Dia de los Fieles Difuntos Honors dead relatives and/or friends (who were more than 18 years of age or married) with candles, food and flower offerings, altars, and pre-Hispanic and Christian rituals. It is not a state holiday.
December 12 Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe Celebrates the day that Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared on Tepeyac hill to the native Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin. It is not a state holiday.
December 16-24 Las Posadas Las Posadas Commemorates the Biblical New Testament story of Joseph and Mary's search for shelter in Bethlehem. Consists of candlelight processions as well as stops at various nativity scenes.
December 24 Christmas Eve Nochebuena Celebrates the eve of the nativity of Jesus, as both a secular and religious winter holiday. Las Posadas are celebrated nine days before Nochebuena, usually accompanied by a piñata party for children and dance music for adults.
December 28 Day of the Innocents Dia de los Santos Inocentes On this day, people pull practical jokes on each other. It is equivalent to the U.S. version of April Fools Day (April 1). People must not believe anything that other people say nor let them borrow any amount of money. If any person has fallen victim of the joke, the person pulling the joke will say ¿Inocente palomita...!, literally meaning 'Innocent little dove' (equivalent to saying April Fools!).
 
Cancun, Quintana Roo and Yucatan Holidays/Festivals

Date

 
January 10 Constitution Day of the State of Quintana Roo
January 11 Anniversary of the reinstatement of Quintana Roo as a territory
Carnaval Cancun Begins the week before Ash Wednesday. Locals dress in elaborate costume and parade through the streets of downtown Cancun. Carnival atmosphere fill the streets with parades, food, music and dancing.
March 20, 21 Vernal Equinox. On the morning and evenings of Equinox March 20, 21 and September 21, 22 thousands flock to Chichen Itza's main temple at to see the descent of the serpent Kukulcan. History has it that the Maya constructed the temple in a way that during equinox a beam of sunlight creates a shadow moving down towards earth resembling a slithering snake. This occurrence is supposed to bring out a good harvest.
September 21, 22 Autumnal Equinox. . On the morning and evenings of Equinox March 20, 21 and September 21, 22 thousands flock to Chichen Itza's main temple at to see the descent of the serpent Kukulcan. History has it that the Maya constructed the temple in a way that during equinox a beam of sunlight creates a shadow moving down towards earth resembling a slithering snake. This occurrence is supposed to bring out a good harvest.
November Caribbean Culture Festival is a one week event in November (dates vary) and is presented by regional cities, including Cancun.  Events include Caribbean music performances, Mexican poetry readings and art exhibits by Latin American and Caribbean artists.

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