How to Experience Janal Pixan in Yucatán, What to do for Janal Pixan or Day of the Dead in Yucatán this 2024.
In Yucatán, life and death intertwine in a vibrant embrace of aromas, colors, and flavors during Janal Pixan, or "Food of the Soul" in the Maya language. This festival, deeply rooted in local culture, is a lively celebration where families honor their ancestors with offerings of traditional foods and ancestral rituals. In more remote communities, this tradition is affectionately known as "Finados."
If you’re wondering whether you can experience this special celebration, the answer is a resounding yes! The cooperatives that make up Co'ox Mayab have organized opportunities for visitors to engage with these traditions in a respectful and meaningful way.
Rather than just being a spectator, these activities invite you to truly be a part of the celebration in the heart of where it happens: in family homes, in the fields where the pib is buried, and in the community’s gathering spots. The goal is not just to observe but to share and understand the essence of this tradition.
Here are two of the options they have available this year.
Participate in authentic Maya Day of the Dead Celebrations
Pujulá, Aldea Maya Viva
Here, prayers for the departed blend with the delicious aromas of lovingly prepared food. Through this experience, you can participate in a planting ritual in the ka'anche's (Maya raised garden beds) symbolizing the renewal of life. Additionally, you can take part in food preparation or get involved in the many tasks needed for the occasion. Please note that this experience is not suitable for vegetarians.
Yaax Tekit
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A walk through the cemetery will reveal the unique customs of this community. Meet Doña Ana’s melipona (stingless) bees and taste their honey, a local treasure. Visit family altars and learn about the meaning of each offering and the language of their objects, candles, and photographs. To conclude, immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters of a cenote, where you’ll learn more about these sacred spaces, especially during this time of Finados.
Co'ox Mayab also organizes similar experiences in Ek Balam, Kaua, Río Lagartos, Cenotillo, and other communities. Visit their website or call them to book your spot on this unforgettable journey.
Co'ox Mayab: Community Tourism, A Closer Look at Local Everyday Life
Co'ox Mayab is a network of small tourism cooperatives committed to promoting responsible and mindful tourism in Yucatán. Their name, which means "Let's Go to the Mayab," reflects their mission to invite travelers to discover local projects that promote their culture and biodiversity conservation through activities that tourists can join.
By supporting community tourism, Co'ox Mayab strengthens the local economy and empowers communities to preserve their cultural and natural heritage. Through these experiences, you’ll form genuine connections with the people, their traditions, and during October and November, you'll witness the deep respect they hold for life and death.
Janal Pixan is more than just a festivity; it's a beautiful reminder that life is a continuous cycle, and our ancestors are always with us in spirit. Visit Yucatán and be part of this heartwarming, transformative experience!
Co’ox Mayab
Tel. 999 447 8395
www.cooxmayab.com
Other options to experience Finados or Janal Pixan in Yucatán
Hacienda Xcanatun, Angsana Heritage Collection
On November 2, the Casa de Piedra restaurant at Hacienda Xcanatun will host a commemorative Day of the Dead buffet dinner. Enjoy live cooking stations featuring Mexican dishes and a table of traditional sweets. There will also be a procession around the hacienda grounds, complete with Yucatecan legends and an altar exhibition. If you’re up for it, join the Catrín (skull) costume contest for a chance to win a surprise prize or be part of the judging panel.
Carr. Mérida - Progreso, Xcanatun
Tel. 999 640 5243
IG: xcanatuncasadepiedra
Hacienda Itzincab de Cámara
Hacienda Itzincab de Cámara has prepared an unforgettable experience for guests staying from October 31 to November 3. With meals, bonfires, legends, a cooking class, and various special events all included, this is a unique chance to experience the Day of the Dead season in Yucatán.
Municipality of Tecoh
Tel. 999 183 8478
reservations@catherwood.mx
IG: catherwood.mx
FB: catherwood.mx
Ya'axche, Restaurant, and Ethnogastronomic Center
Renowned chef Wilson Alonzo, a true icon of Yucatecan cuisine, welcomes you into his kitchen in Halachó. Here, you'll learn how to prepare mukbilpollo, or pib, the must-have dish of the Finados or Janal Pixan season. The event takes place at Ya'axche, Restaurant, and Ethnogastronomic Center; make sure to book in advance, as space is limited.
Calle 18, ext. Santa Cruz, La Soledad, Halachó, Yucatán
Cel. 997 128 6409
IG: y.aaxche
FB: Ya'axche
Visit our social media and website to see more options, including the schedule for Paseos de las Ánimas (The Strolls of the Souls events) in various communities.
Photography by Coox Mayab, for its use in Yucatán Today.
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 442, in October 2024, by the name of "How to Experience Janal Pixan in Yucatán".
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