Pok Ta Pok Foundation Unveils 7th Day of the Dead University Festival in Chetumal and Bacalar

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — The Pok Ta Pok Foundation will hold the seventh edition of its Day of the Dead University Festival, billed as “Conexión Ancestral México Vivo 2026,” from October 24 to 30, with events in Chetumal and Bacalar.

The foundation is organizing the festival in coordination with Mexico’s federal Culture Ministry through its PROFEST program. Organizers said the program is designed to preserve Mexican traditions and to connect the university community with the wider public in honor of their ancestors.

The main venues are the Explanada de la Bandera in Chetumal and the Domo Artesanal at the main park in Bacalar.

Opening day in Chetumal

Activities begin in the state capital on Saturday, October 24, at 5:40 p.m. with a Mayan opening ceremony, Je’eb’el Bejil Pixanob’, led by INMAYA, the state institute for the development of Mayan culture.

The opening day also features dance performances, including Popol Vuh by Kiin Wac and the Petatzecuaro folk ballet, along with music from Mariachi Tierra Maya, Frank Magaña and Nova Music. The program closes with regional comedy theater.

Sunday: books, puppets and catrina awards

On Sunday, October 25, the Explanada de la Bandera will host the presentation of the book Décimas del alebrije by Ramón Iván Suárez Caamal, puppet theater, and the folk ballet of ITCH, the Chetumal Institute of Technology.

Organizers will also hand out awards for the Tapete de las Ánimas contest and the sixth edition of the Catrinas y Catrines 2026 competition.

Throughout the Chetumal dates, visitors can browse painting workshop stalls, skull exhibitions, the “Sabor a Tierra Santa” food pavilion and the “Bazarcito de las Ánimas” market.

Bacalar lineup on October 30

The Bacalar program is concentrated on Friday, October 30, starting at 5:00 p.m. at the Domo Artesanal. It includes cartonería and recycling workshops, food tastings, screenings from the Cine Janal circuit, and music from Tihorappers and Nova Music.

Organizers said the free, public festival aims to strengthen the intangible cultural heritage of southern Quintana Roo.