If there’s one place where Carnival feels a little less scripted and a lot more alive, it’s Progreso. Add the sea breeze, the malecón, and two full weeks of music, parades, and beach-town energy, and you get a celebration that’s equal parts tradition and spontaneous joy.
Carnival of Progreso 2026 leans fully into its theme, The Joy of Life, with a lineup that mixes classic rituals, family-friendly events, big-name concerts, and the kind of communal fun that only happens in a port town. This is Carnival with sand in your shoes, music in the air, and no real rush to be anywhere else.
Carnival de Progreso Casts Its Spell
Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
- Quema del Mal Humor — A symbolic kickoff on February 5, where we literally burn bad vibes and make room for a season of joy.
- Coronación de los Reyes — On February 7, the carnival kings and queens are presented in style with live music courtesy of Los Ángeles Azules and Ximena Sarinana!
PARADE HIGHLIGHTS
Progreso, Yucatan | February 5–18, 2026
Theme: The Joy of Life
Thursday, February 5
- 🔥 Burning of Bad Vibes & Rooster Parade
📍 Municipal Palace
⏰ 7:30 PM - The symbolic opening of Carnival, where bad vibes are burned away and the celebration officially begins.
Saturday, February 7
- 👑 Grand Coronation of Carnival Kings and Queens
📍 Progreso Sports Complex
⏰ 6:00 PM - 🎶 Los Angeles Azules – Live Concert
✨ Special Guest: Ximena Sarinaña
📍 Progreso Sports Complex
⏰ 9:00 PM - The party levels up with an unforgettable night of rhythm, dance, and joy. Get ready to sing, dance, and celebrate Carnival like never before.
Thursday, February 12
- 🚗 Presentation of Allegorical Floats
📍 Municipal Palace
⏰ 7:30 PM - A first look at the colorful floats that will take over the streets during the parades.
Friday, February 13
- 🎈 Childrens Comparsa Presentation
📍 C. 80 between 31 and 33
⏰ 4:30 PM - 🐶 Dog Carnival (Carnaval Perruno)
📍 C. 80 between 31 and 33
⏰ 6:00 PM - 👠 Drag Carnival Competition – Featuring Cattriona Bine
📍 International Malecon
⏰ 9:30 PM
🎉 Corso Parade
📍 Municipal Palace
⏰ 8:00 PM
Saturday, February 14
- 🎭 Fantasy and Mask Parade
📍 Municipal Palace
⏰ 7:00 PM
💃 Comparsa Contest
📍 House of Culture
⏰ 7:00 PM
Sunday, February 15
- 🌞 Sunday Parade (Paseo Dominical)
📍 Traditional Malecon
⏰ 12:00 PM - 🎤 Special Guests: Jorge Losa and Brigitte Bozzo
🎶 La Original Banda El Limon – Live Concert
📍 Traditional Malecon
⏰ 5:00 PM
Monday, February 16
🤠 Regional Vaqueria and Invitation Parade
📍 Starts at Meteorite Museum
📍 Ends at House of Culture
⏰ 6:00 PM
Tuesday, February 17
- 🌸 Flower Battle Parade
📍 Traditional Malecon
⏰ 12:00 PM - 🎤 Special Guests: Jose Ron and Kim Flores
🎶 Ha-Ash – Live Concert
📍 Traditional Malecon
⏰ 5:00 PM
Wednesday, February 18
- 🔥 Burning of Juan Carnival
📍 Municipal Palace
⏰ 8:00 PM - The symbolic farewell that officially closes Carnival and welcomes the start of Lent.
INSIDER TIP (Read This Before You Go)
Progreso Carnival works best when you arrive early and leave happy, not exhausted.
Parades and concerts fill up fast along the malecon, especially on weekends, so get there ahead of time, grab a spot, and let the night unfold. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and don’t overthink it — this is beach Carnival, not a fashion show (unless you want it to be).
And one more thing: if you’re planning to drive back to Merida late, be patient. Traffic is part of the experience. Also it goes without saying that drinking and driving is obviously always a bad idea, but also there are going to be a lot of police checkpoints. So if you plan on having a few while you are there, no worries! Just be sure to either hire a driver to take you there and back. Tip: You can get an Uber/Taxi out there and then get the driver’s personal number and arrange for him or her to come pick you up. Trying to get an Uber back to Merida after the Carnival will probably lead to much frustration. So best be prepared and have a number of someone who can come pick you up!
WHY WE LOVE IT (AND WHY YOU WILL TOO)
What makes Carnival of Progreso special isn’t just the concerts or the parades — it’s the atmosphere. Families, locals, visitors, dancers, kids, and musicians all sharing the same space, celebrating together, with the ocean right there reminding you to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Whether you come for Los Angeles Azules and Ximena Sarinana, the Flower Battle parade, or just to wander the malecón with a cold drink in hand, this is one of those Yucatan experiences that sticks with you.
Live it. Feel it. Celebrate it.
And if you leave with a little glitter, a lot of photos, and plans to come back next year — you did it right.
