Events in Cancun

With spectacular Caribbean beaches and majestic Mayan culture, it's no surprise that Cancún welcomes visitors all year round. Enjoy long stretches of white sand and deep blue waters with plenty of watersports including diving, fishing and kiteboarding to entertain you.

Many Cancún beaches such as Playa Delfines fly the coveted Blue Flag meaning they're safe for the whole family to enjoy. If you love to dive or snorkel, visit the Cancún Underwater Museum, home to underwater sculptures by local artists.

Back on land, the Museum Maya de Cancun takes you on a journey through the Mayan culture. As well as beaches and history, Cancún also has a diverse annual programme of events to enjoy. Among our favourites are:

Día de los Reyes Magos (January)

Children in Mexico look forward to the Día de los Reyes Magos in January with as much excitement as they do for Christmas Day. 'Three Kings' Day' or Epiphany is when the Wise Kings brought their gifts to baby Jesus. and it's the day when Mexican children receive their gifts. Presents are accompanied by 'Roscas de Reyes' or large oval cakes topped with candied fruit.

Visit Cancún in early January to join in the fun. The day is marked by fiestas that bring everyone together. The custom was originally brought to Mexico by Spanish missionaries so expect special church services as well as colourful street processions followed by a party.

Carnaval de Cancún (February/March)

Late February or early March is 'carnaval' time in Cancún. While it is not as gloriously lavish as in other Mexican towns, Cancún Carnaval sees concerts, processions and traditional dancing. It's a time to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Expect each day of this party festival to end with fireworks. For the best views, pick a vantage point on the beach.

Semana Santa (March/April)

Semana Santa is celebrated from Palm Sunday until Easter Sunday but the biggest parades take place on Good Friday. Semana Santa is the busiest time of year in Cancún so there will be lots of crowds lining the streets to enjoy the fun.

To many, Semana Santa is a religious occasion with daily masses and other church services. For others, it is an occasion to party when daily processions end with fiestas in the street. Join in with live music, street food and dancing.

Turtle Nesting (May)

Late May is when the turtle nesting season starts. Six species of endangered turtles breed in Mexico and some choose the beaches of the Cancún's Riviera Maya to lay their eggs. Watching the newly-hatched turtles find their mini-fins to crawl over the sand to the sea is truly magical.

The two most common species seen in Cancún are Green and Loggerhead turtles. Information posters say where the turtles are laying, when they're due to hatch and where you can watch without endangering them.

Snorkel with Whale Sharks (July/August)

Another fascinating experience for lovers of maritime wildlife is snorkelling with whale sharks. July and August are the best months for doing this. Once the whale sharks are spotted off the Isla Contoy you can book a whale shark expedition and safely snorkel alongside these gentle creatures.

These boat trips are made on safe modern boats with full safety equipment and instructions as well as a guide and meals.

Día de la Independencia (September)

The evening of September 15th is very important in Mexico as is their Day of Independence and one that attracts visitors to Cancún. The cry of independence or the 'Grito de la Independencia' is heard from the town hall while the city centre comes alive with music, street food and partying.

The following day is a national holiday when everyone heads to the beach. In fact, much of September is taken up with fireworks, parades and live mariachi music.

Day of the Dead (November)

The Day of the Dead is maybe one of Cancún's most iconic celebrations and a Cancún event you can't miss. Colourful altars pop up across town and in the cemetery and are where locals honour their ancestors and loved ones. You'll even find these distinctive altars in many of the hotels. Gruesome skull masks and macabre dolls are all part of the celebration.

See our best deals on BudgetAir visit Cancún in April or May when hotels and resorts are at their quietest. For the peak weather season, however, plan your trip for between December and early April. If you're planning a winter getaway to the sun, now is the time to check out flights and hotel deals at BudgetAir.