Carnival in Holbox

A happy and colorful spectacle full of exuberance

The Carnival of Holbox

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This exceptional carnival parade takes place between February and early March for a total of five days. The exact date varies each year and is set a few months in advance. The carnival has become a real attraction, drawing many visitors from the surrounding towns and villages.

As usual, the date for the Holbox Carnival 2026 is still far from being finalized. However, since next year’s Easter holiday starts two weeks earlier, we estimate that the “Carnaval de Holbox” will take place from February 13 to 17, 2026. Read our detailed article, “At the Extraordinary Holbox Carnival,” to find out how the spectacle will unfold.

We will definitely keep you updated, and we are looking forward to seeing what attractions the Holbox Carnival 2026 will offer.

Parade at the Holbox Carneval — Carnival parade

There are other carnival parades in Yucatán worth checking out during this time. These include the larger, 12-day carnival in Mérida and the smaller, 4-day carnival in Cozumel, which is equally colorful.

Preparation and Schedule of the Event

The parade is prepared and organized by the locals on Holbox themselves. Women of all ages dress up for it in groups in colorful costumes in the style of salsa dancers, Mayans, Aztecs or other motives. The new costumes created for each carnival are sewn throughout the year and must be paid for by the women themselves, which is a very large amount of money for the Mexican women living here.

Female dance group in turquoise dresses at the carnival on Holbox Island — Show at carnival

The music comes mainly from the men, who organize themselves into small bands and follow the individual dance groups through the streets of the town on foot or in colorfully decorated vehicles. The route is not exactly fixed. One rather tries to meet the other groups as little as possible and still position oneself for the own performance halfway centrally near the main square.

A brass band in green T-shirts at the carnival in Holbox — Brass band at the carnival in Holbox

Between the shows, the protagonists can take a little breather, because the numerous performances are extremely exhausting for them. The hotels and restaurants located here then provide the participants with plenty of food and drink during their tour. They also take care of any blisters on their feet and minor repairs to their costumes.

The performances take place from the afternoon until the late evening at different places in Holbox. Each group wears its own outfit according to the theme and has rehearsed a show of about ten to twenty minutes over many weeks, which is presented with full commitment and enthusiasm.

Dancing group of women in orange dresses at the Holbox Carnival — Dancing group in action

The Grand Finale

It is a loud, colorful celebration of joy and the good mood quickly spreads to the spectators. At the end, all the dance groups gather for the grand finale in the main square, where each group gives its best once again and the show reaches its absolute climax. After that, the party goes on until dawn.

Dance group with feathers as headdresses at the final of the carnival on the island of Holbox. — Final at the main square

If you spend your vacation on Holbox Island at carnival time, you should not miss the spectacle. The locals look forward to this special event all year round and proudly present their costumes and choreographies with the highest commitment and corresponding exuberance until the early morning hours.

A float causing hustle and bustle at the carnival of Holbox Island — Float at the carnival

Tip: For travelers seeking peace and quiet, these nights can be exhausting, especially near the city center. In this case, it is advisable to book accommodation a little outside the downtown area.

Find a hotel in Holbox on Booking.com

More about events and festivities in Holbox and what to expect there:

FAQ

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about Carnival in Mexico.

The dates of the carnival in Mexico are usually linked to the Easter holidays and traditionally take place in the days before Ash Wednesday. The exact date and duration vary depending on the region and location.

The largest carnival in Mexico takes place in Veracruz. The carnivals in Mazatlán and Mérida are also among the most famous in the country.