Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Playa del Carmen will host Sabor a Playa 2026 from July 9 to 19, a free, family-friendly festival designed to promote local gastronomy, support the city’s business sector, showcase local artists, and bring more activity to the heart of downtown during the summer season.
The festival was presented by the municipal government of Mayor Estefanía Mercado in coordination with private-sector organizers, local businesses, sponsors, and municipal tourism and culture officials.
At the press conference, Luis Herrera Quiam, secretary general of the City Council, spoke on behalf of the mayor and said the event is intended to send a message of confidence in Playa del Carmen as a destination.
“Playa del Carmen is stronger than ever,” Herrera said, emphasizing the city’s position as a major international tourism destination with quality services and a welcoming community. He said the festival shows how government and private enterprise can work together to strengthen the local economy and create new experiences for visitors.
The event will take place on a property located between Fifth Avenue, 10th Avenue and Avenida Constituyentes, in front of Plaza Quinta Alegría. It will run for 11 days and bring together food, live music, artisans, local producers, children’s areas, pet-friendly spaces and activities for the whole family.
According to municipal Tourism Secretary Fabiana Briseño, the goal is to create a positive experience for residents and visitors while generating benefits for merchants, entrepreneurs and service providers.
“For us, the most important thing is that every person who comes here has a good experience and wants to return,” Briseño said, thanking the companies, business chambers and sponsors involved in the project.
The culinary side of the festival will include 12 local restaurants, offering a mix of Mexican and international cuisine. Organizers say the event is meant to celebrate the flavor of Playa del Carmen while also giving local restaurants a platform in one of the city’s busiest pedestrian areas.
The cultural program will also be a major part of the festival. Ernesto Martínez, director of the Municipal Institute of Culture and Arts, said more than 25 groups and more than 100 local artists are expected to participate during the 11-day event, with musical performances across multiple genres.
Businessman Juan Manuel Díaz, one of the organizers, said Sabor a Playa 2026 is designed to help bring life to the center of Playa del Carmen through a free public space that families, visitors and residents can enjoy.
The festival presentation was held at Hotel Devoción by Live Aqua. Also present were Irving Mayett, director of Operations and Tourism Training, and businessman Víctor Lozano.
The launch of Sabor a Playa comes as Playa del Carmen continues working to position itself as more than a beach destination. Local officials have increasingly promoted gastronomy, culture, local business, and public events as part of the city’s broader tourism identity.
For residents and visitors, the festival offers a simple invitation: come downtown, try local food, listen to live music, support small businesses, and experience Playa del Carmen through the people and flavors that help define it.
