Puerto Morelos to Host Mar de Almas Janal Pixan Festival for Day of the Dead

Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo — Mayor Blanca Merari Tziu Muñoz is inviting families in Puerto Morelos and visitors to take part in the “Mar de Almas” Janal Pixan 2026 festival, scheduled for October 24 and November 1 and 2, to preserve and strengthen Day of the Dead traditions and the town’s cultural identity.

“Mar de Almas is a celebration to reconnect with our roots, keep our traditions alive and share with new generations the pride of our identity,” the mayor said, stressing the importance of family participation in the planned activities.

Parades, Ceremonies and Contests

The program includes boat processions, a walking procession and canoes from Puerto Morelos, along with ceremonies and a cultural event. It also features contests for catrinas and catrines costumes, decorated facades, monumental catrinas, decorated boats, and artisanal catrinas and alebrijes.

Adriana Nava Gómez, director general of the Municipal Institute of Culture and Arts of Puerto Morelos, said registration is now open for the festival’s contests. Applicants can visit the institute’s offices from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a registration deadline of October 23, 2026.

The 2026 Decorated Boats Contest is aimed at the fishing and water-services community. Judges will evaluate creativity, folk art and the preservation of traditions. Vessels must be decorated with motifs related to the Day of the Dead without affecting navigation or the safety of their crews. In the open category, prizes are 19,000 pesos for first place, 13,000 for second and 8,000 for third.

Businesses and institutions may enter the Facades Contest under rules that require them to guarantee people’s safety and avoid blocking sidewalks, pedestrian access, roads and emergency exits. Prizes are 10,000, 5,000 and 3,000 pesos for first, second and third place, respectively.

For the Catrinas and Artisanal Alebrijes contest, participants may enter individually or as a team. Judges will assess the use of recyclable or natural materials, creativity and adherence to local traditions. Winners of first, second and third place will receive 7,000, 5,000 and 3,000 pesos.