12th Annual Turtle Festival!

Turtle Festival

With the 2014 Sea Turtle season coming to a close, it is also time for the 12th Festival de la Tortuga Marina. This year’s festival will be October 16, 17, and 18th at Xcacel, Tulum —and our very own Akumal!

The festival kicks off on October 16 at Xcacel-Xcacelito with the ceremonial inauguration and the sand sculpture contest. The sand sculpture contest aims to encourage the participation of local children from 6 to 12 years old. There will be awards and other recreational activities.

On the October 17 the festivities move to the sports dome at Maya Culture Park in Tulum. There are to be academic and environmental education activities from 9:00AM until 2:00PM. In the same facility at 3:00PM there will be the official inauguration and artistic events, games for the children, entertainment, and more.

On October 18th in Parque Nacional Tulum Playa Pescadores from 9:00AM to 2:00PM there will be local entertainment by Kermes, a sand sculpture contest, and more.

Then in the afternoon, Akumal Bay will host the grand closing of the festival.   The Maya ceremony for the turtle will begin at 4:00PM at the bay — be sure to be there for this traditional blessing of the turtles. Maya dancers will arrive in a canoe to honor the turtle made by local residents and International Residency artists. Meanwhile at the basketball court by the arch will be games for the children, a raffle, cultural activities, and the closing of the festival at 08:00PM. Parents of the Akumal Montessori School will have a food kiosk, with proceeds going for school supplies.   There will be music as well.

Mark your calendars and be sure to attend this wonderful event that celebrates our TORTUGA MARINA!!