Cancún’s Catrinas Parade Set for Friday Night at Puerto Juárez

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Cancún’s Catrinas and Catrines parade will step off at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, at Puerto Juárez, opening this year’s Janal Pixán festival as the city marks the Day of the Dead with music, tradition and cultural events.

The procession will be led by the La Caribeña wind orchestra. The Benito Juárez municipal government, which covers Cancún, is running free transport to the site from Malecón Tajamar and El Crucero, with departures starting at 5 p.m. throughout the festivities.

What time does the parade start?

The Catrinas and Catrines parade is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday at Puerto Juárez. The event opens Janal Pixán 2026, whose program runs from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.

Friday’s activities begin well before the parade. Officials announced the following schedule:

• 4:30 p.m.: Maritime procession of Catrinas and Catrines at the dock on Calle 45 in Puerto Juárez.
• 6:00 p.m.: Artistic performances begin at the Concha Acústica in Puerto Juárez.
• 6:30 p.m.: Catrinas and Catrines parade, accompanied by the La Caribeña wind orchestra.

Organizers recommend arriving early to secure a viewing spot and to plan the trip, especially for anyone hoping to catch the maritime procession.

What is the parade route?

The Day of the Dead parade is centered on Puerto Juárez, but officials have not published the specific streets that make up the full route, nor the exact starting and finishing points for the procession.

The only confirmed reference point is the earlier maritime procession at the dock on Calle 45. Anyone looking for the precise route, staging areas or possible changes should check notices from the Benito Juárez municipal government and local traffic authorities.

Which roads are closed?

The celebrations in Puerto Juárez include changes to traffic flow. Among the measures announced is the closure of Avenida José López Portillo between Calle 45 and the Kiosco Verde, in effect from 9 a.m. on Oct. 28 until Nov. 3.

As an alternative, Avenida Benito Juárez will operate in both directions, according to the information released on the traffic changes.

Because the closures can affect travel to the parade, officials advise leaving extra time and checking official notices to confirm whether additional closures or access changes apply.

How to get there and take part

Anyone who wants to attend can head to Puerto Juárez on Friday, Oct. 30, and join the Janal Pixán activities as a spectator. Officials have not said whether registration is required to march in the parade or what the requirements are for taking part as a Catrina or Catrín, so those interested should check the municipality’s official channels for any additional call for participants.

Free transport will run from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., departing from two points:

• Malecón Tajamar: service to Puerto Juárez.
• El Crucero: departure from the van stop for routes heading to Punta Sam.

Travelers hoping to see the 4:30 p.m. maritime procession should note that the free service does not begin until 5 p.m., so they will need to arrange another way to arrive earlier.

Beyond the parade, the festival features artistic shows, contests for altars and Catrinas, live music, food and handicrafts. The Cena de Ánimas, a traditional meal for the dead, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31, and Sunday, Nov. 1, at Parque de Las Palapas starting at 7 p.m.

The municipality estimates that more than 50 local artists and about 200,000 visitors will take part across the Janal Pixán 2026 venues.