Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo — More than 2,000 people gathered Saturday for the Navy Day Catch & Release 2026 fishing tournament in Puerto Morelos, part of the municipality’s 10th anniversary celebrations.
The day began early at the Fishermen’s Pier with the official start of the tournament, featuring 44 boats from Puerto Morelos, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Puerto Aventuras competing in catch-and-release format.
Mayor Blanca Merari Tziu Muñoz said the event helps strengthen maritime traditions while promoting tourism and family togetherness in the destination.
Attending the opening were Navy Day Queen Aleyhsa Dayami Trejo Gutierrez, acting Harbor Master Ramona Palomares Roman, and municipal officials along with environmental and tourism representatives.
Alongside the fishing competition, volleyball and beach soccer matches took place at Ojo de Agua beach, and a traditional relay swim was held at the pier, drawing dozens of participants and spectators.
Concurrently, the Sabor a Mar Gastronomic Festival was held at Ventana al Mar, with restaurants Marbella, Punta Corcho, El Huerto del Puerto, Pecao, Muelle Once, and Origen taking part. A local artisan fair was also set up at Parque Fundadores.
At the Captains’ Dinner, local fishermen were recognized for their careers and contributions to the municipality’s fishing and sports activities. Honorees included Angel Anduze Trujillo, Carlo Kier, Eduardo Espinosa Payan, Roque Rosado, Saydi I. Trujillo Encalada, Carlos O. Herrera Acosta, Monica A. Lopez Ruiz, Jose Manuel Garcia Salas, Karla Luna Rodriguez, and Abraham Zetina Otero.
Jose de Jesus Espinosa Payan received the commemorative trophy for Puerto Morelos’ 10th anniversary after being named the community’s top fisherman.
In the tournament results, the boat Xaman Ek from Playa del Carmen took first place and a prize of 150,000 pesos. Second place went to Tenacity from Cancun, winning 100,000 pesos, while third place went to Mezcal Cid from Puerto Morelos, receiving 50,000 pesos.
The award for best female angler went to Captain Mitzi Delgado of the boat Big Boss. Trophies were also awarded for catches of white marlin, wahoo, dorado, tuna, bonito, and barracuda.
Later, families and visitors took part in the traditional greased pole contest at the pier, with winning teams receiving 10,000 pesos.
The day ended with a popular dance featuring the group Mas Kumbia at Parque Fundadores, drawing a crowd of over 2,000 throughout the day.
Activities continue Sunday, May 31, with a cycling race at the pier, another day of the Sabor a Mar Gastronomic Festival, and the artisan fair. On Monday, June 1, a civic ceremony will mark Navy Day, including a floral wreath deposited at sea in honor of fallen sailors.
