This September, Mexico’s Riviera Maya will once again become a stage for one of the country’s most immersive culinary celebrations. Grupo Xcaret has announced the return of the Apapaxoa GastroCultural Xcaret Festival, taking place from September 18–23, 2026, across its signature properties: Hotel Xcaret Arte, Hotel Xcaret México, and La Casa de la Playa.
Now in its third year, Apapaxoa continues to evolve as a vibrant expression of Mexico’s culinary identity—one that blends tradition with contemporary creativity and brings together some of the most exciting voices in gastronomy today.
A Celebration Beyond the Plate
Over six days, the festival will gather the 23 chefs of Xcaret’s Gastronomic Collective alongside an impressive lineup of guest chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists from Mexico and around the world. The result is a dynamic program that goes far beyond dining, featuring curated tastings, hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and intimate chef-led dinners.
But Apapaxoa isn’t just about food. It’s designed as a cultural crossroads where cuisine intersects with art, storytelling, and design. Guests can expect experiences that weave together music, literature, fashion, photography, craftsmanship, and even wellness and sustainability—creating a festival atmosphere that feels as creative as it is culinary.
The Colors of Mexico
The 2026 edition will be guided by the theme “The Colors of Mexico,” a concept that explores the country’s cultural richness through a sensory lens. From vibrant ingredients and regional flavors to artistic expression and storytelling, the theme invites guests to experience Mexico in a way that is both deeply rooted and refreshingly modern.
It’s an approach that reflects how Mexican cuisine continues to evolve—honouring heritage while embracing new perspectives.
A Festival of Ideas
One of this year’s most intriguing additions is the festival’s Book Fair, which will introduce a literary dimension to the experience. Bringing together authors, editors, and cultural thinkers, it expands the conversation beyond the table, offering guests a deeper look at the narratives, history, and imagination that shape Mexican culture.
A Setting Like No Other
Each of the three host properties plays a unique role in shaping the overall experience. From the art-forward atmosphere of Hotel Xcaret Arte to the family-friendly energy of Hotel Xcaret México and the ultra-exclusive intimacy of La Casa de la Playa, the festival unfolds across spaces where nature, design, and hospitality are seamlessly integrated.
This multi-venue approach allows guests to move fluidly between environments, discovering new flavours, perspectives, and creative expressions at every turn.
Why It Matters
Apapaxoa is more than a festival—it’s part of a broader vision by Grupo Xcaret to position Mexico’s gastronomy as a living, evolving cultural force. By bringing together culinary talent, artists, and storytellers in one place, the event highlights the role food plays in shaping identity, memory, and connection.
For travellers, it offers something increasingly rare: an opportunity to experience a destination not just through its landscapes, but through its culture in motion.
Planning to attend?
Explore the full program and updates at the official festival website: https://www.apapaxoa.com/es/
