Encuentro Mariano 2026 Expects 2,700 Faithful in Cancún and Debuts in Playa del Carmen

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Organizers expect 2,700 people to fill the Cancún Center for the Encuentro Mariano 2026, a Catholic gathering of prayer, reflection and evangelization that has been held in Quintana Roo for more than three decades.

Speaking at a presentation news conference, Bishop Salvador González Morales of the Diocese of Cancún-Chetumal said the event reflects the presence of the Virgin Mary in the life of the local church. He described Mary as a model for the Church who accompanies, encourages and guides the Catholic community.

The bishop noted that the celebration began as a lay initiative before being embraced and accompanied by the diocese. He said this year’s edition will also be tied to the centenary of the Cristero resistance, a commemoration of how Mexicans held to their faith under difficult circumstances, and said Mexico’s bishops are preparing a pastoral letter on the historic episode.

Julián Balbuena, president of the organizing committee, said the Cancún gathering has a capacity of 2,700. He added that the Encuentro Mariano will arrive in Playa del Carmen for the first time this year, with a session scheduled for Sunday, November 22, at the Poliforum, where about 500 people are expected.

Balbuena said the event’s reach has begun to extend beyond Quintana Roo, drawing participants and viewers from Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City, as well as people in other countries who follow the broadcasts online.

Organizers also stressed the value of strengthening religious tourism in the state, pointing to sites such as the Sanctuary of Mary Undoer of Knots, the Padre Pío sanctuary and the historic churches of the Maya zone as opportunities to diversify Quintana Roo’s tourism offerings.