Puerto Morelos Opens Janal Pixan 2026 ‘Mar de Almas’ Festival

Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo — Puerto Morelos has opened its Janal Pixan 2026 festival, “Mar de Almas” (Sea of Souls), a celebration that blends Maya ritual, art and community participation in one of the municipality’s most important cultural events of the year.

The festival, which seeks to preserve the ancestral customs linked to Day of the Dead and strengthen local identity, began at the Fishermen’s Pier, where Mayor Blanca Merari Tziu Muñoz received canoes arriving as an offering to Maya deities. A traditional ceremony led by a shaman named Marco opened the festivities, which pair Maya cosmology with the maritime character of this Caribbean destination.

In her remarks, the mayor said Janal Pixan offers a chance to preserve the community’s cultural roots while creating space for families to gather and boosting the local economy through the participation of artisans, vendors and tourism providers.

Contests and Artisan Exhibition

The program included competitions for decorated facades, catrinas, catrines and handcrafted alebrijes, showcasing the talent and creativity of residents of all ages. Twelve establishments took part in the facade category and eight contestants competed in the catrina and catrín categories, while 42 artisan pieces make up an exhibition at the Puerto Morelos Cultural Center and Museum.

Organizers said this year’s “Mar de Almas” theme is meant to consolidate a celebration that distinguishes Puerto Morelos through the richness of its traditions, the warmth of its people and the pride with which it shares its cultural heritage with domestic and international visitors.

Activities will continue over the coming days in both Puerto Morelos and Leona Vicario, keeping alive the cultural expressions that give the municipality its identity and reinforce a sense of belonging among younger generations.