Jocho Festival Debuts in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, Q.Roo — With an attendance exceeding three thousand people on its first day, the first Festival of the Jocho Chetumaleño commenced this Saturday at the Fundadores Park, featuring the presence of Municipal President Estefanía Mercado.

This gastronomic, cultural, and musical event aims to establish itself as an annual tradition in Playa del Carmen. The mayor emphasized that the festival strengthens local identity by promoting an emblematic dish from the south of the state. "Preserving our traditions also means boosting tourism and generating opportunities for our people," she stated.

The program spans two days of activities with the participation of traditional cooks from Chetumal and Playa del Carmen, who are offering tastings, sales, and a "Best Jocho" competition. Additionally, artistic presentations, craft exhibitions, and concerts of local and regional music are being held.

The event, organized by the Municipal Institute for Culture and the Arts, the Secretariat of Tourism, and the Office of the City Manager, has the support of various municipal departments. An influx of six thousand visitors is expected over the two days, including families, tourists, artisans, and local merchants.

The Festival of the Jocho Chetumaleño is the first of its kind in Playa del Carmen and forms part of the tourism diversification strategy of the 2024-2027 administration, which seeks to position the municipality as a cultural and gastronomic destination, in addition to its sun and beach offerings.

"This is what our new tourism model is all about: moving from 'All Inclusive' to 'Todos Incluidos' (Everyone Included), where Playa del Carmen becomes the showcase for the best of Quintana Roo," the mayor noted.

Estefanía Mercado toured the jocho stalls and carts, accompanied by the honorary president of the Municipal DIF, Eduardo Asencio; the director of the Institute for Culture, Ernesto Martínez Cuéllar; and the Secretary of Tourism, Estefania Hernández, among others.

This Sunday, the second day will begin at five in the afternoon, which is when the awards for the best jochos will be presented.