As soon as October arrives, Mérida (and perhaps all of Yucatán) begins to transform. Locals start talking about feeling the souls coming back, and the temperatures begin to drop, signaling the start of one of the most anticipated festivals of the year: the Festival of Souls (Festival de las Ánimas).
This event is much more than just a celebration. While locals commemorate the Day of the Dead (or Finados, as it’s known here) in their homes, the festival offers another way to honor our loved ones through colorful activities, traditions, and cultural events—all inspired by the customs and beliefs of Janal Pixan.
For many Yucatecos, including us, this is the best time of year. The air fills with the scents of xe'ek' (a seasonal fruit salad) and pan de muerto (a pastry from central México), some of the first signs that the festival events are about to begin. But the honest truth is that enjoying the festival can be an adventure in itself.
That's why we at Yucatán Today have put together this survival guide for the Festival of Souls. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, these tips and tricks will help you make the most of the experience… and not “die” trying (muahaha).
What is the Festival of Souls?
The Festival of Souls began in 2008 with the first-ever Parade of Souls (Paseo de las Ánimas) in Mérida. This parade is based on the belief that the souls of the departed leave the cemetery for a few days to return to the world of the living. Over time, more events have been added, transforming the parade into a festival that now spans several days, all dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Maya.
General Tips for Mérida’s Festival of Souls
Preparing for the experience
- Dress for comfort: Wear light, comfortable clothes and shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking. Evenings in Mérida can still be warm, and the crowds add to the heat.
- Be prepared: Bring water to stay hydrated. A fully charged cell phone is a good idea, but don't rely on it for communication or navigation in the densest crowds.
- Arrive early: For many of the most popular events (the Monumental Altar inauguration, the Catrinas Parade, and the main Parade of Souls, for example), arriving at least one to two hours early is essential to get a good viewing spot, especially if you want a seat in the bleachers.
- Be patient: Expect large crowds, especially at the most popular events. Take a deep breath and enjoy the experience.
- Stay with your group: If you are with family or friends, establish a meeting point and a time to meet. With limited cell service and so much to see, it's easy to get separated.
- Bring cash, preferably in small bills: It’s safe to assume you’ll have to pay cash for anything you’d like to purchase during the event; make sure to bring enough for snacks, souvenirs, and hydration, preferably in bills $200-peso or smaller.
- Embrace the atmosphere: Take time to enjoy the music, dances, aromas, and art. The festival is meant to be a full sensory experience.
Getting There and Getting Around
- Forget the car: The streets near the main parade route are closed, and parking is nearly impossible. Use public transportation or a rideshare service, but be prepared to walk a few blocks away from the event to get a signal to call a taxi on your way out.
- Get your face painted: You can find stands offering face-painting services for a voluntary contribution at events like the Bike Ride and the Parade of Souls. This is a great way to feel more a part of the celebration.
- Join in: While you cannot join the official parades, you can still dress up as a "catrina" or "ánima." There are also plenty of opportunities to take photos with others in costume and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- Feel free to move around: You can watch the parades from just one spot and be done, but you can also move around to see it more than once or experience different atmospheres.
- Restrooms: This year, organizers plan to offer public restrooms at several points around most major events. Still, it might be a good idea to carry hand sanitizer and toilet paper, as it is possible these public restrooms might be underequipped. Restrooms inside hotels and restaurants are usually for patrons only.
Issues to Watch Out For
- Limited cell service: Due to the large crowds, cell phone networks often become overwhelmed. Don't count on being able to upload photos or videos instantly, and plan your meeting points in advance in case you can't get a signal.
- Accessibility: The festival is family-friendly, but accessibility is not guaranteed; navigating with a wheelchair or a stroller can be a challenge at many events. Be very careful while walking in centro, as both pavements and sidewalks are often uneven. You can try to ask Ayuntamiento (City Hall) workers for assistance and/or designated areas, but demand is high. Due to this, staff may not be able to accommodate every request, and your understanding is appreciated.
- Safety: The Festival of Souls and all of the events it comprises are usually very safe and peaceful. However, as with any major public event, visitors should always be aware of their surroundings. It’s wise to carry a secure bag and, if you must bring valuables, keep them out of sight. Police and emergency services are typically present and visible throughout the festival, especially for crowded events.
The Monumental Altar
October 26 to November 2
One of the most anticipated events in the first days of the festival is, without a doubt, the Monumental Altar. And it truly lives up to its name. Typically set up in the main square, the Plaza Grande, directly in front of the Cathedral, it can be up to 4 meters high and 16 meters wide—truly monumental.
