The 23rd annual Sea Turtle Festival was held from October 24th to 26th in Akumal, Tulum, and Xcacal-Xcacelito. Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA) hosted the festival in Akumal on the October 24th with the support of allies from the Tulum Sea Turtle Festival Committee, volunteers, students, and sponsors, including Vecinos and other Akumal Norte community members. 

Vecinos Board Member Ingrid Datica with CEA Staff and Vecinos' donation to CEA's Festival Toy Drive

The event began on Akumal Bay beach with a Mayan ceremony of thanksgiving, followed by a walk to the town to share information about protection and conservation of sea turtles. This was followed by a fair in Plaza Ukana, where groups of young people, students from Akumal and Chemuyil, municipal authorities, environmental organizations, and the general public gathered.

The nearly 300 attendees enjoyed refreshments, a food fair, dancing, and various recreational activities designed to reinforce, awareness of the importance of caring for our environment.

At the end of the event, attendees had an opportunity to see the work of turtle camps in Tulum, which has been ongoing for over 23 years, CEA celebrated 30 years of continuous work patrolling and protecting sea turtles in Akumal.