Bacalar’s Paseo de las Almas to Feature More Than 20 Decorated Boats

Bacalar, Quintana Roo — The Bacalar lagoon will host the traditional Paseo de las Almas from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, a nighttime procession in which more than 20 decorated boats will sail the water as part of Day of the Dead celebrations.

The cultural and tourism event was announced after a working meeting coordinated by Román Bustos Gómez, port captain of Chetumal, with nautical tourism operators from the region. The meeting was called to set the operating logistics and the safety protocols needed for nighttime service on the lagoon.

Four Nights on the Water

The flotilla will sail on four consecutive nights — Friday, Oct. 30; Saturday, Oct. 31; Sunday, Nov. 1; and Monday, Nov. 2 — passing landmarks around the lagoon and pairing Day of the Dead traditions with the destination’s best-known natural attractions.

The route includes sites known as the Cenote de la Bruja and the Canal de los Piratas, where authorities and participants will set up a large offering on the water.

How to Take Part

The Port Captain’s Office invited any local boat owners who want to join voluntarily to report to and register with the maritime authority. Participants must also carry flowers and wear traditional clothing associated with the holiday.

Safety Rules

To protect visitors, operators and crew, authorities will run a strict surveillance and control operation on the water. All vessels must follow a single navigation route, everyone aboard must wear a life jacket at all times, and alcohol consumption is banned for the duration of the trip.

To prevent environmental damage or accidents, open flames and pyrotechnics are prohibited in boat decorations, and swimming in the lagoon is not allowed while the nighttime event is under way.

Organizers hope the joint effort will establish the procession as a regular recreational and cultural draw for Bacalar, one of Mexico’s designated Pueblos Mágicos.