Best of Carnival on Cozumel (2019)

Carnival is one of the most exciting times to be on the island. Looking through these pictures has brought back a lot of really great memories from the two years we lived on Cozumel. Carnival is a time of celebration, where all of the locals come out to play on the streets. This is an event where for it to be successful (and fun) you need to like the streets shoulder to shoulder with strangers. While the island has opened up to tourism in a safe manner, there is just no way this is possible for the yearly event. So instead, we are presenting the next best thing, a virtual version. We wanted to fill some of the void that has been left with no parade this year.

Carnival is one of the best times to be on the island. Walking the streets and admiring the colourful outfits and the decorated floats, it makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the circus. In the weeks and months leading up to the event, you can see the locals in the many parks and plazas practicing their routines and perfecting their moves. If things had gone “according to plan” we would probably still be living on Cozumel, planning to enjoy Carnival with the locals. Instead, we are in Canada and Carnival is Cancelled. Today we wanted to share a virtual Carnival for those of us who feel like we’re missing out.

While Carnival is most famously celebrated in places like New Orleans or Rio de Janiero, Mexico has several cities which put on this yearly event. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate somewhere different. It turns out, this event can be a lot of fun.

Carnival on Cozumel

2019 was our first Carnival experience on Cozumel. We had no idea what to expect from this event, expecting a low-key or small celebration, we were amazed at how much fun we had watching the floats pass by. The locals were our celebrating in a way we had never seen. While there are many events which surround the Carnival on Cozumel, the parade is the crowning achievement.

Carnival marks the beginning of Lent. What we have “given up” this year may seem like a lot, but in the end, we will return triumphantly to normal life. Hopefully the past 12 months has made everyone appreciate the things we have more than we might have otherwise. While there is no event for 2021, we are certain that next year they will return to full glory and celebrate on the streets once again.

It really is one of the most exciting time to be on the island. It is fun for all ages. After picking through some pictures from the last two events (2019 and 2020) we have selected some of our favourites, which we will shared with everyone this week. We have so many great memories that we’ve decided to split this into two posts. Hopefully we can return to the island in time for 2022.

Carnival on Cozumel (2019)