¡Rumba, Son y Diversión! Carnaval de Cozumel ¡143 años de tradición!

Una muy, muy antigua tradición.

Camino a la conquista de la Nueva España, Hernán Cortés jamás imaginó que una breve estancia en Cozumel seria todo lo que necesitaría para terminar con un el mayor centro de peregrinaje de la diosa de la fertilidad, Ix-chel. En menos de 40 años el contagio de viruela que trajeran las tropas de cortés diezmo a la población hasta quedar completamente despoblada. La isla sirvió eventualmente como refugios de piratas y filibusteros. No fue sino hasta 1848 cuando 29 familias de origen español llegaron de Yucatán para asentarse y prosperar en la isla. Tan sólo veintiséis años después, en 1984 Claude Luther Goodrich-Noble publicó sus memorias de viaje; en ellas se describe por primera vez la fiesta del carnaval en la isla, lo que implica que el carnaval prácticamente nació con la historia moderna de Cozumel.

El carnaval de Cozumel esta entre los 10 mejores carnavales de México, sin embargo, es uno de los cuatro mejores en términos de antigüedad y tema carnavalesco, ya que algunos otros carnavales están más orientados a recordar eventos históricos de la época de la independencia o de antiguas batallas.

El carnaval de Cozumel es el único de todo México que pertenece a la red de carnavales del Caribe por su antigüedad y la común identidad caribeña.

La festividad en la isla se encuentra muy bien consolidada debido a su organización e integración de la sociedad. Como Mr. Goodrich alguna vez escribiera: “Todas las clases y edades disfrutan de la música, el baile, un poco de juegos de azar y de inocente jolgorio… (todo es parte de) la pompa del desfile de carnaval”

El carnaval es el evento más esperado de todo el año, los concursos de disfraces, bailes y sus respectivos premios invitan a participar a familias, niños jóvenes, personas con capacidades especiales y miembros de la comunidad LGBT. Sin duda el carnaval de Cozumel es un ícono de la identidad local.

"El #carnavalcozumel es un ícono de la identidad local" (click to tweet)

El carnaval empieza en Agosto

Para las comparsas más antiguas y tradicionales, que año con año se participan del jolgorio, el carnaval comienza en agosto. Temas, disfraces, carros alegóricos y coreografías comienzan a planearse desde mucho antes. Asuntos como patrocinadores, logística, proveedores y muchos otros más deben comenzarse con antelación. La decoración de los carros alegóricos puede consumir gran cantidad de tiempo y algunos son enormes. Para mediados de noviembre, algo que verdaderamente llama la atención, son las muchas horas de sueño que los participantes sacrifican con los extenuantes ensayos de baile, alternando estos con la decoración de los disfraces y de los carros alegóricos. Las “batucadas”, que son comparsas de percusionista, practican sus ritmos por horas cada noche.

El Pre-carnaval

Para finales de noviembre, la autoridad municipal y el comité organizador del carnaval publican el calendario de las festividades y las reglas para participar como candidatos en alguno de los diferentes concursos y categorías. Antes de navidad, los candidatos, engalanados con sorprendentes atuendos alusivos, son presentados a la audiencia, con el debido protocolo, en un baile muy formal.

Como todo candidato, hay que hacer campaña y los del carnaval hacen las suyas Mediante danzas y presentaciones a lo largo de los múltiples eventos que se realizan en torno al carnaval.

Tradicionalmente, un mes antes de la semana de carnaval, un muy concurrido baile es el marco para el concurso de “Disfraces de Fantasía”. Este es el último chance que tienen los candidatos para impresionar a jueces y seguidores con sus espectaculares disfraces. Este evento da inicio oficial al pre-carnaval.

Un par de sábados antes de la semana de carnaval, es el día de elecciones. El Rey y la Reyna del carnaval son formalmente elegidos, y las parejas de segundo y tercer lugar se convierten en los reyes de la Alegría y de la fantasía respectivamente.

Una semana antes de la semana de carnaval es también día de elecciones para elegir al resto del sequito real. Se eligen a los reyes de la diversidad sexual, a los niños, con sus diferentes categorías de edad. Se elige también a los reyes de las personas con discapacidad. El carnaval de Cozumel es sin duda un ejemplo de inclusividad social.

