Punta Allen Lobster Fest Returns Aug 15-17

Tulum, Mexico — Tulum Mayor Diego Castellón Trejo has unveiled plans for the third edition of the Lobster Festival in Punta Allen, scheduled to take place from August 15 to 17. The event aims to boost tourism and promote sustainable fishing practices while establishing the region’s lobster as a culinary highlight.

A Culinary Challenge for Chefs

During a press conference, municipal authorities expressed confidence in the festival’s success, emphasizing the importance of artisanal and sustainable lobster fishing. The event will feature a culinary competition challenging local chefs to create a second signature dish using lobster, in addition to the festival’s existing emblematic dish, lobster in coconut sauce.

“It would be a great source of pride for us to have a second signature dish emerge from this festival,” said Mayor Castellón Trejo. “This is a gastronomic challenge for our chefs, and we hope many will register to participate in the contest.”

Expanding Beyond the Hotel Zone

Castellón Trejo stressed the need to diversify Tulum’s tourism and cultural offerings by hosting events in areas beyond the hotel district, including Punta Allen and the Mayan zone.

“We must continue promoting Punta Allen—it’s a beautiful destination. We also need to organize cultural and gastronomic events in the Mayan zone, such as a honey festival. It’s essential for our children to understand that Tulum isn’t just the hotel area but also includes these cultural events that showcase other aspects of our community,” he said.

The mayor highlighted the festival as an opportunity to foster family and community engagement. Additional events, such as a Beer Festival and a Restaurant Festival, are also in the works.

Boosting Local Economy and Community Involvement

Castellón Trejo called on residents to collaborate in organizing more projects across the municipality, including delegations like Akumal and Chemuyil.

“The government can’t do this alone. I invite everyone to share ideas for other events we can host. The goal is to bring life not only to the municipal seat but to all delegations,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of supporting local artisans by showcasing their work in cities like Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Chetumal, Bacalar, and Cancún to stimulate economic growth.

Festival Highlights

The Lobster Festival will feature:

• A culinary competition
• Discussions on sustainable fishing
• Book exhibitions
• Traditional dances
• An art gallery
• Sports tournaments
• Local food vendors
• A lobster market with participation from fishing cooperatives
• Live music

“I’m confident this festival will be a success,” Castellón Trejo concluded. “We’re going to come up with that second signature dish. So, chefs, give it your all!”