CROWDS, CROWNS AND COSTUMES AT COZUMEL'S CARNAVAL
Ever since I moved to Cancun, my Mexican friends have been telling me that the island of Cozumel has the best Carnaval festivities in the region. Last weekend, I finally got the chance to see what all the hype was about.
I didn't get to the island until right before the parade was about to begin, but I was left with just enough time to store my suitcase at my hotel, change my clothes and walk down the street to the Cozumel's Malecon, the seaside street where the night's Carnaval parade would take place. Street vendors sold all kinds of Carnaval attire like neon pink wigs, sparkly fake eyelashes, stick-on mustaches, colorful beads and light-up tiaras.
My friends and I found a spot among the crowds where we could set our beer cooler down and get a good view of the parade. Immense floats drove by, and my first thought was, "How did they import all that glitter to this small island?" Each float had Cozumel locals dancing in brightly colored costumes with samba groups, dressed-up toddlers, popular movie characters, Egyptian royalty and everything in between.
Cozumel's Queen of Carnaval led the parade, adorned with a huge crown that any girl could be jealous of.
The King of Carnaval looked regal with a parade-worthy crown as well.
Near the end of the parade, we got to see an impressive fireworks show over the water. Nicely done, Cozumel!
Even after the parade had ended, the crowds stayed in the street to buy late-night snacks from the food carts or to join in on the dancing. My friends and I decided to get some dinner, then we headed over to downtown Cozumel's main square where the entire island had stopped by for rides, carnival games and classic Mexican street snacks like churros and marquesitas. With so many people and so many bright lights, the main square was perfect for a fun date or a night out with the family.
Did Cozumel Carnaval live up to its impressive reputation? With all the fireworks, glitter, energy and food, I'm going to say yes!