Mérida is a city that breathes culture, history, and tradition. Every year, as the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead grows thin, the Yucatecan capital proudly honors Janal Pixan, a celebration dedicated to the faithful departed based on ancient Maya beliefs.
From October 25 to November 2, 2025, the City of Mérida, led by Mayor Cecilia Patrón Laviada, invites locals and visitors to take part in the Festival of Souls (Festival de las Ánimas). This festival is a unique experience that blends the mystical, the emotional, and the artistic, all with the goal of passing on the rich cultural legacy of the Maya from one generation to the next.
Festival Highlights
The festival kicks off with the magical lighting of monumental figures at the iconic San Juan Park. Illuminated trees, hanging decorations, candles, and giant sculptures inspired by the Maya worldview transform the space into a mystical universe perfect for family strolls. Walking among these lights feels like stepping into a living altar, where every detail honors the Day of the Dead and offers ideal spots for capturing memorable photos.
2025 Mucbipollo Fair
In the neighborhood of San Sebastián, the heart of the festival beats to the rhythm of the earth oven. Here, you'll find the eighth edition of the Mucbipollo Fair. The mucbipollo (another name for the mukbilpollo or pib) is the most representative dish of Janal Pixan. It's a large tamal made from corn masa, lard, chicken, pork, and spices, all wrapped in banana leaves and cooked underground in a traditional Maya oven.
During the fair, visitors can witness the ritual of burying and unearthing the pib, sample its different versions, and enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere filled with regional music and dance. Every bite is a journey into the past, back to the ancient Maya kitchens where this ancestral dish was prepared to honor the souls.
Monumental Altar in Mérida's Main Plaza
Starting on October 26, the Plaza Grande, Mérida’s main square, becomes a grand sanctuary with a Monumental Altar standing over 14 meters tall. Candles, flowers, and photos transform the plaza into a space where collective memory becomes visible and tangible. Local families and tourists who do not have their own altar can leave offerings for their loved ones here.
Catrinas and Pets
The Paseo de Montejo comes alive with color during the Catrinas Parade. The contrast between the elegance of the Catrinas and the grand architecture of the avenue creates a magical scene that transports visitors to a carnival of tradition and modernity.
The tradition also includes our four-legged friends. The fourth annual Pixán Pee’k is an event dedicated to pets, featuring a dog parade and special altars in their honor (peek’, pronounced peck, is the Maya word for “dog”). This joyful, heartwarming, and family-friendly celebration shows how the love for animals is an important part of daily life in Mérida.
2025 Bike Ride of Souls
The Bike Ride of Souls takes place with the Cicloturixes cycling group. Cyclists of all ages pedal through the historic center's streets, their bikes illuminated with candles and lanterns, before finally arriving at the General Cemetery. The sound of wheels on the pavement blends with the excitement of participating in a revitalized tradition that promotes respect, sport, and community.
Dedicated to children, the Pixan Paalal event in the Juan Pablo II neighborhood brings Maya stories and legends to life. Little ones can participate in parades, listen to tales of the underworld, and present altars with flowers and traditional sweets. It’s a way to ensure that new generations experience, understand, and continue the traditions of their grandparents.
The Parade of Souls: The Heart of the Festival
The night of October 31 is perhaps the most anticipated. From the General Cemetery, the souls begin their journey toward San Juan Park. Hundreds of figures dressed in white, illuminated by candlelight, advance in silence, while altars, prayers, and the aromas of traditional food accompany their path.
It is said that on this night, the mayor symbolically grants permission for the souls to cross from the underworld to the earthly realm and visit the altars of their families. Walking alongside them is a moving experience—a reminder that memory and tradition are alive in every step.
Along the route, attendees can admire altars created by community members, associations, and schools; sample traditional food and regional sweets; and enjoy a profoundly spiritual and authentic atmosphere. The procession culminates in a grand Yucatecan vaquería, a traditional folk dance, where the sound of the jarana will fill the air in an explosion of music, dance, and regional pride.
Other Special Attractions during Festival de las Ánimas
- The Portal of Light: An illuminated arch at the entrance of the General Cemetery with laser projections that simulate the passage to the underworld.
- Mojigangas: Giant skull puppets up to four meters tall that parade through the streets, creating a vibrant spectacle.
- Video Mapping at La Ermita: Projected images narrate the Maya worldview and Janal Pixan.
- Alleys of History: Colorful ribbons and decorations hang over the parade route, enveloping visitors in a dreamlike atmosphere.
An Invitation to Experience Janal Pixan
The 2025 Festival of Souls is more than just a schedule of events; it's an immersive experience that unites the ancient with the contemporary. It invites both locals and visitors to participate in a mystical journey where memory and life are celebrated simultaneously.
Mérida proudly opens its doors to share this unique tradition, which preserves its authenticity and essence.
If you're visiting Yucatán between October 25 and November 2, get ready to experience one of Mexico's most emotional festivals. This is the perfect time to let yourself be enveloped by its magic as the city transforms into a living altar—a space where the sacred and the festive meet to celebrate memory, life, and community. The full schedule of events can be found at: www.merida.gob.mx/animas
Full Event Lineup
You can find more information on the social media and website of both the Merida City Council and Yucatan Today.
Don't miss this opportunity to experience one of Yucatan's most important Janal Pixan festivities!
Make the most of your Festival of Souls experience
Check out our article How to Enjoy Mérida's Festival of Souls… and Live to Tell for a comprehensive list of tips and detailed descriptions of the festival's most in-demand events. Plan ahead and don't miss out on the fun!
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 454, in October 2025.
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