Xmatkuil Fair 2026 Draws Thousands in Opening Weekend, Though a Brawl Draws Police

Mérida, Yucatán — The Feria Yucatán Xmatkuil 2026 opened on Friday, November 6, drawing thousands of visitors over its first weekend for concerts, livestock displays and family activities, though at least one fight brought state police to the grounds.

The fair runs through Sunday, November 29, leaving three more weeks of shows, entertainment and attractions for visitors.

Packed concerts at the Montejo events center

Two large concerts were held at the Centro de Espectáculos Montejo during the opening weekend. Original Banda El Limón performed on inauguration night, while Deorro and 3BallMTY drew the second crowd.

Both shows went ahead without reported incidents among attendees, who filled the venue for music and dancing. Fair staff controlled access, initially admitting only ticket holders before allowing others in free of charge once capacity permitted.

Brawl prompts police response

Two days after the fair opened, an argument among several people near the fairgrounds escalated into shoving and punches as other visitors looked on. Officers from the Public Security Department (SSP) moved in to break up the fight, separate those involved and keep it from escalating further.

Strong turnout across the grounds

Thousands of people toured the site over the weekend, with particularly heavy crowds on Sunday in the livestock area and around the lucha libre ring. A calf was born in the livestock zone during the opening days, and the fair’s collective wedding ceremony attracted couples who had been together nearly 50 years as well as foreign residents.

Despite the altercations, the fair’s opening weekend was marked by strong attendance and a broad program of entertainment, tradition and family activities.