El gobierno de la ciudad y el comité organizador del carnaval visten los remates esféricos del boulevard costero con adornos alusivos y sendos pendones en los postes de iluminación. El baile y la música están por toda la ciudad y se percibe un contagioso ambiente de alegre festividad. Todo está listo para dar inicio al Carnaval.

La Semana de Carnaval

Justo 8 días antes del “Miércoles de Ceniza”, Inician las actividades de la “Semana de Carnaval” con la Coronación de los reyes y reinas elegidos y terminan el con el tercer desfile de carnaval el “Martes de Apoteosis”. Este desfile es sin duda el más concurrido de la semana, hasta unas 8,000 personas se reúnen a lo largo del boulevard costero para disfrutar del recorrido de los carros alegóricos y las comparsas.

El programa tradicionalmente transcurre de la siguiente manera:

Miércoles: Baile de Coronación de los Soberanos

Jueves: Coronación de Infantes

Viernes: Primer baile de Gala y presentación de Comparsas.

Sábado: Segundo baile de carnaval y primer desfile!

Domingo: Segundo desfile de carnaval

Lunes: Tercer y último baile de carnaval, no hay desfile.

Martes de apoteosis: Tercer y último desfile de carnaval

Miércoles de Ceniza: Quema de Juan Carnaval y lectura de su testamento, que es una declaración de buenos deseos para el año por venir.

Los cuatro últimos días son de fiesta y jolgorio. La ciudad literalmente se paraliza con la costumbre que tienen las comparsas de visitar las casas de patrocinadores y amigos para bailar en la calle. Con la misma estrategia suele aparecerse también la “huaranducha”, una tradición de origen cubano, que es una suerte de jurado ambulante formado con personajes cómicos, quienes representan acidas coplas para mofarse de políticos y otras personalidades que a lo largo del año se vieron involucradas en actividades censurables. Estas actividades se prolongan hasta la hora del desfile a las 7 pm.

¿Vale la pena asistir al carnaval?

Sin duda es una experiencia que vale la pena. Si su preocupación es la seguridad, no se preocupe, a diferencia de otros carnavales más conocidos el de Cozumel es más familiar. Si se queda usted hasta muy tarde es muy probable que se encuentre a algunos impertinentes tomados pero nada de qué preocuparse, hasta hoy, nunca se ha reportado incidentes graves. Si usted está en la zona continental de Cancún-Playa del Carmen-Tulum, no se preocupe por el cruce del ferry, normalmente se programan regresos extras de ferry, pregunte en la taquilla antes de cruzar para no perder su regreso. Por alimento y bebida no se preocupe, con seguridad encontrará algo a su gusto en la plaza principal o a lo largo del desfile. La ley se relaja un poco en estos días en cuanto a permitir tomarse algo refrescante en la calle.

#carnavalcozumel 143a. Edición !Rumba, Son y Diversión¡ !Únete a la comparsa¡

Cozumel Carnival a 143-year tradition of fun and fantasy.

Facts and tips of a 143-year tradition of fun and fantasy.

An old, old tradition. A hint of history.

On his way to conquer the Aztec Empire, Cortés, the Hispanic explorer, never imagined that a brief stopover on the island was going to be enough to bring to an end a busy Mayan pilgrimage center for fertility goddess Ixchel. In less than 40 years, smallpox, brought by Cortés army, erase population on the island. It eventually became a hideaway for pirates and buccaneers until 1848 when 29 Spanish families from Yucatan came to settle and thrive on the island. 26 years later, in 1874, the very first known mention of the carnival party on Cozumel appears in the travel memories of Mr. Claude Luther Goodrich Noble, printed in Missouri USA. This likely means Carnival tradition were born with the very beginning of Cozumel modern history.

Cozumel Carnival is among the 3 best carnivals in Mexico, however, it is one of the best in terms of carnivalesque thematic as other ancient carnivals in central Mexico are rather oriented to remember historic events of the Mexican independence or war battles.

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Cozumel is the only Mexican Carnival member of the Caribbean Carnival Network to share research, experiences and a virtual museum.