The inauguration includes a ceremony explaining the meaning of each element, level, and detail of the altar. But beyond the explanation, what awaits you is a feast for the eyes: candles, fruits, flowers, photographs, and regional dishes that together transform the space into a breathtaking work of art, filling your heart with a sense of honor for the departed.
The monumental altar is a large-scale representation of what families typically do at home to remember their ancestors. At home, the altar is usually a simple table where food is placed to share with those who no longer walk among us.
If you miss the inauguration, don't worry. Throughout the following days, offerings are placed on the altar, and both the altar itself and its elements are explained again. Stay tuned to our social media for information on dates and times.
Survival Tips:
Arrive early if you want to see it up close during the inauguration; the Plaza Grande is always packed, especially during this season. But don't stress: the altar usually remains open to the public for several days, so you can also visit it on another day at a calmer time without the huge crowd.
A good time to visit is in the early evening, as the altar really shines once all the candles on it are lit. In 2025, the Monumental Altar will be on display between October 26 and November 2.
Bike Ride of Souls with CicloTurixes
October 29
If you want to experience the Festival of Souls on two wheels, don't miss the Bike Ride of Souls. Every year, this night ride brings together cyclists of all ages to have fun while also paying tribute to those who have lost their lives in traffic accidents.
The starting point is the Ermita de Santa Isabel. From there, the route proceeds to the General Cemetery of Mérida, where everyone gets off their bikes to walk respectfully among the graves. The route then continues along Calle 66 and returns to La Ermita park, completing the circuit. The ride usually starts around 8 pm and ends around 11 pm, just enough time to pedal under the moonlight, have fun… and still get back before the souls start eyeing you.
The vibe is relaxed and festive. You’ll see people in costumes with their faces painted like skulls. You can arrive a little early to take advantage of the free face-painting service, which operates on a voluntary contribution basis. Then, hop on your bike decorated with spooky-ooky motifs. If you don't have a bike, no problem—rental services are available, and they’re hard to miss. Along the route, some riders bring speakers to add a beat to the ride, and as you pass the cemetery, you'll find costumed characters posing among the mausoleums for memorable photos.
Survival Tip:
Wear comfortable clothes for pedaling, and arrive with plenty of time to find parking, get ready without rushing, and enjoy the ride at your own pace.
Tours of the General Cemetery
TBD
Do you have what it takes to walk through shadows and mystery in Yucatán's most iconic cemetery? The Festival of Souls invites you to one of its most anticipated and in-demand experiences: a night tour of the General Cemetery of Mérida during the mystical season of Janal Pixan.
Get ready to walk past ancient tombs, mausoleums from another era, and statues that whisper secrets. You'll even walk through places steeped in history, like the site where illustrious governor and defender of the Maya people Felipe Carrillo Puerto was executed. For about 40 minutes to an hour, the night will be filled with legends, ghostly stories, and secrets from the past. Best of all, this tour, available in both English and Spanish, is usually free; just be sure to tip your guide at the end of the experience.
Tips for Surviving and Making the Most of It:
- Arrive early: These tours fill up quickly, and you don't want to be left out.
- Check the schedule: Find out the times for your preferred language (Spanish or English) and the specific cemetery entrance to maximize your experience.
- Stick with the guide: The darkness and size of the cemetery can play tricks on you if you get separated from the group.
- No, really, stick with the guide: To hear the secrets better than anyone, position yourself at the front of the group. The megaphones aren't very powerful, and trust us, you don't want to miss a single moment.
- Be prepared: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring water, and have a charged phone—you never know what you'll want to capture.
- Bring cash: You might need it for transportation or a snack afterward.
Most importantly: Savor every creepy detail and story, because this experience isn’t available all year.
Catrinas Parade on Paseo de Montejo
November 1
"La Catrina" is the name given to a famous illustration of a skull elegantly dressed in the fashion of early 20th-century Mexico. The figure of the Catrina is not Yucatecan; it is associated with the central part of the country. That's why, during the Festival of Souls, the City of Mérida's "Mexican Night" event (which happens every Saturday at the Remate del Paseo de Montejo) literally changes colors and becomes the Catrina Night.
