PUERTO MORELOS, Mexico — Mayor Blanca Merari Tziu Muñoz is calling on the community to participate in the "Janal Pixan 2025, Mar de Almas, Tradición que da Vida" festival, a celebration of the Day of the Dead featuring a procession of decorated boats on November 1 and 2.
A Celebration of Ancestral Traditions
The festival honors the Mexican tradition of the Day of the Dead, which pays tribute to the deceased with altars and offerings. Mayor Blanca Merari emphasized the importance of continuing this unique celebration.
"It is important that we continue to promote this celebration, which is unique in the world and is part of our ancestral cultures, mixing pre-Hispanic and Catholic elements, bringing families together to remember and receive the spirits of our loved ones who return during these days," stated Blanca Merari. "These events bring with them a boost to the local economy and social cohesion."
Adriana Nava Gómez, the Director of the Municipal Institute of Culture and Arts and the organizing body of the festival, announced that a call for entries has been launched for this edition of Janal Pixan 2025. The new proposal invites boat owners to participate in a two-day procession to illuminate the coast of Puerto Morelos for the enjoyment of residents and tourists.
Competition Guidelines and Prizes
The call for this decorated boat and vessel contest is open to fishing cooperatives, nautical service providers, sports clubs, and the general public.
"The boats must be decorated with Day of the Dead motifs, using materials that respect the marine environment, mainly avoiding plastics," she mentioned.
She added that registration must be completed at the Institute of Culture and Arts from 9:00 in the morning to 3:00 in the afternoon. The registration deadline is October 17. Furthermore, she stated that it is essential to have the participating vessel's documents in order and to present a report confirming the vessel is in seaworthy condition, guaranteeing the safety of all crew members.
"The event will feature a route along the malecón on November 1 and 2. On the final day, the winners will be announced, and we will symbolically present the prizes: 19,000 pesos for first place, 13,000 for second, and 8,000 for third," she highlighted.
Additional Festival Contests
Nava Gómez indicated that all hotels in the municipality have also been invited to participate in the creation of their Monumental Catrina. The requirements specify a minimum height of 3 meters and a maximum of 5 meters, constructed with biodegradable materials that are resistant to weather conditions. The pieces must be delivered by October 28, with the registration deadline for the contest being October 24.
Additionally, there will be a contest for artisan Catrinas and Alebrijes open to the public of all ages and with free technique. Participants can register until October 24 and must deliver their craft by October 29 as the final deadline. The prizes will be 10,000 pesos for first place, 7,000 for second, and 3,000 for third.
"To add color to our festival of souls, businesses in the main square of the Casco Antiguo are invited to participate in the Facade Decoration contest, which should follow our traditions for these Days of the Dead. They will also have prizes of 10,000, 5,000, and 3,000 pesos for the first three places," she emphasized.
Judging Criteria and Contact Information
Finally, the head of Culture and Arts in the municipality explained that entries will be judged on creativity and originality, the decoration theme related to the Day of the Dead, visual impact, the participant's message, and the use of sustainable materials. For more information, she indicated that a WhatsApp message should be sent to 9982912508.
"What we are looking for is for everyone to participate, and we want to offer our locals and tourists an unforgettable experience through such an imposing and important Mexican tradition as the Day of the Dead," she concluded.
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