Cozumel Prepares for San Miguel Arcángel Patron Saint Festivities

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The Catholic community on the island of Cozumel is preparing for the patron saint festivities in honor of San Miguel Arcángel, scheduled to take place from Sept. 20 to 29.

Reyes León Sandoval, general coordinator of the San Miguel Arcángel festivities at the island’s parish, said the activity program is still being finalized in coordination with the city council. He confirmed that morning and evening novenas will be held, with attendance expected from various island guilds, including taxi drivers, merchants, artisans, boat operators and ejido members.

As in past years, the traditional “lowering” of the patron saint will take place, along with a procession that will begin and end at the parish located on Avenida Juárez at 10th Street.

Over the following days, organizers plan to hold Masses, dances, cultural presentations and “Mexican nights” featuring live music. The festivities will conclude on Sept. 29, the feast day of San Miguel Arcángel, with a main celebration that typically draws local authorities, community leaders and hundreds of island residents.

León Sandoval said the organizing committee wants to revive traditions that have faded over the years.

“We want to bring all of that back so these festivities keep the prominence they have always had, and above all invite the entire community to take part in this grand celebration, which is the most iconic one,” he said.

He noted that the festivities are considered the most important on the island, predating even Carnival. The celebration, he said, is not only a religious event but also a community gathering.

Church and municipal authorities are expected to formally announce the complete program next week.