This magnificent event combines two of the most magical and spectacular activities of the Festival of Souls: the Catrinas Parade and the Catrinas Festival. It fills Mérida's most iconic avenue, Paseo de Montejo, with color, music, and Mexican spirit. In 2025, the Catrinas Parade is scheduled to take place on the evening of November 1.
Catrina (Skull) Parade
Hundreds of catrinas and catrines of all shapes, sizes, and ages gather to walk, dance, and celebrate with all the style and detail of Mexican tradition. The parade route is set to begin at Plaza Grande, and go north towards Paseo de Montejo, ending just before Monumento a la Patria. For about an hour of pure celebration, you can enjoy festive floats, dance troupes, and iconic figures from Mexican folklore, from little devils and skeletons to colorful alebrijes.
Catrina Night
This celebration is a twist on the weekly Mexican Night at Remate de Montejo. When you arrive, you'll feel like you've entered the afterlife. Altars, Day of the Dead and Janal Pixan decorations, and a main stage with live dance and music will completely surround you. And the best part: the catrinas walking around with their vibrant, detailed costumes look like they’ve jumped right out of a fantasy.
Survival Tips:
- Arrive early: This is a massive event, and getting a spot at the front requires strategy, patience, and arriving well in advance.
- Stay aware of the route: If you want to experience every part of the festival, you might want to move between different points along the parade route.
Be patient: The crowds are large, but take a deep breath, look around, and enjoy every detail that unfolds in front of you.
Parade of Souls (Paseo de las Ánimas)
October 31
Now we come to the heart of the festival: the Parade of Souls, the most crowded, anticipated, and photogenic event of the entire celebration. This usually takes place on October 31, regardless of the day of the week.
What is it?
The procession begins with the symbolic departure of the souls from the General Cemetery toward the world of the living. From there, it follows a route that includes the Panteón Florido and the San Sebastián, La Ermita, and San Juan parks.
How to see Mérida’s Parade of Souls?
Along the way, you'll find bleachers where you can sit and watch the procession in comfort. However, if you want a good seated spot, you'll need to arrive very early—at least an hour or two in advance. The good news is that the wait is never boring. People dressed as catrinas or in Halloween costumes start walking around long before the parade begins, making the atmosphere even more fun. If you're feeling adventurous, you can become a soul yourself! At the entrance to the General Cemetery, there are usually face-painting stands with affordable prices or on a voluntary contribution basis.
Other events during the Parade of Souls
If you manage to get a spot near the start, before the parade kicks off, you can enjoy the Pok Ta Pok of Souls, a unique and worthwhile spectacle. It's a re-enactment of the ancient Maya ball game, with actors characterized as souls from the underworld.
The Parade of Souls is much more than just a parade. Along the entire route, you'll find altar displays, bazaars, stages with regional music, food vendors, art exhibits, and tons of color. In short, it’s a lively party with an air of mysticism that only Janal Pixan can provide.
Survival Tips:
- Forget the car: The streets near the route are closed off, and parking is nearly impossible. It's much better to arrive by public transport or a rideshare app.
- Outfit and comfort: This is the perfect occasion to wear a traditional embroidered blouse or dress, a guayabera (a traditional men’s shirt), or even a catrina costume. But don't sacrifice comfort! Wear light, comfortable shoes, because you'll be doing a lot of walking, and the heat combined with the crowd can be intense.
- Limited signal: With so many people, the cell phone network often crashes. Don't count on being able to post stories in the moment or easily order a ride. You'll have to walk a few blocks away to get a signal back.
- In a group: If you're with family or friends, set up a meeting point (and a time). With little signal and so much to see, it's very easy to get separated.
Plan B: If you don't find a spot at the beginning, find a location farther along to see the entire parade or move through alternate streets to cross paths with the souls again. This requires stamina and good footwear, but it’s a great experience!
Can I join the Parade of Souls or the Catrinas Parade?
Unfortunately, no, even if you’re perfectly costumed. In both cases, you can decide whether you want to see the parade pass once or move to another spot to see it again. What's guaranteed is that you'll have endless opportunities to take photos with both the "souls" and the catrinas, and if you don't arrive with your face painted, you'll surely find people offering the service.
We know all of this might sound a little overwhelming, but trust us: it's totally worth it. With these tips in hand, you'll be sure to enjoy the festival's events without a hitch. In the end, the Festival of Souls is more than just events; it's a way to honor those who have passed and to feel that, for at least a few days, we can celebrate life alongside them once again.
By Sara Alba, Sharon Cetina and Carlos Guzmán
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 454, in October 2025.
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