Groups of youth compete in elaborate dance performances leading up to Carnaval in Cozumel. Over multiple songs, and with themed stages and props, these are much like younger versions of the king and queen competitions. The groups will practice every night for over 6-7 weeks before coming together for the big night of competition. Costumes are designed and sewn. Props built. Dances choreographed and learned. It can seem like every family on the island is involved. Carnaval in Cozumel is very family-focused.
I was lucky enough to be able to perform with one of these groups in 2020. I had been living on the island for several months and the organizers for a group that included dancers with wheelchairs and disabilities had seen me around the island dancing in the crowd at many community performances. It turns out they always walked by where I sat outside at a cafe for Spanish lessons as well, so they invited me to join them. It was a lot of work, honestly, more than we realized it would be when we joined. Hours of rehearsal each night, costume fittings, and using our limited Spanish skills to pick up the necessary supplies. Despite this, it was an amazing experience. We even extended our stay in Cozumel for me to take advantage of this opportunity.
Many of these groups also perform at street events during Carnaval or walk the parades. I rode on a float with my group and I must have tossed millions of pieces of candy into the crowd. It seemed like I might have a permanent smile on my face.
You should have seen my family carefully hand-carrying my feathered headpiece and the decorative fan backpiece for my wheelchair through the airport and onto the plane when we returned home. This opportunity was only going to come once, and we were not leaving those costume pieces behind!