Janal Pixan 2026 Brings Day of the Dead Traditions to Puerto Juárez in Cancún

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The Benito Juárez municipal government has launched a free four-day program of cultural events in Puerto Juárez to mark Janal Pixan 2026, the Yucatan Peninsula’s Maya take on the Day of the Dead, with organizers expecting more than 200,000 visitors.

Mayor Ana Paty Peralta’s administration put 24 municipal departments to work on the preparations in the days before the festival opened. The lineup features more than 50 local artists and runs through Monday, November 2, with organizers aiming to beat last year’s attendance.

The celebration offers altars, catrinas, music, dance and food for Cancún families and tourists, and is intended to promote Mexican art and traditions along with the cultural expressions of southeastern Mexico.

Maritime procession of catrinas opens the festival

The first day began with a seaborne procession of catrinas and catrines. At sunset, participants came ashore from boats operated by local tourism providers and arrived at the Puerto Juárez dock, reenacting the return of souls who visit their families during Día de Muertos.

The municipal companies of Dance, Theater, Choir, Children’s Choir, Chamber Orchestra and Folkloric Ballet then staged the premiere of El camino de los abuelos (The Path of the Grandparents).

Afterward, the costumed figures paraded along Calle 45 with hundreds of spectators of all ages. Participants wore outfits in a wide range of colors and styles, with flower headbands and crowns and white, black and fantasy makeup, while children turned out in cartoon-character costumes.

Altars, food and crafts

Along the route to the main stage, a shell-shaped acoustic pavilion, visitors from Mexico and abroad found a large offering and altars built around different themes and representations of various Mexican states.

Food stalls sold seasonal favorites including tamales, chocolate and pan de muerto, the traditional sweet bread baked for the holiday. Local vendors also set up spaces selling handmade crafts.

From 6 p.m., the main stage hosted musical and artistic performances spanning folklore, modern dance and Latin rhythms.

Catrina and altar contests

One of the main draws was the first runway show of the catrina and catrín contest. Participants will display their creations over the four days and be judged on costume and cultural expression.

Organizers will also award the top five places in the Day of the Dead altar contest, judged on the use of traditional elements, originality, creativity, presentation, storytelling and respect for custom.

Both competitions carry cash prizes ranging from 5,000 to 25,000 pesos.