If there’s a season in Yucatan that bursts like confetti from a piñata, it’s Carnival — and in 2026, the celebrations in Merida and Progreso promise to be bigger, brighter, more creative, and more deeply rooted in local spirit than ever.
From the whimsical parades that turn streets into stages to city-wide party vibes and family-friendly spectacles, Carnival 2026 is a fiesta that mixes tradition, contemporary flair, and pure joy.
Mérida Carnival 2026: “Circo Carnaval Mérida”
February 7–18 | Mérida, Yucatán
This year’s Carnival in Mérida — officially presented under the theme “Circo Carnaval Mérida” — runs February 7 through February 18, 2026, and takes over “Carnival City” February 13-17 at Xmatkuil with a blend of parades, concerts, circus-style entertainment, and community festivities designed for all ages.
Think big tops meet big beats: there’s music, choreography, spectacle, and city-wide participation that makes you feel part of the story — whether it’s dancing with friends or sharing cotton candy with your favorite little ones.
Carnival Mérida 2026: Highlighted Events & How It All Unfolds
One thing visitors (and even locals) sometimes don’t realize: Carnival Mérida happens in stages. Before the big, all-out party moves to Ciudad Carnaval in Xmatkuil, there’s a full lineup of official city events in Mérida’s Centro — ceremonies, contests, parades, and concerts that set the tone.
Here’s how to experience it like a local.
Pre-Carnival Kicks Off in the City: February 7–12
These early events take place primarily in Centro Histórico and are perfect if you love tradition, community energy, and family-friendly festivities.
FOR ALL LOCATION MAPS CLICK HERE
Friday, February 7
🎭 Crowning of the King and Queen and Concert by Yuri, a famous Mexican rock star
🕕 6:00 pm
📍 Terrenos Mitza (Av. Jacinto Canek)
The official crowning of Carnival royalty — with a major live performance by Yuri to make it extra glamorous. This event will be packed and a lot of fun, but be prepared to handle crowds!
Saturday, February 8
💃 Dance Troupe and Float Competition
🕕 6:00 pm
📍 Terrenos Mitza
Dance, costumes, choreography, and pure Carnival spirit as dance troupes and floats compete in one of the most colorful events of the season.
Tuesday, February 11
🔥 Quema del Mal Humor/Burn all the Bad Vibes
🕗 8:00 pm
📍 Underneath the Palacio Municipal
A classic Carnival ritual — we literally burn away bad vibes and officially open the door to the party.
🎶 Concert Juan Carlos Tapia “Paleto,” the voice of Cumbia!
🕘 9:00 pm
📍 Underneath the Palacio Municipal
Cumbia takes over the Plaza just after the Quema. Come ready to dance.
Wednesday, February 12
🎈 Desfile Infantil
🕓 4:00 pm
📍 Starts underneath the Palacio Municipal
One of the most heart-melting events of Carnival. Kids take over the streets with costumes, color, and imagination — a favorite for families. We absolutely love this parade it is so cute and fun to see all the kids dress up!
The Big Party Begins: Ciudad Carnaval/Carnival City (Xmatkuil Fairgrounds)
Once Friday the 13th arrives, Carnival officially moves to Ciudad Carnaval in Xmatkuil, where the celebration becomes bigger, louder, and more immersive — with rides, food, shows, concerts, and parades every day.
This is where Carnival goes full throttle. Here are some of the highlighted events; however, check also the City of Merida Carnaval Site for specifics on all the events at the Carnival City!
Friday, February 13
🎉 Opening Night at Ciudad Carnaval
🕕 6:00 pm – late
🎆 Show de Drones – 8:15 pm
🚗 Viernes de Corso (Parade) – 8:30 pm
🎪 Le Monde Du Cirque – 10:00 pm
The first big night sets the tone: a drone show, allegorical floats, comparsas, and circus-style performances that stretch into the early hours.
Saturday, February 14 – Saturday Fantasy Parade
🕕 6:00 pm – ~1:00 am
🚗 Parade starts at 8:00 pm
🎤 Caifanes Mexican rock 10:30 pm
One of the most visually spectacular nights of Carnival, featuring elaborate floats and guest appearances by Julián Gil and Ninel Conde. The theme is fantasy so expect lots of glitter, shine and fantastical characters!
Sunday, February 15 – Bachata Sunday
🕙 Activities begin at 10:00 am
🚗 Parade at 2:00 pm
🎤 Evening shows and music continue until around 11:00 pm
This is a full-day Carnival experience — daytime fun, a major afternoon parade, and nighttime performances featuring Emmanuel Palomares, Galilea Montijo, and Isaac Moreno.
Monday, February 16 Regional Yucatecan Dance
🕕 6:00 pm – ~1:00 am
🚗 Parade at 8:00 pm
🎤Fayne Jazmín from The Voice Mexico
💃Trova and Regional Dance with hundreds of dancers!
A high-energy night that keeps the party going strong as Carnival heads toward its grand finale.
Tuesday, February 17 – Martes de Carnaval (Fat Tuesday)
🕙 Activities start at 10:00 am
🚗 Parade at 2:00 pm
🎉 Celebrations continue until around 11:00 pm
This is the emotional and festive peak — colorful, loud, joyful, and packed with people soaking up every last moment.
Wednesday, February 18 – Ash Wednesday, Bury Juan Carnival
⚰️ Entierro de Juan Carnaval
📍 Centro Histórico
Carnival closes with the symbolic burial of Juan Carnival, where he will be paraded through the streets in a coffin – a playful farewell that marks the transition into Lent — and the official end of the season. Time for no more parties, no meat or temptation until Jesus raises from the dead!
Why Merida Carnival Is So Special
What makes Carnival Mérida unique is its rhythm. It starts intimate and traditional in the city, then explodes into a full-scale celebration at Xmatkuil — with something for families, party-goers, culture lovers, and first-timers alike.
If you plan it right, you can experience both sides — the soulful traditions and the all-night spectacle.
And honestly? That’s the best way to do it.
