{"id":95975,"date":"2024-10-15T12:06:09","date_gmt":"2024-10-15T17:06:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.plalla.com\/day-of-the-dead-in-merida-learn-about-the-events-and-traditions\/"},"modified":"2026-01-03T08:31:02","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T13:31:02","slug":"hanal-pixan-celebration-of-day-of-the-dead-in-merida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/hanal-pixan-celebration-of-day-of-the-dead-in-merida\/","title":{"rendered":"Hanal Pix\u00e1n M\u00e9rida 2026: Dates, Events, and Day of the Dead Traditions"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <strong>Hanal Pix\u00e1n 2026 in M\u00e9rida<\/strong> is the most iconic Day of the Dead celebration in Yucat\u00e1n. This year, the <strong>Festival de las \u00c1nimas<\/strong> will take place from <strong>October 25 to November 2<\/strong>, featuring over 15 free activities across the city: lighting of monumental figures, a giant altar at Plaza Grande, parades, fairs, guided tours, and the traditional <strong>Paseo de \u00c1nimas<\/strong>. Here\u2019s the updated guide with daily schedules, venues, tips, and FAQs.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/altar-dia-de-muertos-en-merida-yucatan.webp\" alt=\"Hanal Pix\u00e1n altar in M\u00e9rida, Yucat\u00e1n\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a20cba4834ba\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a20cba4834ba\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/hanal-pixan-celebration-of-day-of-the-dead-in-merida\/#What_is_Hanal_Pixan\" >What is Hanal Pix\u00e1n?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/hanal-pixan-celebration-of-day-of-the-dead-in-merida\/#Key_Dates_2026\" >Key Dates 2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/hanal-pixan-celebration-of-day-of-the-dead-in-merida\/#Summary_Schedule_by_Day\" >Summary Schedule by Day<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/hanal-pixan-celebration-of-day-of-the-dead-in-merida\/#Main_Activities_and_Venues\" >Main Activities and Venues<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/hanal-pixan-celebration-of-day-of-the-dead-in-merida\/#Paseo_de_Animas\" >Paseo de \u00c1nimas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/hanal-pixan-celebration-of-day-of-the-dead-in-merida\/#Pib_Fair\" >Pib Fair<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/hanal-pixan-celebration-of-day-of-the-dead-in-merida\/#Catrinas_Parade\" >Catrinas Parade<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/hanal-pixan-celebration-of-day-of-the-dead-in-merida\/#Merida_Altars_Elements_and_Meaning\" >M\u00e9rida Altars: Elements and Meaning<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/hanal-pixan-celebration-of-day-of-the-dead-in-merida\/#Mucbipollo_The_Flavor_of_Hanal_Pixan\" >Mucbipollo: The Flavor of Hanal Pix\u00e1n<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/hanal-pixan-celebration-of-day-of-the-dead-in-merida\/#Practical_Tips\" >Practical Tips<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/hanal-pixan-celebration-of-day-of-the-dead-in-merida\/#Accommodation_and_Getting_Around\" >Accommodation and Getting Around<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/hanal-pixan-celebration-of-day-of-the-dead-in-merida\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/hanal-pixan-celebration-of-day-of-the-dead-in-merida\/#When_is_the_2026_Festival_de_las_Animas_held\" >When is the 2026 Festival de las \u00c1nimas held?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/hanal-pixan-celebration-of-day-of-the-dead-in-merida\/#What_time_does_the_Paseo_de_Animas_start\" >What time does the Paseo de \u00c1nimas start?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/hanal-pixan-celebration-of-day-of-the-dead-in-merida\/#Does_the_Catrinas_Parade_have_an_entrance_fee\" >Does the Catrinas Parade have an entrance fee?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/hanal-pixan-celebration-of-day-of-the-dead-in-merida\/#What_happens_if_it_rains\" >What happens if it rains?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/hanal-pixan-celebration-of-day-of-the-dead-in-merida\/#Related_Articles\" >Related Articles<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Hanal_Pixan\"><\/span>What is Hanal Pix\u00e1n?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Hanal Pix\u00e1n means \u201cfood of the souls\u201d in the Mayan language. It is the symbolic reunion between the living and the dead through offerings, traditional food, prayers, and music. In M\u00e9rida, it is celebrated with white altars, local flowers, colored candles, and dishes such as the <strong>mucbipollo<\/strong> (pib), along with community activities that strengthen Yucatecan identity.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Dates_2026\"><\/span>Key Dates 2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Festival de las \u00c1nimas:<\/strong> October 25 to November 2.