Win 200,000 Pesos in Playa del Carmen Contests

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — The municipality of Playa del Carmen is organizing a large number of events for its Janal Pixan 2025 celebration and will award thousands of pesos in prizes through a series of contests open to the public.

Janal Pixan, one of the most representative traditions of Mayan culture in the Yucatan Peninsula, remains alive in Quintana Roo and Playa del Carmen as a symbol of identity and respect for ancestors. Its name, meaning "food of the souls," reflects the deep spiritual connection that Mayan peoples maintain with those who have passed away, in a celebration that coincides with Day of the Dead but possesses features and meanings unique to its ancestral worldview. During this commemoration, families in Quintana Roo prepare colorful altars and offerings adorned with flowers, candles, and traditional dishes to honor and receive the souls of their loved ones.

Contest Information and Rules

"Pixan Peek" Canine Costume Contest

This contest is open to canine pets of any breed, represented by an adult from the municipality of Playa del Carmen.

Registrations and documents will be accepted in person, free of charge, until October 30, 2025, at the offices of the Subdirectorate of Cultural Linkage and Development of the Municipal Institute of Culture and the Arts of Playa del Carmen (Playa del Carmen Cultural Center), located at Av. CTM between Av. 115 and 125 North, sup. Mz. 053, Lte. 022, Fracc. La Gran Plaza, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Participants must present:

• A duly completed registration form.
• A valid official identification.
• A recent proof of address.
• A letter of responsibility.
• An image use authorization.

The contest will take place on October 31 at 7:00 P.M. in Plaza 28 de Julio. The prizes are as follows:

1. First place: $20,000 MXN.
2. Second place: $15,000 MXN.
3. Third place: $10,000 MXN.

"Mexican Alebrijes" Children's Costume Contest

This contest is directed at girls and boys from 4 to 9 years of age from the municipality of Playa del Carmen.

Registrations and documents will be accepted in person, free of charge, until October 30, 2025, at the offices of the Subdirectorate of Cultural Linkage and Development of the Municipal Institute of Culture and the Arts of Playa del Carmen (Playa del Carmen Cultural Center), located at Av. CTM between Av. 115 and 125 North, sup. Mz. 053, Lte. 022, Fracc. La Gran Plaza, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Participants must present:

• A duly completed registration form.
• A valid official identification of the representative or legal guardian.
• A recent proof of address.
• A letter of responsibility.
• An image use authorization.

The contest will be held on November 1 at 7:00 P.M. in Plaza 28 de Julio. The prizes are as follows:

1. First place: $10,000 MXN.
2. Second place: $8,000 MXN.
3. Third place: $5,000 MXN.

Day of the Dead Group Costume Contest

This event is directed at the entire population aged 13 and over from the Municipality of Playa del Carmen, in groups of no fewer than 3 participants and a maximum of 5.

Registrations and documents will be accepted in person, free of charge, starting from the publication of this announcement and until October 30, 2025, at the offices of the Subdirectorate of Cultural Linkage and Development of the Municipal Institute of Culture and the Arts of Playa del Carmen (Playa del Carmen Cultural Center), located at Av. CTM between Av. 115 and 125 North, sup. Mz. 053, Lte. 022, Fracc. La Gran Plaza, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Participants must present:

• A duly completed registration form.
• A valid official identification.
• A recent proof of address.
• A letter of responsibility.
• An image use authorization.

The contest will take place on November 1 at 7:00 P.M. in Plaza 28 de Julio. The prizes are as follows:

1. First place: $16,000 MXN.
2. Second place: $12,000 MXN.
3. Third place: $10,000 MXN.

Catrín and Catrina Couple Costume Contest

The general community of the municipality of Playa del Carmen may participate. Participation can be individual or group. Each participant or group may present only one altar.

Registrations and documents will be accepted in person, free of charge, starting from the publication of this announcement and until October 30, 2025, at the offices of the Subdirectorate of Cultural Linkage and Development of the Municipal Institute of Culture and the Arts of Playa del Carmen (Playa del Carmen Cultural Center), located at Av. CTM between Av. 115 and 125 North, sup. Mz. 053, Lte. 022, Fracc. La Gran Plaza, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Participants must present:

• A duly completed registration form.
• A valid official identification of the representative for each altar.
• A recent proof of address.
• A letter of responsibility.
• An image use authorization.

The altar exhibition they create must represent one of the states of Mexico. It must be set up on November 2, 2025, between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The contestants' altars must include at least 3 representative objects or instruments corresponding to the state they represent.

The contest will be held on November 2 at 7:00 P.M. in Plaza 28 de Julio. The prizes are as follows:

1. First place: $20,000 MXN.
2. Second place: $15,000 MXN.
3. Third place: $10,000 MXN.

2025 Altar Contest

Canine pets of any breed, represented by an adult from the municipality of Playa del Carmen, may join this contest.

Registrations and documents will be accepted in person, free of charge, starting from the publication of this announcement and until October 30, 2025, at the offices of the Subdirectorate of Cultural Linkage and Development of the Municipal Institute of Culture and the Arts of Playa del Carmen (Playa del Carmen Cultural Center), located at Av. CTM between Av. 115 and 125 North, sup. Mz. 053, Lte. 022, Fracc. La Gran Plaza, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Participants must present:

• A duly completed registration form.
• A valid official identification.
• A recent proof of address.
• A letter of responsibility.
• An image use authorization.

The contest will be held on October 31 at 7:00 P.M. in Plaza 28 de Julio. The prizes are as follows:

1. First place: $20,000 MXN.
2. Second place: $15,000 MXN.
3. Third place: $10,000 MXN.

In total, summing all the prizes to be awarded across the different contests, the amount reaches nearly 200,000 pesos that will be granted to the top finishers.