The Day of the Dead, known as Día de los Muertos in Spanish, is one of Mexico’s most colourful and culturally rich celebrations. In the Yucatán Peninsula, this tradition takes on a unique flavour with the Maya festival known as Hanal Pixán, meaning "Food for Souls" in the Yucatec Maya language. Hanal Pixán, deeply rooted in Maya beliefs about life, death, and the spirit world is a time for honouring the souls of loved ones who have passed away. In 2024, the city of Mérida will once again offer a spectacular array of events and activities to celebrate this important tradition, from October 26 to November 3.
Here’s a detailed guide to the Hanal Pixán 2024 activities in Mérida, along with insights into the cultural significance of this time-honoured event.
The Origins of Hanal Pixán: A Maya Tradition
Hanal Pixán is an ancient Maya tradition, centered on the belief that the pixan (soul) of the deceased remains in contact with the living. The Maya people believe that, even after death, the soul continues its journey, connecting the past and the present, life and death. The festival is held over three days, each day dedicated to different groups of the deceased:
October 31: Honoring deceased children, known as "U Hanal Palal."
November 1: Remembering deceased adults, "U Hanal Nucuch Uinicoob."
November 2: Commemorating all souls, "U Hanal Pixano’ob."
Families prepare altars (ofrendas) and offer favourite foods, drinks, and personal items of the deceased, welcoming them back to the earthly realm for a brief period.
Highlights of Hanal Pixán 2024 in Mérida
This year, Mérida's vibrant Hanal Pixán celebrations will include an array of cultural, artistic, and culinary events. Whether you're a visitor or a local, there's something for everyone to experience during these festivities.
October 26, 2024: Festival de Catrinas and Pixán Paalal
Kick off the Hanal Pixán festivities with two major events:
Festival de Catrinas:
Time: 8:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Location: Remate de Paseo de Montejo
Description: The iconic Catrinas (skeleton figures) come to life in a grand display of Mexican culture, with performers dressed in elaborate costumes representing the famous "calavera" figures. The event includes performances, music, and art exhibitions, blending Central Mexican traditions with the Maya customs of Hanal Pixán.
Pixán Paalal:
Time: 5:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Location: Parque Emancipación, Vergel III
Description: This event features a "Walk of Souls," a comedic show by local comedians Dzereco and Nohoch, an altar display, a ballet performance, and a local bazaar featuring traditional crafts.
October 27, 2024: Inauguration of the Monumental Altar and Mucbipollo Fair
Inauguration of the Monumental Altar:
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Plaza Grande
Description: Mérida’s main square becomes the heart of the Hanal Pixán celebration with the unveiling of a massive altar. The altar, decorated with colourful flowers, candles, photos, and traditional foods, is a symbol of the deep connection between the living and the dead. The event will include explanations of the altar's symbolism and its significance in the Maya tradition.
Mucbipollo Fair:
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Parque de San Sebastián
Description: Mucbipollo, a traditional Maya dish prepared specifically for Hanal Pixán, takes centre stage at this fair. Mucbipollo is a large tamal made with chicken or pork, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an underground pit. Visitors can taste this delicious dish while enjoying regional performances.
October 28, 2024: Vaquería de las Ánimas
Vaquería de las Ánimas:
Time: 9:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Location: Under the Municipal Palace
Description: The Vaquería de las Ánimas is a lively traditional Yucatecan dance event where dancers dressed as spirits perform the vibrant jarana dance. This event is a festive celebration of the dead, connecting the living with their departed loved ones through music and dance.
October 29, 2024: Paseo de las Ánimas in the Commissaries
Paseo de las Ánimas (Walk of the Souls):
Time: 6:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Location: Caucel (from the cemetery to the commissary building)
Description: One of the most iconic events during the Hanal Pixán, the Paseo de las Ánimas involves a procession where participants, dressed as souls or ánimas, walk from the cemetery through the streets, representing the journey of the dead from the underworld back to the land of the living. The event includes altar displays and folkloric ballet performances.
October 30, 2024: Mayan Legends and Cemetery Tour
Mayan Tales at the General Cemetery:
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: General Cemetery, Mérida
Description: Discover ancient Maya myths and legends in this guided storytelling event at the historic General Cemetery. Visitors will hear tales of spirits, mystical creatures like Aluxes and the X’tabay, and other legendary beings that form part of Yucatán’s rich cultural lore.
Guided Tour of the General Cemetery:
Time: 8:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Location: General Cemetery
Description: This nighttime tour explores the history and significance of Mérida’s cemetery, with stops at notable tombs and mausoleums. The tour is offered in both English and Spanish and provides a fascinating glimpse into the city’s traditions of honouring the dead.
October 31, 2024: Grand Paseo de las Ánimas Parade
Paseo de las Ánimas Parade:
Time: 6:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Location: From San Juan Park to the General Cemetery
Description: The grand procession of the Paseo de las Ánimas is the highlight of the Hanal Pixán celebration in Mérida. Thousands of participants, dressed as ánimas, will walk from San Juan Park to the cemetery, carrying candles and honouring the souls of the departed. The streets come alive with traditional music, altars, dances, and artistic performances. This event is a must-see for anyone visiting Mérida during the Day of the Dead.
November 1, 2024: Mysterious Path of the Souls and First Offering
Mysterious Path of the Souls:
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Xcunyá Commissary to Misnebalam
Description: Take part in a mystical bicycle ride through Xcunyá and the ghost town of Misnebalam, a location steeped in legends and supernatural tales. This event invites cyclists to explore haunted pathways and connect with the spirits of the dead.
First Offering at the Monumental Altar:
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Plaza Grande
Description: Locals and visitors alike are invited to leave offerings for their deceased loved ones at the monumental altar, with explanations provided about the cultural meaning of each element on the altar.
November 2, 2024: Pok Ta Pok of the Underworld and Mexican Night
Pok Ta Pok of the Underworld:
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Plaza Grande
Description: This thrilling event showcases the ancient Maya ball game of Pok Ta Pok, played by warriors in honour of the dead. Spectators can watch as the players reenact this sacred game, where a rubber ball is hit using only the hips, symbolizing the eternal struggle between life and death.
Mexican Night:
Time: 8:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Location: Remate de Paseo de Montejo
Description: Enjoy a night of regional Mexican music and dance, featuring performances from various states in Mexico. This festive event is a beautiful way to end the Hanal Pixán celebration with a flourish of national pride and unity.
November 3, 2024: Musical Show "Coco"
Musical Show “Coco”:
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Parque de la Alemán
Description: Based on the beloved Pixar film Coco, this Broadway-style musical brings the magic and colours of the Day of the Dead to life. Families can enjoy this vibrant performance, which explores the themes of family, tradition, and the connection between the living and the dead.
November 8, 2024: Bix de las Ánimas in Molas
Bix de las Ánimas:
Time: 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Location: Main Park of Molas Commissary
Description: Concluding the Hanal Pixán festivities, this event includes a walk of the souls, an altar contest, and a vaquería dance. It’s a final opportunity to experience the rich cultural traditions of the Yucatán before the celebration comes to a close.
The Hanal Pixán 2024 celebrations in Mérida offer a truly unique experience, blending ancient Maya traditions with contemporary expressions of culture, art, and community. Whether you're attending the iconic Paseo de las Ánimas, tasting traditional dishes like mucbipollo, or exploring the myths and legends of the Yucatán, this festival is a meaningful way to honour the dead while celebrating life. Be sure to immerse yourself in the beauty and depth of this sacred tradition as you join the people of Mérida in keeping their ancestors’ memories alive.