The island festivity is pretty well-consolidated thanks to its organization and integration of the society. As Mr. Luther once wrote about Cozumel: “All Classes and ages are fond of music, dancing, gambling a little… (and) innocent revelry … (all is part of) the parade and pomp of the Carnival.” (Goodrich, C. L. Travel Memories, Powell & Maynard, USA, 1874).

Carnival is the most expected event of the year, costume and dancing contests and prizes urge families, children, youngsters and persons with disabilities, to participate; everyone is welcomed. No doubt, Cozumel carnival is a cornerstone of local identity.

"Cozumel carnival is a cornerstone of local identity."

The good times start rolling way ahead

Despite the fact, pre-carnival takes a month and actual carnival lasts a week, the “parade and pomp” starts long before. Designing costumes, float decoration, and choreographies, take months before they become a reality. Some of the most well-reputed krewes start working on it as early as august. By November krewes rehearsal their choreographies. An unruly cacophony covers the town; relentless drums seem to be all over.

Pre-Carnaval

By late November, local authorities and the Carnival Organization Board release a calendar and the rules to participate for candidates officially register their participation to one of the different contests and categories. Before Christmas, every candidate, wrapped in showy costumes, is presented to the audience in a formal ball.

Afterwards, campaigning involves a creative, warm and fierce full competence among contenders through dances and shows along the multiple events orbiting the carnival.

Traditionally, a month before the Carnival week, a heavily concurred ball is the frame for the “Fantasy Costume” contest. Candidates of the different categories have the last chance to impress judges and supporters by boasting truly spectacular dressings to lure more followers.

A couple Saturdays, before the Carnival week, is election day, the King and Queen of the carnival are formally elected, as well as the King and Queens of Happiness and the king and Queen of Fantasy.

A week before is also election day but for The king and Queen of Sex Diversity, the King and Queen of Youth, and The King and Queen of persons with disabilities.

The children Kings and Queens are elected in the afternoon with all correspondent revelry.

The City and the Carnival Board dress with related decoration the ocean front street. Intense activity, music, and dancing are all over the town creating a unique ambiance of festivity. Now everything is set to start the Carnival Week.

Carnival week

The main week of activities starts on Wednesday with the Coronation of all Kings and Queens by the authorities. And it all ends a week later with the fat-Tuesday parade, which is actually the largest parade of the week; upon 8,000 people come to the main street to celebrate it.

Wednesday: Coronation of the Carnival Sovereign

Thursday: Coronation of Infants

Friday: krewes, and first Gala Ball

Saturday: second carnival ball and first parade

Sunday of tradition: second parade

Monday of regional pride: 3rd and last Ball

Tuesday of apotheosis: 3rd Parade.

Ash Wednesday: burning of “Juan Carnaval” and lecture of his Will for the upcoming year which is actually a declaration of good wishes for the year to come.

The last four days of the carnival week are quite something; the city is almost paralyzed with the ups and downs of the krewes in different sites of the city as the tradition take them to dance hopping from door to door. It is also the time for “La huaranducha” to show up. It is an inherit Cuban tradition; a kind of ambulant trial with defined funny characters who read rhymes to mock of the politicians and some other members of the society who have been involved in dubious affairs. This goes on along the whole day until the time for the parade at 7 pm.

Is Carnival worth to experience?

It is definitely a tradition worth to experience. If your concern is about security, it is safe; if you stay really late, you may see some unruly drunks scattered all over, but nothing to be worried about. Until today, no major incident has been reported for carnival days. In terms of transportation, if you come by ferry for those days you can find an extra run to go back to the mainland. Ask at the ticket booth for you not to miss it.  
There are plenty options to drink and eat at the main square and along the parade too. These days the law is a little bit relaxed if you are for a refreshing drink right at the street. 

"Join the krewe in the 143rd #cozumelcarnival and let the good times roll!"

Cozumel's mardi-gras, let the good times roll!!!

Cozumel Carnival: Celebrate Mardi Gras in Mexico February 22-28

Celebrate Carnival, or Mardi Gras, in Cozumel with costume contests, masquerade parties, dancing, live music, and colorful processions along the seafront.

