Call us: +52 951 557 4025

Mexican Day of The Dead: Altars and Traditions

A place full of tradition

2024-07-29

autumn is approaching with its gentle breeze and the promise of traditions that fill the soul with color and meaning. Among these traditions, the Día de Muertos in Mexico stands out as an emblematic celebration that roots Mexicans in a profound respect and connection with their ancestors.

In Mexico, this festivity is not just a moment to remember those who are no longer with us, but a true celebration of life and death. The altars are filled with marigold flowers, candles, and offerings that invite the spirits to return home, if only for a night.

The Mexican Day of the Dead is a festival that transforms sadness into joy, mourning into vivid colors, and silence into music and laughter. It is a rich and profound cultural manifestation that has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The celebration, which has its roots in ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, has evolved over time, blending pre-Hispanic and Christian elements, to become one of the most beloved and representative traditions of the country.

Celebrations of Día de Muertos in Mérida

A Meeting of Tradition and Remembrance

The Día de Muertos in Mérida, Yucatán offers a unique and authentic experience, full of fervor and tradition. In this city, the streets and plazas are adorned to honor the deceased with magnificently decorated altars and rituals that reflect a deep connection to the past. Mérida, with its rich cultural heritage, becomes the perfect setting for this festivity, where every corner tells a story and every offering is a tale of love and memory.

During Mexican Day of the Dead or Día de Muertos in Yucatán:

Altars in Homes and Public Spaces: Families prepare altars adorned with photographs, food, drinks, and objects significant to their loved ones. Cempasúchil Flowers: Their vibrant orange color guides the spirits back home. Copal and Candles: Purify and light the way for the spirits. In the heart of the city, in plazas like Plaza Grande and the Santiago neighborhood, you can see impressive community altars and participate in cultural activities that celebrate life and death.

Outstanding Activities during Day of the Dead 2024

Paseo de las Ánimas: A nighttime procession in which participants, dressed in traditional Yucatecan ternos and guayaberas and with their faces painted as catrinas and catrines, walk through the streets illuminated by hundreds of candles. This event is a tribute to the dead and, at the same time, a celebration of the art and living culture of Mérida.

Dance, Music and Theater Shows: They tell stories and legends of the region, creating a magical and moving atmosphere that invites you to connect with local traditions.

Hanal Pixan in Mérida: A journey into the Mayan traditions of the Day of the Dead.

Hanal Pixan, which in Yucatec Mayan language means "food of the souls", is a unique and symbolic holiday celebrated in the Yucatan Peninsula, especially in Merida, as a unique version of the Day of the Dead.

Hanal Pixan takes place from October 31 to November 2, partially coinciding with the dates of the national Day of the Dead. During these days, the return of the souls of the departed is commemorated to visit their relatives and enjoy the ofrendas that are lovingly prepared for them.

Distinctive elements:

Altars: The altars of Hanal Pixan are colorful and elaborate, adorned with white tablecloths, cempasúchil flowers, photos of the deceased, crosses, candles, and of course, the ofrendas.

Offerings: The offerings are the heart of Hanal Pixan. Typical dishes of the region are prepared, such as pib, mucbipollo, tamales, atole, and the traditional "balché", a drink made from honey and tree bark. It is believed that the aroma of these offerings guides the souls back home.

Ritual: Hanal Pixan begins with the cleaning of the house and the preparation of the altars. Candles are lit and prayers are said to welcome the souls. During the following days, families gather to share offerings and remember their loved ones.

Differences between Hanal Pixan and Day of the Dead:

While Hanal Pixan shares some similarities with Day of the Dead celebrated in the rest of Mexico, it also has notable differences:

Roots: Hanal Pixan is purely Mayan in origin, while Day of the Dead in Mexico is a blend of pre-Hispanic and Catholic traditions.

Name: In Yucatan, the holiday is known as Hanal Pixan, while in the rest of the country it is called Day of the Dead. Offerings: Hanal Pixan offerings are distinguished by the presence of typical Yucatecan dishes such as pib and mucbipollo, which are not as common in other regions. Environment: Hanal Pixan has a more solemn and family atmosphere, while Day of the Dead in other regions may have a more festive character and with a greater presence of decorative elements.

Events in Mérida for Day of the Dead 2024:

Mérida, the Yucatecan capital, dresses up during Hanal Pixan with various cultural events celebrating this tradition: Gastronomic samples: Tastings of typical Hanal Pixan dishes and Yucatecan cooking workshops. Visits to cemeteries: Cemeteries are decorated with flowers and offerings, and guided tours are organized to learn about Maya funeral traditions.

“For Mexicans, death is not the end, but a return home. The Day of the Dead is a bridge between two worlds, a tribute full of love and color.”

A journey into traditions, stay at Künük Hotel Boutique during Day of the Dead 2024.

Discovering the Day of the Dead in Merida is an experience that goes beyond being a mere spectator. It is an invitation to immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of Yucatan, to feel the pulse of a city that celebrates life in every corner. And to make your visit an even more memorable experience, Künük Hotel Boutique offers you a refuge full of history and charm.

Our hotel, located in the heart of the historic center of Mérida, is much more than a place to rest. It is a space where tradition and modernity meet, creating an atmosphere of comfort. Every corner of Künük Hotel Boutique is designed to offer you a unique experience, from our elegant rooms to our lush gardens, where you can relax and connect with nature.

Staying at Künük Hotel Boutique is to embark on a journey that celebrates both the past and the present. Explore the history-filled streets of Mérida, enjoy authentic Yucatecan cuisine, and participate in the Mexican Day of the Dead festivities.

Our hotel is the perfect starting point to experience this tradition in a full and enriching way. We invite you to be part of this unique celebration and discover the magic of Merida with us.