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Day of the Dead in Mérida is a very special celebration in Mexico, and each region celebrates it in its own unique way. In Mérida, this holiday takes on a different meaning thanks to the blend of Mayan traditions and Catholic beliefs. Here, it’s known as Hanal Pixán or Janal Pixan , which in Mayan means “food of souls.” This tradition seeks to maintain the connection with loved ones who have passed away.
One of the city’s most anticipated events is the Festival of Souls , celebrated from October 26 to November 3. During these days, Mérida is filled with color and tradition, with parades, altars, and ceremonies that invite both locals and visitors to experience this emotional and cultural celebration firsthand.
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Day of the Dead in Mérida
Hanal Pixán, or Day of the Dead, is a tradition that dates back to pre-Hispanic times and reflects Mayan beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife. The Mayans viewed death not as an end, but as a continuation of the cycle of life. According to their worldview, during Hanal Pixán, the souls of the deceased are allowed to return to the world of the living and enjoy the food and offerings prepared for them by their families.
Interested in learning how Day of the Dead is celebrated in other iconic cities? Discover unique traditions in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and more.
When is the Day of the Dead celebrated in Mérida?
The Day of the Dead in Mérida is celebrated from October 31 to November 2. This holiday, known locally as Hanal Pixán , which means “food of the souls” in Mayan, honors the deceased with altars, offerings, and traditional ceremonies. Mérida also hosts the popular Festival of the Souls , which typically runs from October 26 to November 3 , providing locals and visitors with a unique cultural and spiritual experience.
The Hanal Pixán takes place over three days:
- October 31: Hanal Palal – Day dedicated to the souls of children, called pixanitos .
- November 1: Hanal Nucuch Wiinico’ob – Day to honor deceased adults.
- November 2: Hanal Pixano’ob or Misa Pixán – On this day, a mass is held in honor of the souls of all the deceased, usually in cemeteries.
During these days, Yucatecan families erect altars in their homes and cemeteries, creating a space where the living and the dead can symbolically reunite.
Day of the Dead Altars in Mérida: Symbolism and Meanings
One of the most characteristic elements of the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mérida are the altars , also known as offerings . Although these offerings share similarities with altars in the rest of Mexico, in Yucatán they present some specific variations due to the Mayan cultural heritage.
The altars in Mérida are composed of several symbolic elements:
- White tablecloths : Instead of the purple and orange colors predominant in other regions, in Yucatán altars are usually decorated with white tablecloths, which symbolize purity.
- Local flowers : In addition to the traditional cempasúchil, families use native flowers such as xpujuc (wild type and yellow) and xtés (red flowers).
- Black and colored candles : Candles play an important role, illuminating the soul’s path to the world of the living. Black candles are placed for adults, while colored candles are dedicated to deceased children.
- Jícaras : Traditional containers made from the rind of the jícaro fruit are used to hold drinks such as chocolate and corn atole.
- The green cross : An important symbol on Yucatecan altars is the green cross, which represents the ceiba, the sacred tree of the Mayans, which was later Christianized as a symbol of the Catholic faith.
These altars not only honor the deceased, but also reflect the cultural syncretism that characterizes the region.
Mucbipollo: The Traditional Food of Hanal Pixán
If there’s one thing that distinguishes the Day of the Dead celebration in Mérida from other regions, it’s the food. Instead of the traditional bread of the dead or sugar skulls, Yucatecans prepare mucbipollo , a dish that plays a central role in the festivities.
Mucbipollo , also known simply as “pib,” is a large tamale made from corn dough, filled with pork or chicken, and seasoned with tomato and chili. The name “mucbipollo” means “buried chicken” in Mayan, as this dish is traditionally cooked in an underground oven, wrapped in banana leaves. It is prepared especially for altars and then enjoyed by family members after the souls of the deceased have “taken the grace” of the food.
In addition to mucbipollo, Hanal Pixán’s altars include other dishes such as atole nuevo , jícaras con chocolate , and seasonal fruits such as tangerines, oranges, and jicama .
Festival of Souls 2025: Must-See Events and Activities
The Festival of Souls is one of Mérida’s most important cultural events, and will be held from October 26 to November 3 in 2025. This festival brings together the local community and visitors from around the world to celebrate the return of souls in an atmosphere filled with tradition and spirituality.
Main events of the Festival of Souls 2025
- Paseo de las Ánimas (October 31): The festival’s highlight, hundreds of people dressed as souls walk from the General Cemetery to San Juan Park . The streets of Mérida are lit with candles, while altars are placed along the route.
- Catrinas Festival (October 26): A parade where local artists dress and wear Catrina makeup, combining elements of Yucatecan culture with this traditional Day of the Dead figure from other parts of Mexico.
- Vaquería de Ánimas (October 28): Traditional Yucatecan jarana dance, where participants, dressed in traditional costumes, pay homage to the souls in a celebration full of music and dance.
- Video Mapping at Mérida Cathedral (November 1): A visual spectacle that tells the story of Hanal Pixán projected on the façade of the cathedral, combining tradition with technology.
Additionally, throughout the festival, there are altar exhibitions, guided tours of cemeteries, regional theater performances, and Yucatecan film screenings.
2025 Souls’ Festival Calendar
How is Hanal Pixán different from the Day of the Dead in other regions?
Although the Day of the Dead is celebrated throughout Mexico, Mérida’s Hanal Pixán has its own characteristics that distinguish it from celebrations in other parts of the country.
- Mayan Influences : Unlike the Day of the Dead in regions like Michoacán or Mexico City, Hanal Pixán is deeply influenced by Mayan cosmology, which views death as part of a continuous cycle. This is reflected in the food, decorations, and ceremonies.
- Food : In Yucatan, mucbipollo is the main dish, while in other regions of Mexico it is more common to see bread of the dead and sugar skulls .
- Altars : Altars in Merida have a particular design with white tablecloths , colorful candles and local flowers , while in central Mexico vibrant colors such as orange and purple predominate.
Tips for Attending the Festival of Souls 2025
If you’re planning to attend the Festival of Souls in Mérida , here are some helpful tips to help you make the most of your experience:
- Arrive early at Paseo de las Ánimas : The event starts at 8:00 pm, but it is recommended to arrive early to secure a good spot and enjoy the pre-event activities.
- Dress comfortably : October and November in Merida tend to be warm, so it is recommended to wear light clothing and comfortable shoes.
- Participate in the activities : Don’t just watch, join in the festivities. You can wear ghost makeup at the stalls and enjoy traditional food sold during the event.
- Explore the altars : Along the Paseo de las Ánimas, you’ll find altars set up by local families. Each altar tells a unique story, providing an opportunity to learn more about Yucatán’s traditions.
Experience the Day of the Dead in Mérida
An Encounter with Tradition and Spirituality
The Day of the Dead in Mérida is a unique experience that combines respect for ancestors with a vibrant celebration filled with color, food, and tradition. Whether you participate in the Paseo de las Ánimas (Walk of the Souls) or enjoy a delicious mucbipollo ( a type of stew) at a family altar, you will experience a deep connection with the cultural roots of Yucatán.
Marking your calendar for the 2025 Festival of Souls is the first step toward experiencing one of Mexico’s most traditional and spiritual festivities. Don’t miss it!
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