Celebrate Mardi Gras in Cozumel and let the good times roll! Also known as Carnival, this colorful festival takes place this year from February 22-28 and features masquerades, dancing in the streets, and parades along the downtown seafront. 

Wild costumes. Dancing in the streets. Drummers. Masquerades. Carnival in Cozumel is one of the biggest celebrations of the year! From February 22-28, you’ll find colorful parties and parades all across the island. Live music fills the air, free public dances pop up at parks, and the 2017 Carnival King and Queen will be crowned. Eat festive Carnival food and watch bands perform exciting Mexican music.

You’ll also find dancing competitions around the city, along with the highlight of the festival – the big Carnival parades. Spectators line the streets, dancing with the performers and catching gifts that are tossed from the floats. It’s truly a unique experience.

Some of the Carnival events in Cozumel require tickets, which can be purchased at City Hall – however, most of the activities are free. City Hall Park is the epicenter of the parties and performances, and the parades take place along the downtown seafront. You’ll find events every night, but the most exciting parties occur on Friday, February 24, Saturday, February 25, and Tuesday, February 28 – aka Fat Tuesday.

Experience this year’s Mardi Gras celebrations on Cozumel and make the most of your vacation at our giant beach and water park. Do you want to know more about things to do in Cozumel? Please contact us today!

www.playamia.com

Beach My Valentine’s: Romantic Things to Do in Cozumel

Discover why relaxing at our amazing beach and waterpark is one of the most romantic things to do in Cozumel, on Valentine’s Day or any time of the year.

Will you “Beach My Valentine?” Beaches are made for romance – and our incredible beach and water park is the perfect destination for a couple’s getaway in Cozumel. Discover all the romantic things to do at Playa Mia Grand Beach.

Long walks on the beach. Fun in the water. Island adventures. Find all the elements of romance when you spend the day at Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park. With picture-perfect white sand beaches and endless activities, our coastal getaway is an ideal destination where 

couples can escape.

Whether you want to relax, try something new, or enjoy an exciting island tour, our amazing beach park offers a diverse array of romantic things to do in Cozumel:

• Share a sea kayak and explore the coastline together
• Chill out with a fruity cocktail and savor the moment
• Get a thrill on the heart-pounding, 200-foot-long twister water slides
• Unwind together in the oasis hydro hot tub and let the bubbling jets blast your cares and worries away
• Indulge in a lavish International buffet, including dessert
• Hop on a paddle boat together and pedal out over crystal-clear Caribbean waters
• Challenge each other to a fun match of sand volleyball
• Take the reins of a sailboat and feel the freedom of the open ocean 
• Purchase a photo package to capture all your memories
• Pamper yourselves with a visit to the fish spa
• Embark on a snorkeling adventure of our underwater Mayan city
• Bob in the ocean and start a splash war
• … plus much more!

Would you like to learn more about our award-winning beach escape? We offer 20 amazing attractions included in your price of admission. Discover the perfect couple’s escape.
Contact us today for more information!     www.playamia.com

Things you should know to Travel in Mexico : TACO 101

TACO 101

Despite the “Taco” part in its name, the Company with the Bell last name has little ado with what "real McCoy" is. This is likely why it has not thrived beyond the southern border. I gather the following information in an attempt to develop the taco mysteries to uninitiated foreigners; luckily, it will give you a glimpse of the infinite array of color, textures, tastes and even cooking methods that make tacos the most popular meal across the country.

Definition

First is first and Taco 101 starts with what a taco is and what is not. In accordance with the “on-line Oxford dictionary”, a taco is "A Mexican dish consisting of a folded or rolled tortilla filled with various mixtures, such as seasoned mince, chicken, or beans". Notice it says <folded or rolled> and not “a rigid-u-shaped-ready-to-fill fried corn form”. A taco starts with a soft, freshly made tortilla; then throw something in to fill it, roll it or fold it and chomp it away. If a rolled taco is deep-fried, it becomes a "flauta" (flute). When folded taco is slightly fried, it is a "quesadilla”. Now if the tortilla is first fried flat to put something atop it is a “Tostada”.

