One of the characteristics of Cancun is undoubtedly its beaches, nightclubs, and nightlife, but far from all that, it is also a cultural destination.
In fact, the city of Cancun has museums, archaeological sites, and a variety of cultural activities which we will discuss below. Discover the culture in Cancun.
Explore the culture in Cancun
We will divide this article into several sections: first, we will talk about the museums, then the archaeological sites, cultural festivities, cultural places, and finally the cultural activities of the city.
Museums in Cancun
In this list, we find 2: The Mayan Museum and MUSA.
On one hand, the Mayan Museum is for the whole family and can be found at kilometer 16.5 of the hotel zone. In this museum, we will find a journey into the past of Mayan history and culture.
On the other hand, we have the Underwater Museum of Art, better known as MUSA. This museum, as its name suggests, is located underwater, and in order to admire it properly, it will be necessary to know how to swim, snorkel, or dive.
Archaeological Sites
Chichen Itza is the most striking archaeological site that thousands of tourists come to visit, BUT unfortunately, this site is not part of Cancun. It is part of the state of Yucatan (right in the heart).
This confusion has led the 4 archaeological and cultural sites of Cancun to be very rarely visited, and the truth is that we have 3: Ruins of Rey, San Miguelito, Scorpion Temple, and El Meco.
The first 3 can be found in the Hotel Zone, in fact, San Miguelito is next to the Mayan Museum, so you have no excuses not to visit it.
The fourth archaeological site in Cancun is found in Puerto Juarez and yes, in this post we could include the small archaeological site of Isla Mujeres, but it is not really part of Cancun.
Cultural Places
Museums are excellent cultural places that we can find in Cancun, but they are not the only ones, the city has the House of Culture, the planetarium, and several theaters.
The House of Culture is the oldest cultural center in the city, in fact, it can be said that it is almost the same age as the city itself. Various cultural festivities and events have taken place here.
At the Cancun Planetarium, we can learn about the universe, constellations, telescopes, and much more. By the way, a variety of workshops are also held here, and most of them are completely free.
And if you love theater performances, there are many venues here, but the most common one is the City Theater located at kilometer 4 of the hotel zone.
Cultural Activities
The cultural festivities of the city are evident in the Spring Carnival and All Saints’ Day, along with other events such as school cycles and graduations.
Many other activities come from open spaces where you can take dance classes in Latin rhythms like salsa, bachata, and guaracha, or even classical dances and tango.
Book releases, art exhibitions, concerts, and even poetry recitals are among the cultural activities that you can find in Cancun.
Schools
Schools in Cancun represent another cornerstone in the city’s characteristics, as it is always at the forefront of education, culture, and innovation. Proof of this is being one of the few states in Mexico that halted educational operations during the lockdown and immediately adapted to online classes.
Conclusion
Cancun is much more than its famous beaches and vibrant nightlife. Despite its reputation as a tourist destination for entertainment and relaxation, the city also offers a rich and diverse cultural scene that is worth exploring. From its museums that offer a journey through Mayan history to the archaeological sites that reflect the grandeur of ancient civilizations, Cancun presents a fascinating cultural aspect.
Cultural places like the House of Culture and the Planetarium provide opportunities to expand knowledge about the universe and participate in meaningful cultural events. Local festivities, such as the Spring Carnival and Day of All Saints, offer an authentic glimpse into local life and traditions.
Moreover, cultural activities, from dance classes to art exhibitions and concerts, allow visitors to immerse themselves in Cancun’s cultural vitality. The city’s schools also reflect its commitment to education and innovation, swiftly adapting to changing circumstances, as demonstrated by the seamless transition to online classes during challenging times.
Ultimately, if you’re planning a visit to Cancun, we encourage you not to miss out on its cultural wealth. Beyond the crystal-clear waters and nightlife, you’ll discover a world of history, art, and traditions that will enrich your experience in this beautiful destination. Get to know the culture in Cancun and dive into a unique perspective of this exciting city.
