What are the Hanal Pixan festivities, and why shouldn't you miss them?

What is Hanal Pixan?

Hanal Pixan, translated from Maya, means "soul food." This refers to the link of the food, the ritual involved in its preparation, for the offering to the souls of relatives who visit them during the last weeks of October and early November.

It is considered that they arrive during these dates due to the arrival of cold weather; hence it is established when temperatures begin to drop in the country. As we already know vaguely, the origin of these celebrations comes from the cosmology of pre-Hispanic cultures, in the case of Hanal Pixan, the Mayan civilization.

Mayan cosmology believed that life was represented in cycles based on the eternal movement of the celestial bodies. Likewise, they thought that our world was connected to that of the gods and the dead, and they even saw death as a new step towards a cycle of rebirth.

How to enjoy the Hanal Pixan festivities?

Suppose you want to know how to experience Hanal Pixan. In that case, you should start by booking a room in Mérida Hotels because this city is one of the most popular places to celebrate it, and it is also home to the biggest festivities in the state of Yucatán.

Hanal Pixan is celebrated from October 31 to November 2. Each night has a different celebration. The first night, Hanal palal, is intended to honor the children no longer with us. On November 1, o u hanal nucuch uinicoob tribute is paid to adults who have passed away. Finally, on November 2, u hanal pixanoob, a mass is held for all those who have passed away.

During these three days, different altars are built, and various celebrations are held. The fascinating thing about living these days of the festival is observing the differences in the altars each night, as they are dedicated to different loved ones.

The altars can be found all over town. The best ones are in the Plaza Grande and other public spaces. That is why staying in the hotels in the historical center of Mérida is the best way to enjoy these festivities.

You are also welcome to build your altar of the dead. To make it, you can find what you need at the Mercado Lucas de Gálvez.

Flower walk, a Hanal Pixan tradition.

The flower walk is a beautiful and colorful event. During it, more than 60,000 plants and flowers are displayed. All of these displays are made with the Hanal Pixan theme in mind. So it is a beautiful place to stroll around during these dates.

This event usually takes place in the Parque de La Paz, and the elaborate flower displays are held during the week of Hanal Pixan, from October 25 to November 2.

Paseo de las Ánimas.

The Paseo de las Ánimas is one of the best-known events of Hanal Pixan. It takes place on the Saturday before, but dates may vary. If you want to see it, remember the dates to book your stay at the Mérida Hotels correctly.

This year, the Paseo de las Ánimas will occur on October 28 at 9:00 pm. It begins at the Mérida General Cemetery. During the parade, there is music, and people usually dress in traditional attire with their faces painted like skulls.

If you wish to participate, before the parade begins, face painters are set up so that you can paint your face and not clash with the theme. The parade will end at San Juan Park, where the festivities will continue.