Sights to visit in Cozumel
Monuments and places of interest in San Miguel de Cozumel, these places are perfect for taking pictures as the sunrises and sunsets, I am sure you will love them.
Table of Contents
Municipal Public Clock, a historical emblem of Cozumel
The inauguration of Cozumel’s public clock tower took place on September 15, 1910, and was completed a year later. Located in Benito Juárez Park, it is an icon that characterizes the island one hundred years after its creation, and was built to celebrate the first 100 years of the beginning of the struggle for Mexico’s Independence.
The chronicler of the city, Velio Vivas Valdez, remembers the history and asks for maintenance for the place, so the mayor of the island, Juan Carlos González Hernández, announced an important investment in that place with the acquisition of new covers and machinery in the framework of the Bicentennial of the Independence.
According to the version of the lifetime chronicler of the city, in 1907 the citizens of Cozumel were preparing to celebrate the one hundred years of Mexico’s independence struggle and a committee was installed here, originally headed by Don Hipólito Vivas Rejón and later by Don Ladislao Novelo.
Among a series of celebrations that were organized, it was agreed that, with the collaboration of the people, a tower would be built and a public clock would be installed, which meant a service that Cozumel lacked at that time, and that was part of the characteristic of all the towns, to have next to the school, the municipal palace, the church and the public clock.
Then, with the collaboration of the people, which was very important since many contributed with labor and construction material, on September 15, 1910 at 11 o’clock at night, the public clock tower was officially inaugurated.
It is worth mentioning that Don Hipólito Vivas Rejón was the great-grandfather of Víctor Manuel Vivas González, who was the municipal president during the period 96-99, and who also as municipal president had the second public clock installed on the island, and is located above the presidential balcony of the palace; and with a special characteristic, which are the Mayan numbers on the clock’s dials.
It is important to emphasize that a few days ago, the municipal president, Juan Carlos González Hernández commented in an unofficial way that the dials and new machinery for the municipal public clock located in the Benito Juárez park were already acquired, precisely in the framework of the celebrations of the bicentennial of the Independence and the bicentennial of the beginning of the Mexican Revolution, although he did not disclose the investment costs.
Source: El Quintanarroense
Monument to Mestizaje in México: Cozumel
This interesting monument is located in the area where the Spaniards first entered the island, hence its name: Monumento al mestizaje (Monument to Mestizaje).
It presents the figure of the Spanish conqueror, a friar, a cross and a family of indigenous people, symbolism that perfectly represents the origin of the Mexican people.
Jets of cold water hit the white stone that form the fountains and the turquoise color of the sea gives a spectacular contrast to the scene.
On one side there is a frame that resembles a door; the origin of the mestizaje.
Monument to Squadron 201 Cozumel
This is the memorial of our country’s participation in World War II.
It honors the members of the Mexican Army who fought against the Axis countries after Germany bombed PEMEX ships supplying oil to the USA in the Pacific Ocean.
The memorial is located in front of the Cozumel air base, it features photographs of the pilots who gave their lives in this event.
It is a memorial worth visiting and to be thankful that our country is not characterized by promoting or participating in war battles.
Cedral's party in Cozumel
The Cedral Festival in Cozumel is celebrated in the town of “El Cedral”. It commemorates the day of the Holy Cross, as well as the arrival of the 21 founding families of this town, who took refuge during the Caste War of 1848.
History says that more than 170 years ago, Casimiro Cárdenas fled to Isla Cozumel, from the town of Sabán. His enemies murdered several of his companions, but Cárdenas survives. He thinks it was because he always kept a cross in his hands and later promises that every year he will make a festivity in honor of the Holy Cross for the life that was given to him. Today, a feast is held in honor of the Santa Cruz de Sabán. On this site, one of the oldest ruins of Cozumel, the site of “La Cárcel”, is also located.
This festivity begins on the last days of April and ends on May 3, the day of the masons and the Holy Cross. During these days, masses, rosaries and folkloric dances take place. On the other hand, the town of Cedral is full of festivities, the fair is present, a bullring is the host of the bullfights, as well as of the invited artists.
The dance of the pig's head at the Cedral's festival
Every year on May 3rd, visitors to the Cedral festival dress up in their costumes. The long awaited dance of the “Cabeza de Cochino” begins in a part of the main palapa of the village, it goes around the whole palapa, they laugh, they celebrate another year of tradition. Pol Keken, a word that comes from the Mayan, Pool means head (of any animal) and Keken means pig. Ancient stories mention that deer or wild boar heads were used before, in order to worship the Mayan deities. But with the arrival of the Europeans, they brought the pig and it was adopted by this species.
Currently, this dance is accompanied by a regional music, the famous “Jarana Yucateca” at a rhythm of ¾ time, people make a little jump to the beat of the music, shout and smile, while in their hands they have a ribbon. Each person who participates has one of a different color. The pig’s head has sweet bread, bars or Chinese paper flags inserted, as well as flowers around it, it goes on top of a tray with an apple in the animal’s mouth, as well as fruit around it. It is carried by the person who made the promise.
The dance of the pig’s head brings with it moments of joy, the bread and fruit are shared with those present, meaning abundant food. People with banners accompany those present, a feast is taking place.
The dance of the ribbons
The dance of the ribbons has its origin on the European continent. Before arriving in Mexico, it was known in Europe and was called the “Danza del Cordon”.
The dance was born in the German region of Bavaria, in the heart of old Europe, where it is still celebrated with enthusiasm. It is the tradition of the Maibaum (May tree).
Source: VIVO Cozumel
