Mexican Day of The Dead: Altars and Traditions

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.