The city of Mérida, capital of Yucatán, is preparing for one of the most important Día de Muertos events, whose roots are grounded in Maya culture: the 2024 Festival de las Ánimas (Festival of the Souls), which is held as part of Janal Pixan (Feast of the Souls).
This year, the celebration organized by the Mérida City Council (led by Mayor Cecilia Patrón Laviada) will last six days, from October 28 to November 2. The Festival of the Souls 2024 will feature a variety of cultural events aimed at encouraging the participation of all sectors of society.
Origin of the Festival of the Souls
The Festival of the Souls is a tradition that began in 2008, when the Paseo de las Ánimas (Procession of the Souls) was held for the first time in Mérida. This parade is based on the belief that the souls of the departed return from the cemetery to spend a few days back in the world of the living. Over time, the celebration has evolved into a series of events that aim to preserve and promote the rich Maya cultural heritage.
Activities comprised by Mérida’s 2024 Festival of the Souls
In 2024, the festival will feature innovations such as the participation of universities and companies in setting up a Monumental Altar, events in various strategic locations throughout the city, and a gathering point for cyclists after the Pedaleada de Ánimas (Cycling of the Souls).
There will be plenty of additional activities, such as the Sendero de Luz y Flores (Path of Light and Flowers), which will have the route of the General Cemetery decorated with colored lights and flowers. The Pixan Paal, a festival of souls for children and adults with participation from Comprehensive Development Centers (CDIs) will also be held. There will also be Paseos de Ánimas in Mérida’s sub-municipalities and a special area for entrepreneurs and young people at the Paseo de las Ánimas and the Festival de las Catrinas (Festival of Skulls).
The celebration will also feature the Vaquería de las Ánimas, the Feria del Pib (Pib Fair), a regional theater performance with regional comedian Cuxum, the Rodada de las Ánimas (Soul Ride), a guided visit to the General Cemetery, the traditional Paseo de Ánimas, and the Despedida de las Ánimas (Farewell of the Souls).
In summary, the 2024 Festival of the Souls is a celebration that aims to preserve and promote Mérida’s rich Maya cultural heritage, featuring a variety of events to foster family unity and attract both national and international tourism. The full schedule of events and activities will be available on the Mérida City Council's social media and website, as well as on Yucatán Today’s.
Don't miss this opportunity to experience one of Yucatán's most important Janal Pixan festivities!
#MéridaContigoEsMejor
Photography by H. Ayuntamiento de Mérida, for its use in Yucatán Today.
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 442, in October 2024, by the name of "Mérida’s 2024 Festival of the Souls ".
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