Colors of Cozumel - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Local people are very friendly, sociable and cheerful. On the island of Cozumel, all travelers feel like welcome guests. Here they will be willingly introduced to all the subtleties of the local culture. In spite of the friendliness and hospitality, the natives are quite wary of foreign tourists communicating in Spanish or American style. Such an increased vigilance is associated with a long colonial period, which became one of the most difficult historical stages for Cozumel Island.

The islanders are distinguished by a deep sense of patriotism, which is peculiar to people of different ages. All national holidays are celebrated here on a grand scale and important historical dates are treated with great respect. One of the interesting features of Cozumel residents is an open and sincere smile, which never leaves their faces. Tourists may find this kind of behavior quite unusual, as almost every conversation here is accompanied by a wide smile. This feature is especially common in small provincial areas where even strangers are welcomed with a smile.

Commitment to cleanliness is another important side of the national character. Even for a regular walk or a traditional trip to the store, it is customary to wear clean and neat clothes. Any manifestation of carelessness in appearance is perceived extremely negatively here. The cult of the family is typical for local residents, they consider children their main wealth in this life. Many families on the island have three or more children, and the youngest family members are given maximum care and freedom. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Every year on April 30, locals celebrate Children's Day, when interesting entertainment activities are held throughout the day. Street performances and children's theatricals, sports competitions and contests, creative programs and an abundance of treats beloved by all kids - such a beautiful holiday is only one of the possible ways to please children once again.

Many fans of event tourism are eager to visit the island on Christmas Eve. Locals usually begin celebrating one of the most important religious holidays of the year two weeks before its onset. Solemn processions are held in the cities for two weeks. On such festive days, it is customary to carry the most valuable religious relics through the streets. The holiday's mandatory attribute is performances of street artists and musicians organized right in the city squares. A large part of theatrical performances is devoted to biblical myths and legends. Christmas is celebrated on December 24, when it is customary to set a rich table and give gifts.

One of the most significant historical holidays for local residents is Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 15. Cozumel has belonged to Spain for many years, and then became part of France during the Napoleonic wars. All this time, local people have fought for their independence, which was gained by the state more than 200 years ago.

Before liberation from the colonial system, there were major uprisings in all regions of Mexico, and the island of Cozumel was no exception. Many people gave their lives in the struggle for the country's independence. Today, special solemn rituals are held in their honor every year. At the height of the holiday, bells are ringing in all cities, notifying residents about the uprisings that once began on this day.

The most unusual and interesting national holiday for tourists is the Day of the Dead. Yes, locals have a positive attitude towards death, which may seem quite unusual. They still believe that after death the souls of their loved ones go to the gods so funerals here are more like solemn processions with music and dancing. On the Day of the Dead, it is customary to visit the graves of family members and friends to adorn them with specially prepared treats and original skull-shaped cookies.

In recent years, Cozumel has become a permanent venue for interesting modern holidays and festivals. It often holds the Street Art Festival, which is attended by artists from around the world. At their disposal are facades of old houses, fences, and advertising stands to be turned into genuine works of art. After such a colorful holiday, the streets of major cities resemble open-air galleries.