Cozumel’s Almas con Tradición Festival Returns With Four Days of Day of the Dead Events

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Cozumel will hold the sixth edition of its Day of the Dead festival, “Almas con Tradición,” from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, opening with the fifth Procesión de las Ánimas. This year’s theme is “En el latido de mi corazón,” or “In the Beat of My Heart.”

Organizers said the festival honors those who have died, brings families together and passes the tradition to new generations. It also serves as a showcase for visitors to learn about the island’s history, customs and art beyond its beaches and reefs, and gives local artists, artisans, entrepreneurs and businesses a space to sell their work.

Friday, Oct. 30: Procession of Souls

The program begins at San Miguel cemetery with the lighting of candles on the monumental skull “El despertar” and an audiovisual projection. The procession then sets out with dances, altars and a floral offering for men of the sea, heading to Benito Juárez park, where the artistic inauguration and the community assembly of a monumental altar will take place.

Saturday, Oct. 31: Inclusive Halloween

Benito Juárez park hosts the Halloween Inclusivo, with costume contests by category, a trick-or-treat pavilion in the park and on Quinta Avenida, and a youth dance competition.

Sunday, Nov. 1: ‘Somos Ofrenda’

Under the name “Somos Ofrenda,” the day starts with the race “Corre que te alcanza la huesuda” along the malecón. The schedule includes an exhibition of altars, traditional food and the sale of pib, pan de muerto and chocolate. In the afternoon, artists will present work dedicated to Janal Pixán and the children’s and youth Catrinas and Catrines contest will be held. In the evening, the Banda Sinfónica Infanto Juvenil de El Retiro, from Antioquia, Colombia, will perform as a special guest.

Monday, Nov. 2: Masses, Parade and Closing

Masses will be held at the San Miguel and Mansión de Paz cemeteries. Later, the parade “Elegancia Eterna Frente al Mar” will travel along the malecón and Quinta Avenida, followed by the show “Baila, Calavera, Baila.” The festival closes with a popular dance led by the symphonic bands of El Retiro and Cozumel.

The program also includes the Catrinas Cozumeleñas parade and several contests and musical performances across the four days.