Dolphin Swimming

Carnival in Cozumel 2010

// January 20th, 2010 // View Comments // Cozumel, Locations

Put on your glittery feathered masks and get ready to dance the night away, Carnival (more commonly known as “Carnaval”) is returning to Cozumel!  The history of Carnaval is quite ancient, going back to pagan times as a celebration in honor of the Greek wine god Dionysus. Carnaval has evolved over time, fusing the pagan rites with Catholic traditions, celebrating the days leading up to Lent, letting loose before the period of abstinence.   The Carnaval celebration in Cozumel is thought to be one of the oldest in Mexico, having started back in 1876, and the fiestas just get bigger and better each year.  Thousands of travellers flock to this island paradise to kick up their heels, dance and sing and welcome the King and Queen of Carnaval.

This year’s festivities kick off with pre-Carnaval events on the weekend of January 23rd/24th and January 30/31 with presentations of the candidates for King and Queen of Carnaval and music and dancing for everyone with some fantastic live bands including “La Sonora de Margarita Band” and “Banda Cuzamil”.  The vote for King and Queen takes place on Saturday February 6th and the winners will be announced at a big bash on Sunday February 7th in Parque Quintana Roo.

Wednesday February 10th welcomes the official start to Carnaval with the opening ceremonies and the grand coronation of the King and Queen of 2010 .  From February 10-17, it’s non-stop party, with activities programmed every day.  Costume contests for all ages (there’s even a pet costume contest!), dance competitions, food, music and of course parades, the vivid colors of Carnaval will fill the streets of Cozumel.

The grand closing night of Carnaval brings one of Mexico’s most famous and celebrated artists to the stage in Cozumel.  The incredible Alejandra Guzman will be performing a concert that will surely be the highlight of this year’s festivities.  Alejandra Guzman is known as “The Queen of Rock” in Latin America and has been a huge star since the 1980’s, her participation in Carnaval Cozumel makes this the hottest party in Mexico! This is a show that is not to be missed, February 16th in Parque Andres Quintana Roo, open to the public for all to enjoy.

We at Dolphin Discovery Cozumel wish everyone a very festive and safe Carnaval season, we hope to see you at the party!

For details of specific events, please visit Cozumel Insider for their fantastic calendar of Carnaval Cozumel 2010.

Ironman Cozumel 2009

// November 30th, 2009 // View Comments // Cozumel, News

The island of Cozumel was the proud host of an exciting international event this past weekend.  The Ironman Triathlon came to town and thrilled the crowds of thousands with an incredible display of strength and endurance.  The race started early Sunday morning at the home of Dolphin Discovery, Chankanaab Park with the 2.4 mile/3.8 km swimming event.  The swimmers put up faster than usual times in the water with most participants finishing in under fifty minutes.  The race continued with the 112 mile/180 km bike ride around the island which was followed by the running portion, a full marathon of 26.2 miles/42.2 km.  The weather was friendly to the particpants, a relatively cool and overcast day which prevented much of the heat exhaustion or sunburns that might have come with the usual sunshine and heat of Cozumel.  The crowds along the street were encouraging and supportive, the local Cozumeleños were thrilled to cheer and applaud everyone passing by.  People from around the world gathered in Cozumel, waving their national flags to support their local heroes and cheering them on throughout the grueling race.

Ironman Cozumel 2009 Champions Rutger Beke and Yvonne van Vlerken

The winner of the men’s event was Rutger Beke from Belgium, putting in an impressive time of 8:18:40.  He donned a sombrero as he smiled and waved at the crowd, mariachis playing a celebratory tune for his exceptional performance.  Yvonne van Vlerken from the Netherlands was the women’s champion with a time of 9:06:58, not only leading the pack of women but coming in 10th overall with only 9 men finishing with faster times.

Ironman Cozumel 2009 Men's Champion Rutger Beke

Dolphin Discovery salutes and congratulates all 1900 competitors in this phenomenal event and we look forward to seeing everyone next year for another great Ironman Cozumel Triathlon.  For more photos of this great race, please see our Ironman Cozumel 2009 Flickr set.  Felicidades a todos!