Every November 24th and 25th, the dazzling city of Playa del Carmen comes alive with the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, a musical extravaganza featuring international jazz sensations. Since its kickoff in 2003, this festival has become a magnet for top-tier artists, turning a corner of the Mexican Caribbean into a hub of lively beats and unforgettable tunes.
Picture this: the sun-kissed beaches of Playa del Carmen transform into a stage where legendary performers like Earth, Wind and Fire, Kool & the Gang, George Duke, Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, Norah Jones, UB-40, Celso Piña, George Benson, Marcus Miller, and Armando Manzanero have left an indelible mark. It’s not just a music festival; it’s a magical experience that blends the beauty of the Caribbean with the soulful sounds of jazz. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this rhythmic celebration!
History of the Jazz Festival | Riviera Maya
Step into the enchanting realm of jazz at one of the world’s standout festivals—the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival. Recognized among the top ten jazz festivals globally, this event stands out for its free entry to all concerts, creating a unique and accessible experience for music enthusiasts of all kinds.
The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival emerged from the desire to give Playa del Carmen its distinct cultural identity, propelling it to national and international acclaim. It has since become an annual tradition, celebrating musical diversity and crafting enduring memories beneath the twinkling Caribbean night sky.
Back in the vibrant fall of 2003, three visionaries—Fernando Toussaint (drummer and Aguamala founder), Jean Agarraista (Riviera Maya Hotel Association president from 2004 to 2018), and Martin Ruiz, then Director of the Trust of Tourism Promotion of the Riviera Maya—lit up with an idea. They birthed the inaugural festival, originally named the Latin Jazz Festival, later evolving into the renowned Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, a testament to its international and inclusive essence.
Mamita’s Beach Club has played the perfect host over the years, welcoming over 60,000 fans for three days of revelry, where music intertwines with the gentle rhythms of the waves beneath a starlit sky.
In the 2021 edition, we proudly celebrated an incredible milestone—19 consecutive editions, overcoming challenges and meeting unforeseen circumstances with the same fervor that ignited our journey. Here’s to many more years of harmonious notes and nights that linger in the heart!
Location Riviera Maya Jazz Festival 2024
This free, open-air festival comes to life in an incomparable setting: the beautiful beaches of the Riviera Maya, specifically in front of the iconic Mamita’s Beach Club in Playa del Carmen.
The stage, lighting and sound are designed to match the magnitude of this international event, providing the perfect platform for local and international artists to give us the best of their music.
Attendees have the opportunity to enjoy the festival comfortably since it is common to sit on a towel in front of the stage. Plus, snacks and drinks are welcome to complete the experience!
Line Up | Riviera Maya Jazz Festival 2024
The lineup of the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival consistently shines with brilliance, showcasing iconic figures of this musical genre annually.
Get ready for an unforgettable show with the presence of:
2023 Edition
- Spanish Harlem Orchestra
- Arturo Sandoval
- Pedrito Martínez
- Iraida Noriega
- Chris Botti
- Snarky Puppy
- Antonio Sanchez
- Aguamala
2021 Edition
- Brian Skonberg
- Elizabeth Meza
- Ravi Coltrane
- Luri Molina
- Kurt Elling ft Charlie Hunter
- Alex Campos
- Dannah Garay
- Roberto Verastegui
- Zaicocircus
- Giovanni Figueroa
- 20 varos
2020 Edition
- Aguamala
- Xaman
- Elite Band
- Diego Maroto Quartet
- Memo Ruiz Bolero Flamenco
- Pepe Hernandez
- Paco Rosas Quintet
In addition, a digital edition was carried out with live broadcasts from the official festival channels on YouTube and Facebook. Music is experienced at its best!
Tickets
As is tradition, entry to the festival is free, with no need to purchase tickets. The event usually spreads over 2 or 3 days, starting around 7:00 p.m.
If you are looking for a more exclusive experience, there is the option of a VIP section, which offers a more intimate atmosphere with fewer people and is located in close proximity to the stage, all for approximately $1 USD.
Meeting Point
Experience the enchanting ambiance of this event situated at Playa Mamitas, just in front of Mamita’s Beach Club on Calle 28 north, nestled in the Gonzalo Guerrero Neighborhood. Brace yourself for a dive into the lively festival atmosphere in this incredible corner of the Riviera Maya!
Conclusion
Certainly, don’t miss the chance to dive into the enchantment of the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, where the fusion of music and culture creates a one-of-a-kind experience in one of the world’s most captivating destinations. Prepare yourself to savor unforgettable moments with every musical note!
Are you ready to discover the evolution of the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival this year?
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