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hanal Palal (children):<\/strong> October 31.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hanal Nucuch Wiiniko\u2019ob (adults):<\/strong> November 1.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Misa Pix\u00e1n \/ Hanal Pixano\u2019ob:<\/strong> November 2.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary_Schedule_by_Day\"><\/span>Summary Schedule by Day<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Times may vary depending on logistics or weather. Check official announcements on the same day.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Date<\/th>\n<th>Main Venue<\/th>\n<th>Featured Activities<\/th>\n<th>Schedule<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>October 25<\/td>\n<td>San Juan Park \/ Remate de Paseo de Montejo<\/td>\n<td>Lighting of monumental figures; Mexican Night of the Dead<\/td>\n<td>7:00 PM \/ 8:00\u201310:00 PM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>October 26<\/td>\n<td>San Sebasti\u00e1n Neighborhood \/ Plaza Grande<\/td>\n<td>Pib Fair (mucbipollo); Inauguration of the Monumental Altar<\/td>\n<td>8:00 AM\u20138:00 PM \/ 6:00 PM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>October 27<\/td>\n<td>General Cemetery \/ City Hall<\/td>\n<td>Guided cemetery tour; Vaquer\u00eda de \u00c1nimas<\/td>\n<td>6:00\u201310:00 PM \/ 9:00\u201310:00 PM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>October 28<\/td>\n<td>Las Am\u00e9ricas \/ Municipal Dance Center<\/td>\n<td>Pix\u00e1n Peek (pets) contest; Mexico and Its Traditions (folk ballet)<\/td>\n<td>6:00\u201310:00 PM \/ 8:00 PM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>October 29<\/td>\n<td>From La Ermita to the General Cemetery<\/td>\n<td>Night Ride of Souls (themed bike route)<\/td>\n<td>8:00\u20139:30 PM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>October 30<\/td>\n<td>Plaza La Isla M\u00e9rida<\/td>\n<td>Walk of Souls<\/td>\n<td>6:00 PM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>October 31<\/td>\n<td>From General Cemetery to San Juan Park<\/td>\n<td>Paseo de \u00c1nimas (over 500 costumed participants)<\/td>\n<td>From 6:00 PM onward<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>November 1<\/td>\n<td>Paseo de Montejo \/ Historic Center \/ Xcunya<\/td>\n<td>Catrinas Parade; Night Ride; Vaquer\u00eda de \u00c1nimas<\/td>\n<td>7:00 PM and evening<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>November 2<\/td>\n<td>Plaza Grande<\/td>\n<td>Closing ceremony with Monumental Altar and commemorative activities<\/td>\n<td>Throughout the day<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Main_Activities_and_Venues\"><\/span>Main Activities and Venues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Paseo_de_Animas\"><\/span>Paseo de \u00c1nimas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The most anticipated procession: it begins at the General Cemetery and ends at San Juan Park, featuring altars, candles, and costumed groups. Perfect for photography and for experiencing the deep symbolism of Hanal Pix\u00e1n.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pib_Fair\"><\/span>Pib Fair<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The San Sebasti\u00e1n neighborhood gathers families and traditional cooks to prepare and sell <em>mucbipollos<\/em>. You\u2019ll find both classic and gourmet versions, plus artistic performances.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Catrinas_Parade\"><\/span>Catrinas Parade<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Paseo de Montejo fills with parades, bands, and floats featuring skeleton and catrina designs; it\u2019s the most spectacular event on November 1.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/catrinas-dia-de-muertos-en-merida.webp\" alt=\"Catrinas on Paseo de Montejo during the Festival de las \u00c1nimas in M\u00e9rida\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Merida_Altars_Elements_and_Meaning\"><\/span>M\u00e9rida Altars: Elements and Meaning<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>White tablecloths: symbol of purity and Yucatecan identity.<\/li>\n<li>Local flowers: in addition to marigolds, xpujuc and xt\u00e9s.<\/li>\n<li>Colored and black candles: guide the souls of children and adults.<\/li>\n<li>J\u00edcaras: used for chocolate, new atole, and traditional drinks.<\/li>\n<li>Green cross: represents the ceiba (sacred tree) and Catholic syncretism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mucbipollo_The_Flavor_of_Hanal_Pixan\"><\/span>Mucbipollo: The Flavor of Hanal Pix\u00e1n<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>mucbipollo<\/strong> or <em>pib<\/em> is a large corn tamale filled with chicken or pork, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked underground. It is offered on the altars and shared among families.