Cancún, Mexico — The scent of copal, the glow of candles, and catrinas emerging from the sea will once again fill the nights of Cancún. This year, the Janal Pixan, the traditional Maya celebration of the Day of the Dead, promises a larger and more luminous edition, with activities extending from October 30 to November 2.
This was announced by the Síndico Miguel Ángel Centeno, who highlighted the joint work between the State Government and the Benito Juárez City Council to keep this tradition alive.
"Janal Pixan is here to stay forever in Cancún; it has grown exponentially and this year we will surpass previous editions, with surprises, innovations, and better organization. What we seek is for it to become bigger, more attractive for people, and a magnet for tourism," he stated.
The official explained that this edition of Janal Pixan will consist of three main events: the Cena de las Ánimas in the Parque de las Palapas, the Day of the Dead in the Panteón de Los Olivos, and the Festival in Puerto Juárez.
"A good number of people are coming, which makes it attractive for locals and visitors to attend this celebration. Puerto Juárez will once again be the heart of the event, which is now here to stay forever in Cancún," Centeno shared.
Among the most anticipated activities are the arrival of catrinas from the sea, the installation of stages for performances, the exhibition of altars with a catrina contest, and the participation of vendors with products and crafts, creating a cultural showcase that attracts both locals and tourists.
Port of Sighs: The Heart of the Festival
The main stage will be Puerto Juárez, which will be transformed into the "Port of Sighs," a staging that represents the reunion between the living and their loved ones. This production will mix tragedy and comedy, life and death, culminating in a great popular festival.
More than 30 artists from local theater, dance, and music companies will bring the spectacle to life, accompanied by a 4.8-meter-tall mega catrina that will rise facing the sea.
Artist Ángel Ancona, lighting designer for the "El Gran Tlachco" Theater at Xcaret, will be the special guest and will create a unique light installation for the arrival of the catrinas from the sea, one of the scenes most awaited by the public.
Following the arrival, a grand parade will proceed to the main stage, where each night, from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM, there will be live music, catwalks, contests, and artistic presentations. An alternate stage will also offer parallel shows to enjoy during the four nights of celebration.
Contests and Prizes
Art and creativity will also have their space in the altar contest, which will distribute 45,000 pesos in prizes (20,000 for first place, 15,000 for second, and 10,000 for third). Additionally, the catrina and catrín contest will award the best costumes with 15,000, 10,000, and 5,000 pesos respectively. This parade has become one of the favorites among attendees for its mix of elegance, color, and tradition.
As part of the Janal Pixan showcase, more than 120 local artisans and vendors will participate, showing their creations, from carved skulls to jewelry and textiles inspired by Maya culture.
It is worth mentioning that all events will be free, and to facilitate access to the "Port of Sighs," special public transportation will be available from El Crucero and Tajamar to Puerto Juárez during the four days of festivities.
The Dinner of the Souls
The Parque de las Palapas will host the 14th edition of the Cena de las Ánimas, one of the most heartfelt moments of Janal Pixan. This event, which starts at 6:30 PM and is completely free, invites locals and visitors to enjoy the Day of the Dead tradition in the heart of Cancún.
During November 1 and 2, the park will be transformed into an authentic giant altar, illuminated by candles and adorned with cempasúchil flowers, where families can pay homage to their loved ones.
The agenda includes live musical performances, pan de muerto contests, artistic exhibitions, and gastronomic samples that highlight the cultural and culinary richness of the region.
Furthermore, attendees will be able to participate and contemplate the creativity of the local vendors and artisans while enjoying a family-friendly atmosphere full of tradition, making the Cena de las Ánimas one of the most anticipated events of the season.
Day of the Dead from the Cemeteries
For the first time, the Panteón Álamos is joining the Janal Pixan celebrations, opening its doors to receive visitors and families who wish to pay homage to their loved ones in an experience that combines respect, tradition, and popular art.
This year, together with the Los Olivos and Parque Funerario cemeteries, it will offer hundreds of families the opportunity to share unique moments with their deceased.
The Los Olivos and Parque Funerario cemeteries will be open from 00:01 on November 1 until nearly midnight on November 2, while Álamos, for the first time, will receive visitors during daytime hours, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, allowing more people to participate in this tradition.
At Los Olivos, families will be able to enjoy contests, mass, a nocturnal mariachi, and award ceremonies, celebrating their deceased among candles, flowers, and memories.
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