Cozumel Unveils Official Program for Santa Cruz de Sabán Festival and El Cedral Fair 2026

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Cozumel has launched the official program for the 2026 Fiesta en honor a la Santa Cruz de Sabán and Feria de El Cedral, one of Quintana Roo’s oldest cultural celebrations marking 178 years of tradition.

Mayor José Luis Chacón led the presentation ceremony at El Cedral, emphasizing that preserving these traditions is a priority for his administration. “Events like this enrich community life and strengthen recognition of what makes us unique,” Chacón said. “We invite everyone to celebrate with joy and respect, making these festivities a reason for unity, coexistence, and hope.”

The mayor was accompanied by Diana Sosa Blanco, honorary president of the Cozumel DIF system, and other local officials during the event held at the main palapa in El Cedral village.

Historical Roots and Community Significance

Torcasita Gual Cárdenas, representing the Villa Cozumel Ejido, welcomed attendees with an emotional speech recalling the festival’s origins. She noted that the tradition began with families fleeing the Caste War in the 19th century, particularly the Cárdenas Montero family who first settled in El Cedral and established the religious celebration that continues today.

“This fair is much more than a tourist event; it’s a generational dialogue,” Chacón stated, highlighting that Cozumel’s cultural richness serves as its calling card to the world.

2026 Festival Program Details

Chief Administrative Officer Azalea Morales Mejía outlined the diverse calendar of activities for this year’s celebration. While religious events maintain their central place with traditional masses and processions to the Holy Cross, the fair will also feature:

• Cultural encounters with jarana music groups and local artisan exhibitions
• Sports activities including races, soccer tournaments, and equestrian shows
• The traditional convite where authorities and citizens visit homes throughout the village

The presentation ceremony also served as a farewell to Minerva López, the 2025 Queen of El Cedral, who completed her term representing the festival. The event featured performances by the jarana group directed by Professor Reyes León, showcasing traditional dances and costumes.

Community Leadership and Participation

The ceremony included key figures from El Cedral’s traditions, including Martín Alberto Cárdenas Ávila, the festival’s head bastonero; outgoing queen Regina Minerva López Palma; Jesse Rivero, 2025 queen of the riders; and last year’s godmother Marbella Marrufo Góngora.

Following the presentation, officials conducted a symbolic walk through the village streets, visiting homes to “ask permission” for the festivities—a traditional practice that reinforces community bonds and ensures the celebration remains truly of and for the people.