What to do in Yucatán in October, Starting Janal Pixan.
An excellent season to get ready for the best festivities of the year, do you already know what to do in October? Celebrate Janal Pixan in the most original and authentic ways, rediscover your roots, and take the time to observe all that there is to to enjoy. Would you like to see the events and promotions of the month?
The star of the month: Janal Pixan
Janal Pixan (the feast of the souls) is commemorated on November 1 and 2. However, as a living, intimate, and family tradition, public events are usually held throughout the second half of October. During this time, you'll find displays of altars, artistic exhibitions, screenings, and the star attraction of the season: the reenactments of the processions of the souls, which have been taking place in various locations across the state for several years. Check out our website and social media for a full list of events, dates, and locations.
In addition to Mérida's Festival of Souls, you'll find plenty of activities; the Magical Village of Maní, for example, stands out for offering several mukbilpollo cooking and traditional candymaking workshops, themed night tours, etc.
And you, What are you going to do in Janal Pixan?
The weather in Yucatán in October
The Atlantic hurricane season goes from June to November; historically, in Yucatán, the strongest hurricanes to hit have done so in the month of September and early October. However, this is also the time when “nortes” (cold fronts) begin to hit; this can make for very hot, humid days, followed by dropping temperatures.
October also brings the end of the rainy season in Yucatán. With September being one of the rainiest months of the year, you can still expect some rainfall, but, barring any surprises the hurricane season might bring, precipitation this month is usually rather low. During the day, you can expect highs averaging 32º C (88ºF) and lows in the 21 - 23º C (70 - 74ºF) range—don’t be surprised if you catch locals wearing light sweaters in the evenings.
Traditional Fairs in October
In Yucatán, traditional fiestas are a showcase of religious syncretism, blending elements from Catholicism with pre-Hispanic beliefs.
These festivities usually begin with the "bajada" of the saint—that is, moving its image from its usual place in the church to make it accessible for the faithful to view. Days later, the fiesta officially kicks off with the vaquería, a traditional celebration where people dance jarana to the live music of an orchestra.
Dancers from all over the Península attend the vaquerías to show off their moves, elegantly dressed in their traditional attire. On the days that follow the vaquería, there are often popular dances.
Throughout the celebration, you'll also find carnival rides for children, food stalls, and various attractions, along with processions, bullfighting activities, fireworks, and lots of noise. The following list includes the period in which celebrations take place when it has been confirmed as we go to print; otherwise, the patron saint’s festivity is listed. Check our website for the dates of vaquerías and popular dances.
- Saint Michael
September 27 - October 6, Hoctún y Temax - Saint Francis of Assisi
October 4, Hocabá y Hunucmá - Our Lady of the Rosary
October 4 - 13, Tepich Carillo (Acanceh) - Saint Jude
October 18 - November 10, Caucel y Mérida (Av. Correa Rachó)
To learn more check out Everything you need to know about the Gremios in Yucatán or the Calendar of Fiestas and Fairs in Yucatán with the list for the whole year.
Promotions in October
Visit Mérida and don't miss Casa Kiool too!
We welcome you with open arms and pamper you with our spa services. Enjoy a 10% discount in October when you mention this ad (cash payment). Plus, our showroom offers a variety of items for your well-being.
Welcome to Casa!
www.kioolspa.blogspot.com
IG: casakiool
FB: CASA KIOOL Mérida
Discover the magic of Casa 3 Torres in Barrio de Santiago!
This October, we invite you to experience an unforgettable stay at Casa 3 Torres! Take advantage of our exclusive promotions with irresistible discounts to make your getaway even better.
¿Why choose Casa 3 Torres?
Located just two minutes from Parque Santiago and within walking distance of the main tourist attractions in Mérida's Centro, our house offers a perfect retreat. Relax in our air-conditioned home, enjoy our fully equipped kitchen, and create unique memories on our cozy terrace. It’s ideal for families or friends looking to share special moments together. Plus, if you decide to stay longer, we offer additional discounts!
Don’t miss this opportunity! Book your escape at Casa 3 Torres in the Santiago barrio, Centro, and build memories that will last a lifetime.
Contact us for more details and secure your spot. We look forward to welcoming you!
