Parque Natural del Flamenco Mexicano (also known as the
"Celestun Biosphere Reserve"), a wetland reserve that is the
winter home to vast flocks of
flamingos, as well as many herons and other bird species. In
addition, approximately 300 species of birds pass through on
migration, or live there Celestun's ecosystem is unique
because of a combination of
fresh water from the estuary and salt water from Gulf of Mexico.
The reserve also boasts two types of pelicans - large white
Canadian and smaller gray Mexican ones. Celestun is also known
as a hatching ground for endangered sea turtles. Wildlife
conservationists have an ongoing project to protect the sea
turtles from encroaching modernization.
One of the busiest times for tourism is
semana santa, when local Maya villagers from around the
region visit Celestun. Local folk-catholic traditions are
abundant during holy week, when the town's patron saint is
floated out to sea surrounded by candles, and visited by the
patron saint of nearby Kinchil.
As the town of Celestun is the seat of the
municipality (municipio) of Celestun, it attracts
various carnivals, dances and musicians to its town square on a
regular basis.