Puerto Morelos Celebrates Day of the Dead Festivals

PUERTO MORELOS, Mexico — The government of Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, is preparing for two of its most significant competitions, both related to the celebration of Janal Pixan and Day of the Dead. The events consist of three separate calls for entries, inviting residents of the entity to demonstrate their creativity and honor their deceased loved ones. These celebrations of Mexican customs will take place in Puerto Morelos and in Leona Vicario, with each event held in designated special spaces.

Festival Alma y Raíz in Leona Vicario

In Leona Vicario, the Festival Alma y Raíz will take place, aiming to showcase the wealth of traditions in the state through various activities in which citizens can participate to demonstrate their capabilities and creativity.

Altar Contest at the Festival Alma y Raíz in Leona Vicario

This contest consists of the creation of traditional altars for the dead. It will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Main Park. The deadline for people to register is October 24, 2025. People of all ages may participate in teams of up to six members. The prizes to be awarded are as follows:

• First Place: 20,000 pesos
• Second Place: 15,000 pesos
• Third Place: 10,000 pesos

Catrina Costume Contest at the Festival Alma y Raíz in Leona Vicario

The Catrina costume and characterization contest will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Main Park. Any person of any age may participate. This is an individual contest. To enter, it is necessary to obtain a registration form, present an INE (voter ID), CURP (unique population registry code), and proof of address. The prizes will be as follows:

• First Place: 5,000 pesos
• Second Place: 3,000 pesos
• Third Place: 2,000 pesos

Monumental Alebrijes Contest at the Festival Alma y Raíz in Leona Vicario

The exhibition and contest for the creation of alebrijes is directed at groups, collectives, schools, and artisans of Leona Vicario. It will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, starting at 7:00 p.m. in the Park of the Delegation. Each piece must measure between 50 cm and 1 meter in height. The list of prizes is as follows:

• First Place: 3,000 pesos
• Second Place: 2,000 pesos
• Third Place: 1,000 pesos

Janal Pixan Events in Puerto Morelos at the "Mar de Almas" Festival

The festivities will continue in Puerto Morelos, where residents and locals will demonstrate their talent for converting public spaces into a work of art in motion.

Decorated Boat Contest at the "Mar de Almas" Festival

The decoration of vessels with Day of the Dead motifs will consist of the adaptation of these boats by their owners. It will take place on November 1 and 2, 2025, at the Main Pier. Interested parties have until October 17, 2025, to register. Fishing cooperatives, nautical service providers, or anyone who wishes may participate. An important note is that biodegradable or recyclable materials must be used, and each team covers its own expenses. The list of prizes is as follows:

• First Place: 19,000 pesos
• Second Place: 13,000 pesos
• Third Place: 8,000 pesos

Decorated Facade Contest at the "Mar de Almas" Festival

The decoration of business facades with a Day of the Dead theme will consist of adorning homes and establishments in allusion to the festivities. They must be decorated from October 25 to November 3, 2025. Registration is necessary between October 20 and October 26, 2025. Tenants and merchants from the main area of the Old Town of Puerto Morelos may participate. The prizes are as follows:

• First Place: 10,000 pesos
• Second Place: 5,000 pesos
• Third Place: 3,000 pesos

Catrina and Handcrafted Alebrijes Contest at the "Mar de Almas" Festival

The creation of handcrafted pieces is a contest that will be divided into two categories: Catrina and Alebrije. The registration period will be from October 3 to October 24, 2025. The deadline to deliver the piece is October 29, 2025. Any resident of Puerto Morelos may participate. The piece must measure between 50 cm and 1 meter in height. The list of prizes is as follows:

• First Place: 10,000 pesos
• Second Place: 7,000 pesos
• Third Place: 3,000 pesos

Monumental Catrinas Contest at the "Mar de Almas" Festival

The final event is the creation of large-format Catrinas. The registration deadline is Friday, October 24, 2025. These works will be exhibited on November 1 and 2, 2025. Only hotels located in Puerto Morelos may participate. The piece must have a minimum height of 3 meters and a maximum of 5 meters, and must be made with biodegradable materials resistant to the weather. A special recognition will be awarded to the best works.