Quintana Roo Governor Invites Families to First Janal Pixán Festival in Calderitas

Calderitas, Quintana Roo — Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa has invited Quintana Roo residents, tourists and visitors to the first Janal Pixán “Tradición Viva” celebration in the coastal community of Calderitas, scheduled for Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 with free admission.

Janal Pixán is the Maya tradition of honoring the dead, observed across the Yucatan Peninsula around the Day of the Dead. Lezama said the three-day event aims to preserve local customs and give families a chance to share one of the region’s most representative festivities.

Accompanied by Verónica Lezama Espinosa, honorary president of the DIF Quintana Roo family services agency, the governor said Calderitas will fill with color, music, flavors and cultural performances over the three days.

“In Quintana Roo, our traditions are lived, felt and carried in the heart. You can enjoy with your whole family culture, flavors, music and moments that connect us with our roots,” Lezama said.

Ánimas to Return to Chetumal Bay

Organizers said one of the main attractions will be the return of the ánimas — symbolic souls — sailing across Chetumal Bay, a spectacle that will be staged in Calderitas for the first time and is meant to keep alive the custom of remembering loved ones.

The program also includes:

• Parades of catrinas — elaborately dressed skeleton figures — and charanga bands
• Day of the Dead altars
• Music and Caribbean dance performances
• Storytelling and legends
• Craft sales and a wide sampling of regional food

Lezama said the festival is also an opportunity to encourage family gatherings, strengthen community ties and showcase Calderitas, a tourist spot on the shore of Chetumal Bay.

The governor reiterated that every activity is free and urged families from Chetumal, Calderitas and nearby communities, as well as visitors to southern Quintana Roo, to take part.

“Let’s make these dates an opportunity to share, to remember and celebrate what we are. Come with the whole family to Calderitas, Tradición Viva, and let’s enjoy Janal Pixán together,” she said.