Festival of the Souls 2016

Read about the current edition of this event:
Festival de las Ánimas (Festival of Souls) 2018

The Ayuntamiento de Mérida works to make sure the city is a reference point for traditions and culture, and this year you will once again be able to enjoy the traditional Paseo de las Ánimas (passage of the souls), which over the past years has become a favorite for Meridanos and tourists alike. It is a display of altars along a parade route, and will take place on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 7:30 pm, as part of the celebrations of “Hanal Pixán,” to remember the dear departed. The participants are individuals, families, citizen councils, businesses, schools, and civil associations.

This year there are many surprises in store and a variety of activities that will take place during the last week of October, including dance and music events, photography, guided tour of the cemetery, and of course the Paseo de las Ánimas.

The Paseo de las Ánimas is a procession that begins at the Cementerio General, with “ánimas” (souls) dressed in traditional attire, carrying candles, who walk to the San Juan “barrio.” There will be four stages along the way, with musical events, artistic representations, and readings of stories and legends, with food stands serving Yucatecan food.

Festival de las Ánimas 2016 Program

Monday, October 24

Vaquería (dance festival) of the souls, outside the Palacio Municipal, 9 – 10 pm

Tuesday, October 25

Inauguration photographs of the souls by Alejandro Poot Molina, Centro Cultural Olimpo, 8 pm

Wednesday, October 26

Videomapping of Francisco de Montejo (homage to Tanicho), Casa Montejo, 8:30 pm
Historical tour of the general cemetery
- Tour 1: Maya Ceremony X’Men, 7:30 pm
- Tour 2: Cemetery tour, 8 pm
- Tour 3: Cicloturixes, bicycle tour of the general cemetery, 9 pm

Thursday, October 27

México and her traditions, Centro Municipal de Danza, 6 pm
Serenata de Ánimas, Parque de Santa Lucía, 9 pm

Friday, October 28

Paseo de las Ánimas, from the general cemetery
- 7:30 pm, Maya Ceremony X’Men
- 8:00 pm, Paseo begins
Paseo de las Ánimas, Panteón Florido door
- 6:30 pm – 6:45 pm, Maya Ceremony X’Men
- 6:45 pm – 7: 45 pm, Trova Nova Trío
- 7:45 pm – 8:30 pm, Pre hispanic music with Pedro Hernandez
- 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Regional theatre Eduardo Salazar “El Box”
Paseo de las Ánimas, Ermita de Santa Isabel
- 5:50 pm – 6 pm, La Llorana dance
- 6 pm – 7 pm, Group Te Yucateco
- 7 pm – 7:30 pm, México and her traditions
- 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Group La Siembra
- 8:30 pm – 9:15 pm, Music and folk dance from Jalapa
- 9:15 pm – 10:15 pm, Los Juglares
- 10:15 pm – 11 pm, Maya legends
Paseo de las Ánimas, Parque de San Juan
- 6 pm – 7 pm, Trío Ensueño
- 7 pm – 8 pm, Pok Ta Pok show
- 8 pm – 9 pm, Maya legends
- 9 pm – 10 pm, Regional theater
Paseo de las Ánimas, Esquina del Diamante (Calle 64 x 73 and 75)
- 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Frenese Trío
- 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Trío Andariegos
- 9:30 pm – 10:30 pm, Group Te Yucateco
Paseo de las Ánimas, Kiosko de la Ermita
- 6 pm – 11 pm, La Casa de la Xtabay