Is the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival Set for a Comeback?

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The beloved Festival de Jazz de la Riviera Maya is back on the radar. Playa del Carmen’s local government has confirmed its intention to revive the internationally recognized jazz festival after it was dropped from the state’s official tourism calendar by the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ).

Estefanía Hernández, Playa del Carmen’s Secretary of Tourism, made the announcement during a recent press conference outlining the city’s new global promotion strategy. She emphasized the festival’s cultural significance both locally and internationally, adding that efforts are already underway to secure the necessary investment and planning to bring the festival back in 2026.

“The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival is something we deeply value—not just here in Playa del Carmen, but around the world,” Hernández stated. “We’re working hard at the municipal level to bring the festival back next year and make sure it lives up to its reputation.”

In an exciting development, Hernández revealed that officials are in talks with organizers of a major jazz event in Rome, Italy, with hopes of bringing elements of that festival to Playa del Carmen.

“You can be sure that we’re committed to reviving a jazz festival that’s both worthy of the local community and world-class in its execution,” she added.

The last official edition of the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival took place in 2023 under the CPTQ. In 2024, it was replaced by the Mexican Caribbean Music Fest, a roving event that featured a variety of contemporary genres.

A Look Back: The History of the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival

Launched in 2003, the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival quickly became one of the most anticipated music events in Mexico. Held annually at Playa Mamitas Beach in Playa del Carmen, the festival was known for its open-air beachfront setting and free admission, drawing thousands of music lovers each November. Over the years, the festival hosted internationally acclaimed artists such as Herbie Hancock, Earth, Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, and Pat Metheny, alongside Mexican jazz legends.

Its unique blend of stunning Caribbean scenery and world-class performances made it a cultural hallmark for Playa del Carmen—until it was quietly dropped in 2024 in favor of newer formats.

Strategic Tourism Promotion for 2026 and Beyond

In addition to the festival revival, Hernández shared that the city is planning coordinated marketing efforts ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Playa del Carmen is seeking to attract football tourism by partnering with host cities such as Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Mexico City.

Talks have already begun with tourism authorities in those cities, including a key meeting with Jalisco’s Tourism Secretary Michelle Fridman during the recent Tianguis Turístico. Advertising campaigns in airports and other strategic locations are expected to launch in the coming year.

Hernández also revealed that Playa del Carmen now has a record-breaking promotional budget: from just 8 million pesos in 2024 to 100 million pesos under the current administration.

“Before, the tourism department had a nearly symbolic budget—6 million went to payroll, and just 2 million were left to promote a global destination. It was impossible,” she said.

A newly formed Special Commission for Tourism Promotion will now coordinate efforts between government, business leaders, and the hotel sector to boost Playa del Carmen’s national and international profile.

“For the first time, the municipality is owning its role in global promotion,” Hernández concluded. “We’re not just back—we’re serious.”