Education Changes Lives
NOMMO Fest 2025: Celebrating Community, Culture & Giving Back
22
Days of cultural and artistic expression across Tulum
50+
Artists & Performers sharing their talents
5
Nonprofit Organizations supported through festival proceeds
The Story of NOMMO Fest: A Gathering of Souls
It all started with a vision—a simple yet powerful idea: a concert for the community, benefiting the community. In 2024, Aware Musica brought people together in Tulum, where music became a force for unity and change. That first concert was a resounding success, a spark that would ignite something much bigger.
This year, that vision grew into a 22-day celebration of art, music, and connection, weaving together a diverse and immersive festival across Tulum. From yoga at sunrise to electrifying nighttime concerts, every moment was crafted to unite and uplift the community. Events spanned intimate gatherings in local studios, open-air celebrations in lush jungle spaces, and artistic showcases in cultural hubs.
The magic began in the depths of a cenote on March 17, where attendees gathered for an intimate performance by Leo Prakash, his music echoing through the natural cathedral of water and stone. As the festival unfolded, Tulum’s vibrant venues—from Ikal’s beachfront sanctuary to the bustling heart of Aldea Zama—became stages for creativity and collective expression.
A Celebration of Unity
Then, on March 22, NOMMO Fest reached its grand culmination. People from all walks of life—locals, expats, families, and travelers—came together, drawn by a shared energy. The festival peaked with the arrival of the Nommos, a symbolic celebration of the Spring Equinox, marking renewal and collective transformation. Under the open sky, children danced, artists performed, and communities united, proving that when people gather with purpose, magic unfolds.
People from all walks of life—locals, expats, families, and travelers—came together in Tulum, drawn by a shared energy. The festival reached its peak with the arrival of the Nommos, a symbolic celebration of the Spring Equinox, marking renewal and collective transformation. Under the open sky, children danced, artists performed, and communities united, proving that when people gather with purpose, magic unfolds. T2.
The People Behind the Magic
This extraordinary journey was made possible by the dedication of key organizers like María Akal, whose leadership and passion shaped every detail, and Jaime Cohen, whose support helped weave together a festival that seamlessly blended art, philanthropy, and cultural heritage. Every venue, artist, and partner contributed their time and resources, ensuring that 100% of the festival’s proceeds supported impactful local nonprofits—including KKIS, Osa Mayor Foundation, LADLE, Alma Animal, and Kaalan Nek.
KKIS was honored to be part of this inspiring movement, capturing moments from key events and celebrating the power of community at the Aware Musica concert. NOMMO Fest 2025 was more than a festival—it was a collective heartbeat, reminding us that we are all connected.
It all started with a single idea—a concert for the community, benefiting the community. In 2024, Aware Musica envisioned an event that would unite people through music while supporting local nonprofit initiatives. That first concert was a resounding success, igniting a spark that led to something much greater.
This year, that vision expanded into 22 days of cultural and artistic experiences across Tulum. Thanks to the dedication of everyone involved in production, along with the generosity of event hosts, NOMMO Fest became a celebration of creativity, unity, and giving back. Every venue, artist, and partner contributed their time and resources, ensuring that 100% of the festival’s proceeds supported impactful local nonprofits—including:
A Heartfelt Thank You to the NOMMO Fest Team
This festival would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication and generosity of the NOMMO Fest organizers, especially María Akal, whose vision and leadership brought this celebration to life. Jaime Cohen, alongside the incredible event hosts and partners, played a vital role in weaving together a festival that united art, culture, and philanthropy. Their passion and commitment have left an indelible mark on Tulum’s nonprofit landscape, inspiring connection and collective action.
To everyone who attended, performed, and contributed—thank you for making NOMMO Fest 2025 a success. Your support is transforming lives and strengthening our shared community.
Want to be part of the change?
Inspired by NOMMO Fest’s celebration of community and culture?
At KKIS, are always looking for partners to continue making an impact. Here’s how you can get involved:
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Support our mission: Help us provide educational opportunities for students in Tulum and Playa del Carmen.
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Volunteer your time: Share your talents and skills to make a direct impact.
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Spread the word: Raise awareness about the power of community-driven initiatives like NOMMO Fest.
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Want to host a community-building event? We can recommend activities like assembling backpacks, building bikes, or creating wheelchairs to support local initiatives. Let’s make a difference together.
Contact us today at info@kkisproject.org to learn more about how you can partner with KKIS and make a lasting impact!
Backpacks Packed
KISS PROJECT
Nommo Recap
Mildred is a KISS Scholarship high-school senior that learned English on her own. She has been accepted to study in an university un Texas
KKIS Vision
Improving lives through education.
KKIS (Keeping Kids in School) works to build stronger communities in Playa del Carmen by eliminating financial obstacles to public education. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn and succeed, and we are dedicated to making education accessible and affordable for promising students in our community.
KKIS Mission
KKIS provides programming that improves graduation rates for promising students and prepares them for life success by offering financial aid, community connections, and educational support. In addition to academics, KKIS helps students develop essential language, life, and work skills to build a stronger community.
Recognizing that education is often unaffordable for many families in Mexico, we remove financial barriers to keep kids in school through generous donations from individuals and companies who share our values and vision.