In Yucatán, Janal Pixan—meaning “Food for the Souls” in Maya—is more than a holiday. It is a deeply rooted tradition that blends ancient Maya beliefs with Catholic practices introduced during the colonial era. Known widely as Día de Muertos, this celebration honors loved ones who have passed, welcoming them back with offerings of food, flowers, music, and prayers.
Here in Mérida, the Festival de las Ánimas 2025 brings this tradition to life through parades, monumental altars, dances, and cultural events across the city. From October 25 to November 2, locals and visitors alike can immerse themselves in Yucatán’s unique way of celebrating life, death, and memory.
At MID CityBeat, we’ve covered Mérida’s Janal Pixan celebrations for years—from the Paseo de las Ánimas parade, with its candle-lit streets and painted faces, to the delicious Mucbipollo fair celebrating the traditional tamale only made during this time. This year promises the same vibrant energy with an expanded calendar of events that fill the city with color, music, and remembrance.
Festival de las Ánimas 2025 – Full Calendar of Events
October 25
- Lighting of the Ánimas – 7:00 p.m., Parque de San Juan
- Mexican Night for Día de Muertos – 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Remate Paseo de Montejo
October 26
- Mucbipollo Fair (traditional tamale fair) – 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Barrio de San Sebastián
- Inauguration of the Monumental Altar – 6:00 p.m., Plaza Grande
October 27
- Cemetery Tour – 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Cementerio General (Limited Capacity)
- Vaquería de las Ánimas traditional dance – 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Under the Municipal Palace
October 28
- Pixán Peek – 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Fraccionamiento Las Américas
- Mexico & Its Traditions – 8:00 p.m., Centro Municipal de Danza
October 29
- Rodada de Ánimas (Bicycle Ride) – 8:00 p.m., Parque de la Ermita to Cementerio General
October 30
- Pixán Paalal – 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Parque La Visita
- Paseo in Plaza La Isla – 6:00 p.m., Plaza La Isla
October 31
- Paseo de las Ánimas Main Parade – 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Parks of San Juan, La Ermita, and Cementerio General
November 1
- Desfile de Catrinas (Catrina Parade) – 7:00 p.m., From Plaza Grande to Paseo de Montejo
- 1st Monumental Altar Offering – 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Plaza Grande
- Camino Misterioso de Misné Balam – 6:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m., Xcunya
November 2
- Vaquería de Ánimas traditional dance in San José Tzal – 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Comisaría San José Tzal
- 2nd Monumental Altar Offering – 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Plaza Grande
Why It Matters
Every year, Janal Pixan reminds us of Yucatán’s rich cultural heritage—its ability to embrace the cycles of life and death with respect, artistry, and joy. It’s a chance to taste traditional flavors like mucbipollo, watch the streets light up with candles and music, and witness centuries-old dances passed from one generation to the next.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have joined the celebrations before (check out our previous MID CityBeat coverage on Paseo de las Ánimas and Mucbipollo Traditions), the Festival de las Ánimas 2025 is a must-experience cultural event in Mérida.
