Cancún Cracks Down on Unauthorized Beach Vendors During Holy Week

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Cancún authorities are launching a special operation to remove unauthorized street vendors from beaches in the city’s hotel zone during Holy Week, when an influx of tourists typically draws more sellers to the area.

José Gamaliel Canto Cambranis, head of the city’s Public Commerce Directorate, said his department normally removes up to four vendors daily from beaches, but that number often doubles during holiday periods.

“We will reinforce inspection patrols to prevent this commercial activity from developing,” Canto Cambranis said in a brief interview.

The directorate has so far authorized 17 permits for selling religious items and seasonal products, out of a planned total of 40. These permits—valid for approximately eight days from Palm Sunday on March 29 through Easter Sunday on April 5—are for designated locations like Cristo Rey Church, Parque de las Palapas, and the Cathedral.

However, Canto Cambranis clarified that no vending permits will be issued for Kukulcán Boulevard or the beach strip in the hotel zone. For Puerto Juárez beaches, only 16 registered vendors will be allowed, and they must remain off the sand.

Authorities warned that violators face fines and could be referred to municipal courts.