Playa del Carmen Announces Second Taco Festival with Yucatan as Guest State

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The municipal government led by Mayor Estefanía Mercado has announced the Second Taco Festival Playa del Carmen 2026, scheduled for March 30-31 at the 28 de Julio plaza, with Yucatan as the special guest state.

During a presentation on Thursday, municipal officials and the organizing committee said the event aims to boost the local economy, promote the destination’s culinary wealth, and create family-friendly gathering spaces.

The press conference included Estefanía Hernández, Secretary of Economic Development and Investment Attraction; David Hernández, a member of the organizing committee; Fabiana Briseño, Secretary of Tourism; and Ernesto Martínez Cuéllar, director of the Municipal Institute of Culture and Arts, along with representatives from various taco businesses.

“The call for participants opens today for all interested parties. We will have 50 spaces available, so we invite restaurants, taquerias, traditional cooks, and anyone who prepares tacos and wants to share their flavors with the community,” said Estefanía Hernández.

The official noted that the first edition of the festival attracted over 15,000 attendees and generated economic activity exceeding 1.5 million pesos, directly benefiting local food sector businesses.

“That’s what we seek in our municipal government: for people to do well, for their households to have well-being, and for spaces to exist where they can grow and share their talent,” she expressed.

The call includes participation from 50 exhibitors, who can compete in a culinary contest where a specialized jury will evaluate aspects like flavor, texture, presentation, creativity, ingredient quality, and sauces. The top three places will receive cash prizes.

As part of this edition’s new features, organizers will install a special pavilion dedicated to Yucatan state, plus a space for international cuisine tacos where foreign residents can present proposals inspired by their gastronomy, adapted to the traditional Mexican dish.

The festival will take place at the 28 de Julio plaza in the heart of Playa del Carmen and aims to establish itself as a permanent culinary project that strengthens the destination’s culinary identity.

Interested participants can register for free at the offices of the Secretary of Economic Development and Investment Attraction, located at Calle 1 Sur with 20 Avenida, starting March 12 until available spots fill.

Municipal Tourism Secretary Fabiana Briseño highlighted the importance of such events for promoting the destination and strengthening collaboration between economic, cultural, and tourism sectors.

“It’s a pride to participate in initiatives that support traditional cooks, entrepreneurs, and all people who form part of our city’s culinary wealth,” she commented.

Meanwhile, Municipal Institute of Culture and Arts director Ernesto Martínez Cuéllar reported that the festival will feature artistic presentations, dance and music performances, aiming to offer a family-friendly atmosphere for residents and visitors.

Organizers invited citizens, visitors, and media to join and promote this event celebrating Mexican gastronomy, promoting culture, and contributing to local economic reactivation.