"Taco structure":

A taco is usually made with two tortillas so, if filling moisture breaks the inner one, second will keep everything still inside. Neat isn't it? Then, there is never such a taco if it is not sprinkled with a tasty hot "salsa", usually made with "chiles" (hot peppers), garlic and either green or red tomato; and then, scattered with some freshly chopped onion and coriander.

 Few Mexicans eat no tacos at all, deceased ones most of them. "El taco" discriminate no one, not even vegans. It is eaten the same at a street shack or at a top-notch restaurant. Taco is deeply entangled in Mexico's everyday life. “Taco” is likely the most emblematic element of Mexican cuisine, a world's favorite for its elaborate and exotic dishes. The history of this iconic meal goes as far as the pre-Hispanic era when natives used the tortilla as an edible dish or spoon. 

 "A taco starts with a soft, freshly made tortilla" (click to tweet)

Hardcore.

So far we know now what a taco is, despite its filling; however, the most popular tacos are famous because of its filling. Let’s now review the most notorious fillings.

 Carnes al carbon (charcoal grilled meat)

Nice beef or pork cuts cooked on the grill make these tacos great. They belong to northern states; however, you can find these at nice establishments in central Mexico. "La arrachera" (beef skirt) is the star of this group.

“Las carnitas y El Chicharrón”
 (deep-fried pork)

The following tacos are rated "R"; so if you have a record of heart diseases, skip to the next paragraph, otherwise keep reading for the best-eaten tacos all across the country. "Las carnitas" y "el chicharrón" are in-fat deep-fried Pork, and when I said pork, I meant it. Meat, chops, skin, brain, cheeks, guts, stomach, skin, ears, snout, liver, kidney, hoofs, tongue, genitals….  Everything. Even though these tacos may sound gross, believe me, they are superb. “El chicharrón”, which is puffy and crunchy skin, when put into a tortilla with a fresh slice of cheese and another of avocado, becomes a traditional taco "placero".

"Los tacos al pastor" (shepherd style tacos)

These are not of no lesser importance than "tacos de Carnitas" in a “healthy” Mexican diet. Known coast to coast, border to border, these are actually more popular than “carnitas" ones. Their success come from the tasty mix of chiles and condiments in which the meat is marinated and to the fact the meat is slowly cooked in a vertical spinning griller right at the door of every eatery offering it, in other words, is a huge bait for hungry ones. I’ve seen humongous meat stacks of about 100 lb come to and end in a jiffy. Cooked the same way is the meat for "tacos árabes" (Arabian tacos) but the marinade is done with onion, parsley, cumin and thyme. These ones belong to the central state of Puebla and they are frankly quite delicious. Both cases have likely the same origin as Turkish immigrants brought their dönner kabob, however, pork substituted lamb to better suit our palate, for the shepherd relief.

“Tacos de canasta” (basket tacos)

Mashed potatoes, smashed beans, chicharrón or sausage and peppers are classical fillings for the popular "tacos de canasta"; however, the filling is not the important thing here, but the procedure, which is what gives these tacos their final touch. Once all tacos are filled and folded they are placed lay by lay, with chopped onion in between lays, into a thermal food container, conveniently set in advance using a large plastic bag, sack paper and a piece of cloth, usually a table cloth. Once everything is fitted in, a hot concoction of oil, basil, garlic, and peppers is poured in to soak the tacos. Everything is immediately wrapped for a while to make them "sweat". Certainly nothing like these oily delicacies.

"Barbacoa"

A traditional Mexican barbecue is cooking, underground, a young goat or a lamb covered with maguey leaves. This method uses slow cooking and meat own juices to concentrate flavor and tender the meat. Even though these tacos are mostly appreciated in northern states, the Yucatan on the east applies the same method to an annatto seasoned pork to create the world renown "cochinita pibil", served always with the hottest "habanero chile" sauce and pickled red onion. These ones are a hit!

"barbacoa" furnace

"Cochinita Pibil" Yucatan style porc barbacue

"Tacos de cabeza”

Visiting Jalisco state, a few years ago, I was treated to a local favorite: "tacos de cabeza de res", which literally stands for cow head tacos. Cheek, snout, ears, tongue and eyes are steam cooked to tender this western taste, served with nothing but salt and fresh coriander and sauce. To be honest, I tried some with meat, however, I couldn’t eat one of “eyes” as I couldn't stand the idea of an eye staring at me from my taco just before I bite it. Vegan sounded to me as an option then, at least for a while.

