How to Celebrate Mardi Gras in Yucatan, Mexico

Mardi Gras is celebrated throughout the world, although it is most prominent in the Americas. In Yucatan, Mexico, for example, Mardi Gras is one of the biggest events of the year. The Yucatan capital of Merida is home to the major Mardi Gras events and draws hundreds of thousands of revelers from around the world. Even if you've been to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, you owe it to yourself to visit Yucatan.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Passport

Celebrate Mardi Gras in Yucatan

1. Book travel to Yucatan to celebrate Mardi Gras well in advance. With an influx of tourists, hotel rooms and plane seats can become prohibitively expensive or simply unavailable. A good rule of thumb is to book at least six months in advance.

2. Double check the dates of Mardi Gras to ensure you are coming at the right time. Mardi Gras is never held at the exact same time every year, so always make sure you're booking reservations that actually fall within the time period of the Mardi Gras celebrations.

3. Celebrate Mardi Gras Mexico-style with a costume. Costumes and masks aren't reserved for those partying on floats or a part of the parade itself. Head to a local shop to find a mask or costume and join the fun.

4. Wander into one of Merida's restaurants to treat yourself to fine Yucatan cuisine. In addition, many restaurants offer live music during Mardi Gras, giving guests a chance to continue to celebrate even after they've left the parade route.

5. Walk through one of the many art galleries in Merida during Mardi Gras. Local artists sell their works during the celebration and many more are commissioned to produce artwork for Mardi Gras itself.

Tips & Warnings

• Make it a point to visit the Mayan ruins while you are in Yucatan. The area has some of the most well-preserved ruins in Mexico, and there are tours of the ruins available from points throughout the region.
• Book travel to the area as part of a tour group. Tours to Yucatan often make visiting the region far less expensive.
• Dress appropriately when in Yucatan. It is consistently hot year-round, with temperatures of 90 degrees and higher.
• As in any major city it's a good idea to travel in groups in Merida or elsewhere in Yucatan. This is especially true during peak travel seasons, like Mardi Gras, as crime rates can rise.

Resources

• Yucatan Today for information on Mardi Gras in Merida