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/tamales-en-merida-mucbipollo.webp\" alt=\"Traditional Yucatecan Mucbipollo prepared for Hanal Pix\u00e1n\" width=\"900\" height=\"507\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_Tips\"><\/span>Practical Tips<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Arrive early to the Paseo de \u00c1nimas and Catrinas Parade to get a good view.<\/li>\n<li>Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes; bring water and insect repellent.<\/li>\n<li>Respect the altars and follow staff instructions.<\/li>\n<li>If you wear makeup, use hypoallergenic and non-staining products.<\/li>\n<li>Expect road closures in Centro, San Juan, San Sebasti\u00e1n, and Paseo de Montejo.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Accommodation_and_Getting_Around\"><\/span>Accommodation and Getting Around<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Stay in the Historic Center to be close to Plaza Grande, San Juan, and Paseo de Montejo. Move around on foot, by public transport, or by taxi; if driving, check parking areas and possible closures due to parades.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_is_the_2026_Festival_de_las_Animas_held\"><\/span>When is the 2026 Festival de las \u00c1nimas held?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>From October 25 to November 2, with free activities every day.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_time_does_the_Paseo_de_Animas_start\"><\/span>What time does the Paseo de \u00c1nimas start?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>On October 31 from 6:00 PM, starting at the General Cemetery and ending at San Juan Park.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_the_Catrinas_Parade_have_an_entrance_fee\"><\/span>Does the Catrinas Parade have an entrance fee?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No. All public festival events are free; some services or parking lots may charge fees.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_if_it_rains\"><\/span>What happens if it rains?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Some activities may be rescheduled or adjusted. Check official announcements on the same day.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Articles\"><\/span>Related Articles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/day-of-the-dead-in-cancun-hanal-pixan\/\">Day of the Dead in Canc\u00fan<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/day-of-the-dead-in-playa-del-carmen-events\/\">Day of the Dead in Playa del Carmen<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/day-of-the-dead-in-tulum-events-traditions\/\">Day of the Dead in Tulum<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>What did you think of this information?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We\u2019d love to hear your thoughts. If you have any comments, questions, or feedback, feel free to share them in the comment section below. We\u2019re here to help and guide you.<\/p>\n<p>If you found this article useful, don\u2019t hesitate to share it on your favorite social media platforms or send it by email or WhatsApp to your family and friends! Thank you for your support, and remember, we are <a href=\"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Plalla Real Estate<\/strong><\/a>. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Hanal Pix\u00e1n 2026 in M\u00e9rida is the most iconic Day of the Dead celebration in Yucat\u00e1n. This year, the Festival de las \u00c1nimas will take place from October 25 to November 2, featuring over 15 free activities across the city: lighting of monumental figures, a giant altar at Plaza Grande, parades, fairs, guided tours, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":75289,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[795,814,805,448,445,797],"class_list":["post-95975","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","tag-events","tag-festivals-en","tag-merida-en","tag-plalla-real-estate-en","tag-real-estate","tag-trips"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/95975","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=95975"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/95975\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":109795,"href":"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/95975\/revisions\/109795"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/75289"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=95975"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=95975"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plalla.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=95975"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}