“Las Flautas”

Fried tacos are rather known as "flautas" (flutes). They are usually filled with boiled chicken or beef. These large fried tacos are served topped with chopped lettuce and onion, tomato sauce, sour cream, cheese crumbles and sliced avocado. These tacos have been acknowledged as  Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. A humble filling-less, smaller version is served in Yucatan and has the Mayan name of "codzitos" or “hollow rolls”, served with tomato sauce and cheese crumbles.

"Fritangas" and "guisados"

These two kinds of tacos are the most popular in central Mexico. The "fritangas" are the kind of tacos you can find anywhere mainly at Mexico city in small booths on every street. Basically, it is nothing but fried beef finely chopped served in a tortilla with green or red sauce and topped with onion and coriander. "Chorizo" sausage or tender "nana" (guts) come along too in the menu. The ones I truly care for are the ones known as "tacos de guisados" (stews). Even though you can find them in every city, they are not as popular as in central Mexico. Here, a wide variety of "guisados" are displayed for you to choose as fillings for your tacos, however, sometimes, there are so many options which are almost impossible to make a choice. The best strategy here is to try the ones that appeal you the most, once you have made up your mind, ask for a set of those you really care for… although, most likely, you will be already stuffed by then!

Pre-hispanic tacos or "there's a bug in my taco!"

A special mention is a most for these tacos which tradition and exquisiteness made them transcend time up to our days. One thing is sure; they are not for the faints of heart. Insects and plants play a main role. While some of these delicacies are eaten raw and even alive, most of them are dried and seasoned with salt, lime, and a hot sauce before they land in a guacamole spread on a freshly made tortilla. They are also considered delicious when deep-fried or braised. Charales (small fresh water fishes), Acociles (Cry fish), Jumiles (stink bug) (these are eaten alive), Chapulines (grasshoppers), Escamoles (ant larvae and pupae), Chinicuiles (agave worms), Chicatanas (giant ants), Huitlacoche(This smut is a fungal corn disease), Nopales(cactus) and a large list. Mmm-mmm, “slimy.. yet satisfying!”  Isn't it?

"Waiter! there's a bug in my guacamole!"

Burritos

Taco scholars still debate which burrito filling was first. Purists are inclined to believe the one with beans and cheese is even first than egg and chicken. That is why "machaca" style eggs or chicken fajitas come with beans and cheese in this northern specialty It also uses a large flour tortilla instead of corn. Machaca is dried meat, mostly beef, very popular to mix with eggs or salsas to fit the burritos. "Fajitas" (strips) are fried chicken or beef strips mixed with bell peppers, onions, and spices.

Seafood Tacos

My very favorite selection of tacos are "tacos de mariscos" or seafood tacos. These tacos come in a vast array along Mexican coasts and rivers.  A smoked Marlin taco is a must in Baja California, octopus cooked in its own ink in Veracruz, "a la talla" style fish in Acapulco.  Roasted Pejelagarto in Tabasco (yes, Tabasco is a Mexican state). Despite the fact that many claims to have "the best" seafood tacos along the country, a fact is a fact, Cozumel has the best seafood tacos of the universe (I do not mean to be too chauvinistic, just honest). Breaded shrimp or fish taco topped with mayonnaise and red onion slices is simply mouth-watering. Fish ceviche, snail salad, "garlic soaked shrimps", pink snail ceviche, they are all superb!

Just to chew by

It does not matter if fillings are breaded, grilled, fried,  oven, roasted, raw or even alive, the fact is that “Its Majesty” the taco reigns from Tijuana to Cozumel, over rich, poor, good, bad and even ugly ones. In the city or in the country, for a quick lunch or a heavy meal, for breakfast or dinner, the taco is, in sum, a cornerstone of our culture and identity.

No sovereign is such without a queen, and its “taconess” is not an exception. This is why no taco is served, all over Mexico, without the company of a tasty Salsa! However, that is a history for some other day.

Buen Provecho! (bon appétite!)