Listen up all visitors to Mexico and Cancun residents! Have you been searching for exciting activities to enjoy in the fall in Cancun? If you have, then you should check out the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival this fall in Cancun. Get ready to enjoy the sounds of jazz at the Riviera Jazz Festival, an annual event that has been held each year since 2003. This year from November 30th – December 2nd, the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival in Cancun will have the top jazz musicians from around the globe together on one stage. You should attend the festival and you can even meet some of the top jazz musicians that are well-known worldwide. Continue to read below to learn more information about the Riviera Jazz Festival in Cancun.

Jazz History

The roots of jazz music can be heard in blues and ragtime music that was taken from Europe and Africa. Many people claim that jazz is derived from a combination of African and European music influences. Rhythm and soul are what jazz is about. During the early twentieth century about one hundred years ago in New Orleans, many people believe that jazz music started in the African American communities. Other people say that jazz was created in 1895 when Buddy Bolden created his first band. There are other people that say that in 1917, Nick LaRocca and his Dixieland Jazz Band started jazz with their first jazz record titled, “Livery Stable Blues.” Although, the exact time when jazz started isn’t important, during the1920’s is when jazz started to become very popular in America. The original jazz sound that started in New Orleans began to attract people from different sectors. In the 1920’s, fashion was another way that jazz started to influence popular culture and attract a larger fan base. The Jazz Age has been in effect since the 1920’s, and today is recognized as an important part of musical expression. Not only is jazz a significant part of the history of music in America, it is also credited with giving birth to pop, rock and roll, rap, hip hop, and swing music.

The 17th Annual Riviera Jazz Festival

The 17th annual Riviera Jazz Festival will be hosted in Playa del Carmen near Cancun. This is one of the most popular activities to attend in the Cancun area, and it has been going on since 2003. Usually, the event is held at the end of November during Thanksgiving weekend. This is an exciting concert that you should definitely attend if you find yourself in the area. The festival blends different genres of jazz so the audience will have an amazing and unique experience. Over 20,000 guests will attend the festival, so there will be a lot of people on hand enjoying great music and entertainment. The festival is a popular activity in Cancun, and it is an important cultural event as well. Some of the jazz musicians that have performed at past festivals include Earth, Wind, and Fire, George Benson, Herbie Hancock, Tower of Power, Celso Pina, Spyro Gira, Sergio Mendez, and many more. This year, the festival will be a three-day event that starts on November 30th through December 2nd, and it will be held on Mamitas Beach, which is perfect for guests so they can enjoy great jazz music while being right on the beach. Every year a large stage is built, and this is a free event that is open to the public. However, if you want to get closer to the stage, there is a small fee of only 18 pesos for each person to access a more private VIP area. You can avoid the large crowds at the VIP area, but you will need to get to the event early in order to get a spot as space is limited.

Will you be in Cancun, Mexico during the end of November? If you are, then you should attend the Riviera Jazz Festival from November 30th – December 2nd in Cancun, Mexico. This is one of Cancun’s top activities that everyone in the family can enjoy!