Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The Feria del Carmen 2026 concluded Thursday with a traditional maritime procession of the Virgin of Carmen and a Mass in her honor at the emblematic Plaza 28 de Julio.
The pilgrimage began around 5 p.m. at the church on Avenida 15 and ended an hour later at the chapel on Fifth Avenue, where the image of the Virgin of Carmen was placed on a boat to lead the traditional sea procession. Upon its return, the statue was taken to Parque Fundadores and then to Plaza 28 de Julio, in front of the old municipal palace.
During the procession, the Virgin of Carmen was accompanied by parishioners, tourists, municipal authorities, members of various local guilds, and residents, many wearing traditional regional attire.
Bishop Salvador González Morales of the Cancún-Chetumal Diocese celebrated the Mass at Plaza 28 de Julio. Parishioners sang traditional birthday songs to the Virgin of Carmen in the presence of Mayor Estefanía Mercado, municipal authorities, and special guests.
In his homily, the bishop said Playa del Carmen is a community united by faith and devotion to the Virgin of Carmen. He called for strengthening the social fabric from within families to face the city’s challenges and urged society to work together for peace, fraternity, and the common good.
After the Mass, Mayor Mercado said the fair is more than a religious and cultural celebration — it represents the spirit, history, and unity of Playa del Carmen.
“Our Feria del Carmen reminds us where we come from and strengthens the pride of being playenses. Today we celebrate our roots, our traditions, and the deep sense of community that unites us as a people,” she said.
Following the religious ceremony, authorities and residents took part in the traditional vaquería featuring the Baile de la Cabeza de Cochino, a regional cultural expression led by the Guild of Founders and other participating guilds. Municipal secretariats and departments later joined the dance.
The celebration featured the orchestra of Miguel Collí and jarana groups from various municipalities of Quintana Roo, as well as Yucatán and Campeche, performing the traditional Son de la Cabeza de Cochino.
The event marked the official end of the Feria del Carmen 2026, which over the course of a week brought together thousands of families and visitors with an extensive lineup of artistic, cultural, religious, and recreational activities, solidifying its place as one of the state’s most important festivals.
