Cozumel Opens Registration for Day of the Dead Catrina Costume Contest

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation (FPMC) has opened registration for its 2026 Catrina Characterization Contest, one of the centerpieces of the “Tradición, Luz y Reencuentro” festival marking Day of the Dead.

The competition will take place on Oct. 25, 2026, at the Museo de la Isla, where children, teenagers and adults will present characterizations inspired by Mexican historical figures tied to the country’s art, culture or social life.

Entry is free, and cash prizes will go to the top three finishers in each of two categories.

Who Can Take Part

The contest is divided by age:

• Children’s category: boys and girls ages 6 to 14
• Open category: anyone 15 and older

Costumes must draw on Mexican historical figures linked to culture, art or social life, and stay connected to Day of the Dead traditions. Organizers say participants are encouraged to build on their chosen character through makeup, wardrobe and stage presence.

How Contestants Will Be Judged

The contest will be staged as a runway, with each participant presenting their characterization to the audience and a panel of judges.

Judges with backgrounds in the arts and culture will weigh makeup, costume, creativity, body language, stage presence and fidelity to Mexican traditions. Organizers said the scoring will reflect not only the look of each characterization but also how convincingly participants embody their character.

Prize Money

In the children’s category, first place wins 2,000 pesos, second place 1,500 pesos and third place 1,000 pesos.

In the open category, the prizes rise to 3,500 pesos for first place, 2,500 for second and 1,500 for third.

Every participant will also receive a certificate of participation.

How to Register

Sign-ups are free and will remain open until one hour before the contest begins.

Registration is being handled at the BiblioAvión Gervasio, on Avenida 130 between Calles 7 and 7 Sur in Cozumel, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants must complete their entry within those hours and before the deadline set by organizers.

What Is Not Allowed

Entries must relate to Mexican traditions and to historical Mexican figures connected to culture, art or social life.

Organizers said costumes, performances or messages deemed contrary to morality and good customs will not be permitted, nor will any political content.

When and Where

The Catrina Characterization Contest will be held Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, at the Museo de la Isla as part of the “Tradición, Luz y Reencuentro” festival program.

The event aims to draw people of all ages into Day of the Dead celebrations and to use art, makeup and costume as tools for keeping Mexican traditions alive.