Octopus Festival Returns to Río Lagartos Nov 21-22

RÍO LAGARTOS, Yucatán — The fourth edition of the Octopus Festival, titled "Flavor, Nature, and Tradition," has been announced and is scheduled to take place on November 21 and 22 in the port of Río Lagartos.

Organized by the Río Lagartos Hotel and Restaurant Association, with support from the host municipality's local government and the State Government through the Secretariat of Tourism Development (Sefotur), the festival aims to position the port as a premier gastronomic and ecotourism destination. The event also seeks to promote responsible fishing, environmental conservation, and the region's cultural identity.

Regarding the initiative, the head of Sefotur, Darío Flota Ocampo, acknowledged the importance of these events for the tourism development of the coast. He stated that the festival not only promotes gastronomy but also stimulates the local economy, generates tourist traffic, and directly benefits families who depend on tourism, fishing, handicrafts, and culture.

He emphasized that, under the vision of the State Government, the goal is to promote tourism as a tool for inclusive development that decentralizes the benefits of this activity and strengthens local identity in each municipality.

During the festival, visitors will be able to enjoy a full agenda of activities. These will include talks on responsible fishing, panels on stories of the sea, live music, a gastronomic market, handmade products with more than 40 exhibitors, a starlit serenade, and the themed party "Under the Sea" at the Macumba Hotel.

Additionally, the Gastronomic Passport was introduced. This free initiative will encourage attendees to visit participating restaurants, share their experiences on social media, and receive prizes.

Finally, the president of the Río Lagartos Hotel and Restaurant Association, Martha Elena Meza Conde, expressed that this event represents an opportunity to show the world the natural beauty, hospitality, and gastronomy that distinguish the municipality. She invited the public to consult the schedule of activities on the event's social media channels.