Celebrating 175 Years of Isla Mujeres

Each August, Isla Mujeres hosts a week of events to celebrate the anniversary of its foundation. The schedule includes sporting, artistic, and cultural activities that reflect the pride of being islanders. If you’re visiting Isla Mujeres this August, you are in for a treat as you can join the island families as they proudly celebrate their town, heritage, culture, and traditions through local dance troupes, the crowning of its Foundation Festivities Ambassadors, processions, lucha libre, live music, ceviche and cocktail making contests, and more.

Take a look at the program of events planned for the 2025 Foundation Festivities here:

Friday, August 1st, 7:00PM

The Foundation Festivities begin at 7:00 PM on the Paseo de la Trigueña, the area between the town square and the malecon, with the inauguration of the Fair from Ticul with Encanto. This traditional fair will celebrate culture and traditions from the Yucatan with local crafts, and flavors.

Saturday, August 2nd, 7:30PM

The second night of celebrations sees the Noche de Embajadoras de las Fiestas de Fundación y Coronación, (The election and coronation of the ambassadors of the Foundation Festivities). The night starts at 7:30PM in the town square, and you can watch as proud islanders from each category participate to be crowned the ambassadors of the festivities. 

Sunday, August 3rd, 7:00PM

The celebrations continue on Sunday in the town square with the opening of the photographic exhibition “Isla Mujeres, Ayer, Hoy y Siempre” (Isla Mujeres, Yesterday, Today and Always). The photography exhibition is a visual display of the historical evolution of the island and the municipality.

Tuesday, August 5th, 7:00PMThe program continues with religious celebrations at the Catholic church on the town square. The Bajada de la Virgen (The Descent of the Virgin) includes Holy Mass at 7PM, followed by a procession at 8PM. 

Saturday, August 9th, 5:30PM

On Saturday you can head to Isla Mujeres’ mid-island colonia, La Gloria for one of the celebration’s most anticipated events “Furia en el Caribe” (Fury in the Caribbean). This Luche Libre wrestling event will take place in La Gloria’s Bicentennial Dome, and is expected to draw big crowds, it’ll be full of energy and spectacle.

Sunday, August 10th, 5:30PM

A special event In the City Hall will take place, with the special presentation “Letras de Amor a Isla Mujeres” (Love Letters to Isla Mujeres).

7:30PM - Later in the town square at 7:30PM there is a ceviche contest, with local chefs competing to make the best ceviche of the night. As well as the “Nochecitas Isleñas” (Island Nights), a night dedicated to the Trova Isleña, a cultural and artistic expression reflecting the life, customs and love of the island. 

Friday, August 15th, 7:00PM

The religious celebrations of the program continue on Friday at the Catholic church on the town square with the “Subida de la Virgen” (The Rising of the Virgin) where she will be returned to her location in the church. With mass at 7PM, followed by a traditional vaqueria with a procession, regional outfits, music, and dancing featuring the Jaranera Royat band in the town square at 8PM. 

Saturday, August 16th, 7:30AM

Saturday begins early for a sentimental event in the program, as boats head to the Cross of the Bay, to leave a floral offering to the founders of Isla Mujeres. 

7:00PM - In the evening the Island Cocktail Competition will be held in the town square where mixologists from bars and restaurants on the island compete to create the best cocktail.  10:00PM  - The night concludes with a highly anticipated performance by Edwin Luna and La Trakalosa de Monterrey at 10:00 PM.

Sunday, August 17th, 7:30PM 

The Foundation Festivities conclude on Sunday starting at 7:30PM with “Sesión Pública y Solemne por el 175 Aniversario de la Fundación de Isla Mujeres” (Ceremony for the 175th Anniversary of the Founding of Isla Mujeres), in the town square. 

10:00PM - To wrap the festivities and the night, you can enjoy music from the Yucatan with a performance by the band Las Tovadoras del Mayab.

Whether you are here for a few days or the entire time, the 175th Foundation Festival is a great opportunity to experience the community spirit and cultural pride of Isla Mujeres.

Credit for photos from Isla Mujeres events and celebrations - Atenea Gómez Ricalde - Facebook

Thank you for the hard work of President Atenea Gómez Ricalde and her team at the Municipal of Isla Mujeres for providing us with the photos and information, so that we can invite you and keep you up to date with current events on the island.