Tel: 998 229 8057
airbnb.com/h/casa3torres
¡Welcome to Casa 3 Torres, Calle 76!
Located in the charming Santiago barrio, our house awaits to offer you a unique experience in the heart of the city's historic center. In October, enjoy the special discounts we’ve prepared just for you. It’s the perfect time to explore our culinary traditions, the art that surrounds us, and the rich history that inspires every corner!
Relax in our comfortable facilities: air conditioning throughout the house, rooms with private bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a beautiful terrace with a pool. Additionally, we offer private parking to make your experience even more convenient.
Don’t miss this chance to create unforgettable moments! We look forward to welcoming you.
Tel. 998 229 8057
airbnb.com/h/casa3torres76
Renew your skin and joints at Carell
This month at Carell, enjoy a special offer on autologous fibroblasts! They are the only certified providers in Mérida. Take advantage of this opportunity to renew your collagen, improve spots, marks, sagging, and wrinkles, and enhance your skin quality with your own cells, cultivated under a microscope in a certified cell bank. Visit Carell and renew your skin!
Additionally, they offer stem cells for joints. Renew your joints, prevent injuries, and repair tissue in your knees, elbows, and shoulders. Get back to the sports you love without pain. This month, when you treat two or more joints with stem cells, receive a free PRP joint session!
999 120 5878
www.carellcare.com
IG: carell.care
Celebrating traditions at Hacienda Xcanatun
This November 2, experience the essence of Janal Pixan with various soul-soothing activities. For more information, call 999 640 5243.
Feel the moment at Angsana Spa with Asian treatments that relax all the senses. Take advantage of the Thai promotion this October. More information at: 999 452 3789
IG: angsanaspamerida
es.haciendachichen.com
IG: haciendachichen
FB: Hacienda Chichen Resort
![Rosas & Xocolate - Oct 24]()
Celebrate this season at Rosas & Xocolate
Celebrate this season at Rosas & XocolateEnjoy traditional pan de muerto from October 25 to November 10 and don't miss our Día de Muertos altar exhibition from October 31 to November 3.
Plus, take advantage of our BOGO free Janal Pixan cocktail deal while enjoying live music on November 1 and 2 from 9 to 11 pm, and on November 3 from 10 am to 12 pm.
WA: 999 216 0645
Tel. 999242992
info@rosasandxocolate.com
www.rosasandxocolate.com
IG: @rosasyxocolate
FB: Rosas & Xocolate
Continuously in Yucatán
¡MEL Spooky Bazaar 2024!
Once again, we are opening the library's facilities to the entire expat and local community to meet artisans, designers, and creators of local products in a sale and celebration with music, food, drinks, and more activities, all while celebrating Halloween with family and friends. Costumes are highly recommended.
Sunday, October 13, 10 am - 2 pm.
meridaenglishlibrary.com
IG: meridaenglishlibrary
FB: Merida English Library
Enjoy los Milagritos' Workshop "Create your own Milagrito Heart"
Paint and personalize your own wooden heart with milagro charms in a 2-hour experience where you can create your own offering or protection amulet, whether to ask for or give thanks for a miracle. It’s a unique activity that we’re sure you’ll love!
You can reserve the experience every Saturday of the month from 5 to 7 pm at Tienda Los Milagritos. The cost is $800 pesos, and it’s available for ages 12 and up. Reserve your spot at +52 990 151 1589.
www.losmilagritos.com
IG: los_milagritos_com
FB: Los Milagritos
Live the full experience at Paseo 60
Paseo 60 is a place where you can enjoy the best services, including hotels, ADO, fashion boutiques, beauty shops, handicrafts, live music, restaurants, and a Gourmet Market with a wide variety of culinary delights.
We welcome you every day to experience the best of Yucatán. When you make a purchase at any establishment, ask for your complimentary parking. And if you love exploring our beautiful city, remember that at Paseo 60, you can rent a bike to ride through its streets.
Photography by Sharon Cetina, Magali Ramírez, Hacienda Xcanatun, FB Casa 3 Torres Barrio de Santiago, and Yucatán Today for its use in Yucatán Today.
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 442, in October 2024.
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