Free Janal Pixan 2025 Events in Quintana Roo

QUINTANA ROO, Mexico — The state of Quintana Roo is preparing to celebrate Janal Pixan 2025, the ancestral Maya tradition that honors the souls of the departed with altars, offerings, and cultural festivals. A detailed program of free activities, including workshops, exhibitions, and festivals, has been announced for the municipalities of Cancún, Chetumal, Cozumel, and others throughout October and November.

An Ancestral Tradition of Remembrance

Janal Pixan is an ancestral Maya tradition originating from the Yucatán Peninsula, whose name translates to “food of the souls” or “nourishment of the spirits.” This celebration, equivalent to the Day of the Dead, consists of the preparation of altars, offerings, and typical dishes to honor deceased loved ones, based on the belief that during these days the souls return to commune with their families.

The celebration takes place from October 31 to November 2, with each day dedicated to different groups of the deceased: the first day to children, the second to adults, and the third to all souls in general, reaffirming the spiritual bond between the living and those who have passed.

Schedule of Events for Janal Pixan 2025

Through its social media channels, the Government of Quintana Roo has released a series of events that will be held this October and November in the state for the Janal Pixan festivities. The following highlighted activities are not to be missed:

Festivals and Exhibitions

• Calaveras de Coco – Casa de la Cultura de Holbox – October 24 – 18:00 h
• "Día de Muertos" – Escuela Estatal de Danza Chetumal – October 29 – 18:00 h
• Festival de Día de Muertos entre Flores y Colores – Casa de la Cultura de Cancún – October 29 – 19:00 h
• Festival Cultural, Muestras Plásticas de Pintura y Altares de Muerto "Almas Floridas" – Casa de la Cultura de Cozumel – October 29 – 19:00 h
• Janal Pixan o Comida de las Animas – Museo de la cultura Maya en Chetumal – October 31 – 9:00 to 17:00 h
• Exposición de Altares de Muerto "Cruce de Almas" – Casa de la Cultura de Calderitas – October 31 – 17:00 h
• Altar de Recuerdos U K'UCHUL PIXANO'OB – Museo de la Guerra de Castas en Felipe Carrillo Puerto – October 23 – 14:00 h
• Altares de Muerto, Música y Expresiones Culturales Un Viaje al mas allá – Casa de la Cultura de Chetumal – October 31 – 18:00 h
• Exposición de Altares de Muerto Voces de la Eternidad – Casa de la Cultura de Felipe Carrillo Puerto – October 31 – 19:00 h
• Exposición de Altares de Muerto Janal Pixan – Casa de la Cultura de Chunhuhup – October 31 – 19:00 h
• Exposición de Altares de Muerto Janal Pixan – Casa de la Cultura de Holbox – October 31 – 19:00 h
• Muestra Escultórica La Muerte se Pinta Sola por Rosa María de Jesús Burillo Velazco – Museo de la Cultura Maya en Chetumal – November 11 to 30 – 9:00 to 17:00 h

Workshops

• Taller Artesanal de Catrinas Mexicanas – Casa de la Cultura de Felipe Carrillo Puerto – October 4-25 – 12:00 h
• Taller de Catrinas en Dueto Celebrando la Vida – Casa de la Cultura de Calderitas – October 6-31 – 17:00 h
• Taller Intensivo Fabricación Catrinas y Catrines – Casa de la Cultura de Cancún – October 13-29 – 16:00 h and 18:00 h
• Taller de Elaboración de Flores de Cempasuchil – Escuela de Teatro y Estimulación Creativa de Chetumal – October 20-31 – 16:00 h
• Taller de Elaboración de Catrinas – Escuela Estatal de Artes Plásticas en Chetumal – October 20-31 – 16:00 h

Cancún Seeks UNESCO Recognition for Janal Pixan

The Janal Pixán festival, one of the most representative celebrations of the Benito Juárez municipality, continues on its path toward recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, although the process could extend for up to two more years, according to Carlos López, director of the Institute of Culture and the Arts.

This traditional homage to the faithful departed, distinguished by its altars, offerings, and Maya rituals, seeks an international declaration that would contribute to preserving its cultural roots and disseminating its importance in Quintana Roo and the Yucatán Peninsula.

López explained that the application must meet demanding international criteria, including demonstrating the authenticity, historical relevance, and community roots of Janal Pixán, fundamental aspects for UNESCO to include it on its list of cultural heritage.