Puerto Morelos’ Janal Pixan 2025: Sea of Souls

Puerto Morelos, Mexico — In a magical atmosphere filled with color, tradition, and profound respect for the memory of the faithful departed, the "Janal Pixan 2025, Sea of Souls, Tradition that Gives Life" festival was a resounding success. The event was led by Municipal President Blanca Merari Tziu Muñoz, who, along with more than 3,500 attendees, celebrated one of the most emblematic festivities of the Maya people and Mexican culture. The festival was organized by the Institute of Culture and the Arts.

The Fisherman's Wharf was the setting for an emotional tribute to the men of the sea, where 16 vessels adorned with lights and colorful decorations sailed in a procession through the Caribbean waters. They were accompanied by the voice of artist Ann Araujo, who delighted those present during the journey.

The participating ships were: Shark Tale, Little Catcher, Native 4, Shantal, The Kraken, Paula Ruby, Brian’s II, Breckos, Seven 1, Nemo, Jasiri, Rubí, Pixan Kay, Ponto´o, Pulguita, and Big Boss.

Wearing a black hipil embroidered with red flowers, Blanca Merari led the Procession of the Souls around the Founders' Park. She was accompanied by monumental catrinas and dozens of families who joined this traditional walk, which proceeded to the central kiosk where an altar was set up in homage to the founding families of Punta Corcho, now Puerto Morelos.

Father James Mulford blessed the altar and the festivities, noting that "this day is part of the path of our pilgrimage towards heaven."

During her address, Blanca Merari Tziu thanked the enthusiastic participation of the citizens and highlighted Puerto Morelos's pride in keeping its cultural heritage alive: "As a young municipality, but with a profound history, we wanted to honor the sea that sustains us and give thanks for life. This Janal Pixan is a demonstration of the respect with which we remember our deceased, and at the same time, a celebration that boosts our identity and strengthens the cultural appeal of Puerto Morelos."

Representing Governor Mara Lezama, the director of the State Commission for Regulatory Improvement, Mario Luévano Cataño, recognized the effort of the municipal authorities to preserve the roots of the Maya people: "In every altar, in every marigold flower, and in every lit candle, there is a story. The Janal Pixan reminds us that the essence of Quintana Roo is built with respect and pride. Puerto Morelos is an example of identity, human warmth, and community spirit," he stated.

Subsequently, the municipal president, along with invited authorities and the head of the Institute of Culture and the Arts, Adriana Nava Gómez, toured the representation of a traditional cemetery set up beside the park, as well as the monumental altars created by each secretariat and department of the City Council. Each one paid tribute to a different state of the Republic, showcasing its music, gastronomy, and Day of the Dead customs.

Among the represented states were Yucatán, Jalisco, Chiapas, Tlaxcala, Colima, Guanajuato, Campeche, Querétaro, and Puebla, among others.

On the main stage, dance schools and folk groups performed while attendees enjoyed local snacks and the works of local artisans. Twenty-five contestant pieces of alebrijes and catrinas were also exhibited, in addition to five monumental catrinas crafted by Hotel Ocean Coral & Turquesa, Cenote Zapote, Restaurante Vanguardia Residences, Restaurante Spaguettino, and Desarrolladora Vanguardia Residences.

The colorfulness of the Old Town was completed with the facade contest, in which 15 local businesses participated, demonstrating that the Puerto Morelos community lives its history and traditions with pride.

Finally, Blanca Merari Tziu Muñoz congratulated all participants for making this great festival possible and reaffirmed her commitment to cultural preservation: "Every year we aim for Janal Pixan to grow, to be lived with more pride, and to continue being a celebration that unites Puerto Morelos with its history, its sea, and its people. This festival is a reflection of who we are: a people that honors its past and celebrates life," she concluded.