Cozumel Celebrates 177 Years of El Cedral Traditions

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa emphasized Cozumel’s historical pride and cultural heritage during the closing ceremony of the traditional El Cedral Fair 2025, held in observance of the Day of the Holy Cross. The event, marking the 177th anniversary of the island’s resettlement, showcased the deep-rooted traditions of Quintana Roo.

Joined by Municipal President José Luis Chacón, Governor Lezama participated in festivities that commemorate the pivotal moment in Cozumel’s history—its repopulation.

A Legacy of Resilience and Renewal

Governor Lezama recalled the arrival of the founding families in 1848, who fled the Caste War seeking refuge and a chance to rebuild their lives. "Brave men and women came to this beautiful island to repopulate it, to sow life in a land of legends and dreams," she stated.

She highlighted that the celebration not only unites Cozumel’s families but also serves as a living cultural heritage—a memory that is danced, sung, and shared across generations.

Traditions in Motion

The festivities included a procession to the central palapa, a Rosary prayer session attended by 200 people at the Chapel of the Holy Cross—a record turnout—and a traditional vaquería dance at the Ejidal House, accompanied by a local jarana orchestra. The event culminated in the iconic baile de la cabeza de cochino (pig’s head dance), a ritual expressing gratitude for bountiful harvests.

Governor Lezama, dressed in a terno de mestiza, led the dance alongside bastonero mayor Eligio Cárdenas, a descendant of one of the resettler families. The lively procession, set to jarana music by the orchestra El Makech, featured participants in traditional attire parading through the streets with a decorated pig’s head.

Cozumel’s Pioneering Spirit

Governor Lezama underscored Cozumel’s role as a trailblazer in Quintana Roo, noting its early connections with cruise tourism and its ability to showcase the region’s cultural richness beyond its beaches. "Cozumel has been a beacon and gateway. From here, a fundamental part of the Mexican Caribbean’s history has been written," she said.

She reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to a humanist, feminist-led government centered on the people’s dignity, identity, and shared prosperity. "We govern by putting the people first, defending their dignity, celebrating their identity, and fostering collective well-being. Cozumel exemplifies how identity is preserved—here, traditions are not ornaments; they are life itself," she emphasized.

Distinguished Attendees

Accompanying Governor Lezama were Óscar Pinto Silva, Commissioner of the Ejido Villa Cozumel; Senators Anahí González and Eugenio Segura; Deputy Renán Sánchez Tajonar; and Diana Sosa Blanco, Honorary President of DIF Cozumel.

The El Cedral festivities stand as a testament to Cozumel’s enduring cultural legacy, uniting past and present in vibrant celebration.