For those of you who are going in Sept, here's info on the festivals that are taking place:
(Reprinted from Cozumel4You newsletter)
Welcome to September, or Septi-hambre (the combination of September and hungry) as some of the locals have dubbed it. For many this means a time of decreased spending, more free time, and time to slow down and focus on the family.
September is also a special time here in Cozumel, since it marks two very important holidays; Independence Day and Fiestas de San Miguel Arcangel.
Independence Day celebrations start on September 15th, as local residents and visitors gather around the Palacio Municipal (Town Hall) to participate in the traditional grito, or cry for independence. Lead by the Mayor of Cozumel from the balcony at 11:00 p.m., the cry Viva Mexico is made. Following the grito is fireworks display, and other festivities including music, folkloric dances as well as traditional foods.
On September 16, the actual Independence Day, the celebrations continue with a parade that goes through Cozumel's downtown waterfront. Throughout the week, the food stands, games of chance and souvenirs remains operating, so even if youre not here on the actual day, you can still participate.
The religious celebration honoring San Miguel Arcangel, who is the parton saint of the island of Cozumel, begins on September 21st. Processions that start at the San Miguel church, located in the town square, weave their way throughout the entire downtown area.
During this time, local residents attend mass and take part in these daily processions. On the last day, a procession of fishermen carry an image of San Miguel Arcangel to the downtown pier and board a boat. This boat, accompanied by other boats create a procession by sea, throwing flowers and reciting prayers to the patron saint of Cozumel.