Fishermen Defy Rain to Honor Fallen Mariners on Navy Day in Yucatan

Rio Lagartos, Yucatan — Despite heavy rain and overcast skies, fishermen and their families in three ports on Yucatan’s eastern coast kept alive the tradition of Navy Day on Monday, holding boat processions and laying floral offerings in memory of mariners who died at sea.

In Rio Lagartos and San Felipe, fishermen braved downpours and strong winds to launch their boats offshore, though fewer vessels than usual were decorated due to the weather conditions.

Still, fishermen agreed that the important thing was to uphold the annual tradition and pay tribute to those who lost their lives at sea.

In Rio Lagartos, about 150 boats took part in the procession. The departure was scheduled for noon, but a heavy downpour delayed it until 12:30 p.m.

Because of the bad weather, the vessels advanced only a few meters beyond the channel mouth to avoid accidents, as wind and rain intensified in the area.

Despite the conditions, municipal authorities, fishing leaders, the port captain, and even the 2026 Navy Queen, Gabriela Sansores Marti, boarded the boats and took part in placing floral offerings in memory of the fallen mariners. Attendees ended up soaked, as they were caught in another heavy downpour on their return to shore.

In the port of El Cuyo, maritime activities were held earlier, allowing the procession and offering to proceed without incident.

A school parade through the main streets began at 7 a.m., and the traditional boat procession started at 10 a.m.

Local and municipal authorities attended the ceremony, along with the queen, Jimena Alejandra Fernandez Poot, who helped place the floral offerings. Popular festivities began in the afternoon, but by then the procession and floral offering had already taken place despite the rain.