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 24 to November 2, 2026, 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.
How to Enjoy Mérida's Festival of Souls 2026… and Live to Tell
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Illuminated Souls (Ánimas Iluminadas)
6 pm, San Juan Park
Lighting of giant figures, inspired by Yucatan culture and fine arts.
Day of the Dead Mexican Night (Noche Mexicana del Día de Muertos)
6 pm, Remate de Paseo de Montejo
Mexican culture will be celebrated through music, dance, and other artistic expressions.
Sunday, October 25, 2026
2026 Mucbipollo Fair
8 am - 8 pm, Parque de San Sebastian
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
6 pm, Plaza Grande
Starting on October 25, 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.
Pixan Peek
6 pm, Central Park Gran Santa Fé Norte
Walk and activities with costumed pets. The 5th edition of Pixan Pee’k is an event dedicated to pets, featuring a canine fashion show and special altars in their honor. It is a joyful, family-friendly, and touching celebration that shows how love for animals is also part of daily life in Mérida.
How to Enjoy Mérida's Festival of Souls 2026… and Live to Tell
Monday, October 26, 2026
Souls' Vaquería (Vaquería de Ánimas)
9 pm, Main City Hall Courtyard (Bajos del Palacio Municipal)
The Souls' Vaquería is a festive Yucatecan tradition that frames Janal Pixan in Mérida, where the jarana dance and the elegance of the traditional terno dress joyfully celebrate the reunion between the living and the faithful departed.
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Mexico and Its Traditions (México y sus tradiciones)
8 pm, Centro Municipal de Danza
Demonstration of folk dances from across the country, presented by the Directorate of Identity and Culture (Dirección de Identidad y Cultura).
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
![Festival-Animas-Rodada-Nocturna-Cicloturixes-1-by-Sara-Alba]()
2026 Bike Ride of Souls
8 pm, La Ermita Park to Cementerio General
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.
How to Enjoy Mérida's Festival of Souls 2026… and Live to Tell
Thursday, October 29, 2026
Souls at La Isla (Ánimas en la Isla)
6 pm, La Isla Mall
Procession of souls led by young students from the community centers.
Pixan Paalal
7 pm, Chuburná Park
Children's reenactment of souls arriving in the world of the living. Featuring a Day of the Dead show by Doña Chela. Dedicated to children, the Pixan Paalal event 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.
Mysteries of the Underworld by Jorge Moreno (Misterios del Inframundo por Jorge Moreno)
8 pm, Centro Cultural del Sur
A fascinating journey through the region's most shocking stories, myths, and paranormal events.
How to Enjoy Mérida's Festival of Souls 2026… and Live to Tell
Friday, October 30, 2026
The Parade of Souls: The Heart of the Festival
6 a 11 pm, Parque San Juan, Parque La Ermita y Parque de San Sebastian
The night of October 30 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.
Saturday, October 31, 2026
![Noche-de-Catrinas-en-Merida-by-Sharon-Cetina]()
Catrinas Parade
Catrinas Parade8 pm, Plaza Grande - Parque La Plancha
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.
Night Bicycle Route of the Souls (Biciruta Nocturna de las Ánimas)
6 pm - 10 pm, between Remate de Paseo de Montejo and Monumento a la Patria
A night bicycle ride full of tradition and joy.
Come dressed as a soul (Ánima) and enjoy with your family!
Sunday, Nov. 1 and Monday, Nov. 2, 2026
Offering at the Monumental Altar (Ofrenda en el Altar Monumental)
10 am, Main Square (Plaza Grande)
Exhibition of the altar with an explanation of its meaning, aimed at tourists and citizens.
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.
How to Enjoy Mérida's Festival of Souls 2026… and Live to Tell
Full Event Lineup
You can find more information on the social media and website of both the Merida City Council and Yucatan Today.
An Invitation to Experience Janal Pixan
The 2026 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 24 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
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. 466, in October 2026.
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