Cancún, Quintana Roo — Cancún’s Carnival 2026 officially began on Thursday with a vibrant parade and the traditional symbolic burning of bad mood, launching the city’s most anticipated annual celebration.
The 2025 royal court and the 2026 Kings and Queens led the inaugural procession from Plaza de la Reforma to Parque de las Palapas, setting the festive tone for the days ahead. Behind a coffin representing bad mood, bitterness, and sorrows, the royal figures advanced accompanied by the infectious rhythms of the Samba del Caribe batucada and dozens of participants who joined the contingent.
At the main stage in Las Palapas, “Rachito” read the traditional proclamation for the burning of bad mood, a playful and festive text that humorously reviewed the year’s events, mentioned popular figures, and reminded attendees that carnival is a time for music, parades, and family gatherings. The verses referenced everything from January’s cold to February’s heat, included nods to figures like Bad Bunny, and highlighted the anticipated closing concert by Banda MS at Estadio Beto Ávila.
The ceremony also featured performances by Ballet Sentir Étnico and Grupo Musical Palenko from Colombia, adding color and Latin American brotherhood to the night. With the symbolic declaration to “bury the bad mood,” the city officially ignited the spark of Carnival 2026, inviting the community to reunite in public spaces to dance to cumbia, salsa, and Caribbean rhythms.
The festivities continue at Malecón Tajamar with a concert by Banda La Adictiva. The Sinaloan group promises to energize thousands with its powerful style of regional Mexican music.
From today through February 17, parades and royalty will showcase their talent at Parque de las Palapas. Meanwhile, at Malecón Tajamar, families can explore food and entrepreneur pavilions starting at 6:00 p.m., just before the headline concerts begin each evening.
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