Day of the Dead Among the Mangroves
In the port town (and Magical Town) of Sisal, fishermen honor their departed loved ones in two complementary ways: through intimate family rituals, yes, but also through large community celebrations that invite us to remember the dead and embrace the living with food, music, and the beauty of nature all around us. The roots, traditions, and identity of Sisal come to life at the colorful Festival de las Ánimas 2026, organized by a group of local men and women committed to keeping their ancestral celebrations alive.
The festival’s second edition is organized by Colectivo Xtakay, a group of Sisaleños passionate about their traditions and environmental conservation. The festival will take place on October 30 and 31 at the Mario Maldonado Baseball Field in Sisal, from 5 pm to midnight.
Cultural activities at the Festival de las Ánimas in Sisal are free, but food, drinks, handcrafts, and cultural enrichment activities will be available for purchase, helping support the local economy. Part of the proceeds will go toward organizing additional activities in support of the Sisal community.
Here’s a look at the festival’s main events, along with the complete program.
October 30: Chalana procession and decorating contest
One of the most eagerly awaited events at Sisal’s Festival de las Ánimas is the procession of dozens of small boats covered in lights and Finados-themed decorations. They’ll head into the mangroves in a beautiful parade where candlelight, the fragrance of xpujuk flowers, and the stillness of the water seem straight out of a dream. Admission is free, but if you’d like to board a chalana and join the procession, a $100-peso donation is requested.
Chalanas are small, flat-bottomed boats used to navigate estuaries, lagoons, and mangrove areas where larger boats can’t go. This year, chalana operators will also compete in a decorating contest, with prizes for the boat that best pays tribute to Yucatecan roots through elements inspired by Días de Finados and the celebration of Janal Pixan.
October 31: Jarana Competition
On the festival’s second day, a traditional vaquería will be held with live music by Orquesta Jaranera Noh Beh, a highly regarded traditional ensemble. There will also be a jarana yucateca dance competition for pairs, open to participants ages 5 to 45. Judges will evaluate the variety of steps performed, traditional dress and makeup, command of jarana rhythms, and mastery of the traditional “suertes yucatecas,” which are tricks expert dancers should be able to show off, including dancing with a tray full of glasses on one’s head. That means that even if you’re not ready to show off your own best jarana steps, you’ll still get to enjoy a true dance spectacle in the heart of Sisal.
Come with family and friends to enjoy a celebration created to keep our traditions alive and make Sisal a gathering place for culture, identity, and the magic of Janal Pixan.
Official Festival de las Ánimas de Sisal Program
Friday, October 30
Mario Maldonado Baseball Field
5 pm: Festival opening and blessing of the Cruz Verde
6 pm: Chalana decorating contest and procession through the wetland
9 pm: Chalana decorating contest awards ceremony
9:30 pm: Vaquería with traditional jarana orchestra
12 am: Ánimas procession to bring offerings to the Santa Cruz Verde
Saturday, October 31
Sisal Pier Promenade
5 pm: Entrance of the guilda de pixanes from the Sisal arch
6 pm: Jarana dance competition with Orquesta Jaranera Noh Beh
9 pm: Jarana competition awards ceremony
9:30 pm: Live music and dancing
In the coming days, Colectivo Xtakay will be sharing more details about the program and additional confirmed events. Check back on this page for updates, or visit their Facebook profile directly:
Tel. 999 143 4188 / 999 389 8576
Publicado por primera vez en el sitio web de Yucatán Today en septiembre del 2026.
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