Mayan traditions and culture are very much alive among the area’s local inhabitants. Mayan Riviera festivals occur year-round when the streets fill with the sounds of parties, and tourists are invited to join in to appreciate their combined traditional and contemporary customs. This makes each festival a fascinating, large-scale multicultural event.

The Quintana Roo State Carnival is one of the most popular festivals in the Mayan Riviera and is celebrated a few days before Easter week all across the region. Other celebrations include the Day of the Santa Cruz on May 3 and national holidays such as Independence Day, Day of the Dead, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

In September, the Lol Cah celebration expresses the deepest Mayan cultural roots. Mayan prayers are offered to purify the people; the sacred Ceiba tree is planted; and offerings are given to Chac, the rain-god, to prevent droughts.