New attractions and bigger-than-ever parades expected for Yucatán’s Carnavales
After nearly three years, Carnaval is slated to return to the Yucatán peninsula in full force next month.
Mérida’s Carnaval celebrations held at Xmatkuil are the largest in the state, but that does not mean other cities and towns don’t have their eye on the prize.
Aside from Mérida, large colorful celebrations are being planned in Cozumel, Campeche, Valladolid, and Progreso.
Progreso’s Carnaval has been growing immensely in popularity since its forced cancelation three years ago, but now we are being told to “Expect something huge like you have never seen before in Progreso.”
The theme of Progreso’s 2023 Carnaval will be “partying in the depths of the sea” and will feature floats, elaborate dance choreographies, and decorations with a beachlike flare.
Demand for Progreso to hold Carnaval celebrations last year was so intense, that locals decided to organize their own without aid from the city. However, the DIY event was canceled after authorities warned that they would break up any large celebration out of health concerns.
Though historically Valladolid’s Carnaval has been overshadowed by larger celebrations on the Peninsula, this year the city says it’s ready to “up it’s game.”
In Mérida, the city’s Carnival committee says it’s going “all out” and bringing musical acts featuring the likes of Gloria Trevi Dalex and Belinda to multiple stages at the Xmatkuil fairgrounds.
Earlier: Who remembers when Mérida celebrated Carnaval in the Centro?
Despite having moved the Carnaval away from Paseo de Montejo in 2014, many still feel that at least some festive flare should return to Mérida proper.
“Having the Carnaval out at Xmatkuil just does not feel right, you know? It’s just like a repeat of the state fair,” said Mérida local Albertó Muñoz on Facebook.
As it happens, this year’s celebrations in Mérida will include some events within the city and the historic center.
“For some people, getting out to Xmatkuil is quite hard, so we have decided to bring select events to Mérida’s neighborhoods,” said a statement from City Hall.
Yucatán’s LGBTQ+ community is also expected to come out in full force, especially after 2022’s pride parade, which was arguably more festive than the Carnaval of the past few years.
In the 20th century, the event ballooned in popularity with the inclusion of parades featuring decorative floats and large groups of scantily clad dancers.
The first Carnaval in Yucatán is thought to have been celebrated in Mérida as early as 1578. For more information on upcoming Carnaval events in Yucatán, visit the official event websites for Mérida, Progreso, Cozumel, and Valladolid.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer, adventure leader, and PhD candidate. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds multimedia, philosophy, and translation degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
