Janal Pixen: A Taste of Mayan Tradition in Quintana Roo

For many expats and tourists in Puerto Morelos, the vibrant celebrations of Día de los Muertos are a familiar sight across Mexico.

 

However, in the Yucatán Peninsula, including our beautiful state of Quintana Roo, a unique and deeply rooted Mayan tradition unfolds: Janal Pixen (sometimes spelled Hanal Pixán).

 

This ancient observance, meaning "food for the souls" in the Mayan language, offers a profound glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region, distinct yet complementary to the broader Mexican Day of the Dead.

 

What's in a Name? The Meaning of Janal Pixen

 

The name Janal Pixen itself tells a significant part of the story. "Janal" translates to food, and "Pixen" (pronounced peesh-awn) refers to the soul or spirit.

 

For the Maya, the pixan is more than just a soul; it is the vital essence, a gift from the gods that forms human life, energy, and strength.

 

It is believed that after physical death, the pixan continues its journey, and during Janal Pixen, these souls are invited back to the earthly realm to reunite with their loved ones and partake in a special feast.

 

A History Rooted in Mayan Beliefs

 

The origins of Janal Pixen are deeply intertwined with ancient Mayan cosmology. Unlike the Aztec-influenced Día de los Muertos, which also honors the deceased, Janal Pixen maintains its distinct Mayan rituals and beliefs.

 

The Maya traditionally believed that the worlds of the living, the dead, and the gods were connected by sacred pathways, often visualized as serpents. The pixanes travel these paths, guided by ceremonial rituals and prayers.

 

When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they introduced Christianity, and while many Mayan practices were suppressed, the honoring of ancestors persisted.

 

The dates of Janal Pixen eventually aligned with the Christian Allhallowtide (October 31st to November 2nd), allowing the Mayan traditions to continue, often subtly integrating new elements while preserving their core essence.

 

Traditions and Celebrations in Quintana Roo

 

Janal Pixen is a multi-day celebration, typically observed from October 31st to November 2nd, though specific customs can vary.

 

It's a time of joyous remembrance, not sadness, where families actively prepare for the return of their beloved ancestors.

 

The Altar of Souls (Ofrenda)

 

Central to Janal Pixen is the construction of an elaborate altar, or ofrenda, in homes. These altars are meticulously decorated and laden with offerings to welcome the returning souls. Key elements often include:

 

• An Arch: Symbolizing the entrance to the underworld.
• Cempasúchil Flowers (Marigolds): Their vibrant colors and strong scent are believed to guide the souls to the altar.
• Candles: To light the way for the spirits.
• Incense: To purify the space and aid in communication.
• Calaveras (Sugar Skulls): Often personalized with names, representing the deceased.
• Photographs and Personal Items: Reminders of the loved ones being honored.
• Food and Drink: The most crucial element, as Janal Pixen means "food for the souls."

 

Notably, in some Mayan traditions, photographs of the deceased are not placed on the altar until a year after their passing, and the food offerings are not touched by the living until the souls have had their fill.

 

The Feast for the Souls: Pib

 

Food plays an incredibly significant role, with special dishes prepared to entice the spirits home. The undisputed star of the Janal Pixen culinary offerings is mukbilpollo, more commonly known as pib.

 

This savory tamal, made with corn masa (dough), chicken and/or pork, and traditional spices, is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an underground oven called a píib.

 

The aroma of pib wafting through the air is an iconic scent of the season.

 

Other offerings include xe’ek’ (a jicama and citrus salad), pibinal (corn cooked in the píib), calabaza melada (candied pumpkin), fresh atole (a corn-based drink), hot chocolate, and various traditional sweets and breads.

 

These dishes are placed on the altar, and after the souls are believed to have enjoyed their essence, the living family and friends share the meal, strengthening their bonds and connection to their heritage.

 

A Three-Day Journey

 

The celebrations unfold over three days, each with a specific focus:

 

• October 31st (U Hanal Palal): Dedicated to the souls of children who have passed.
• November 1st (U Hanal Nucuch Uinicoob): Honors the adult souls.
• November 2nd (U Hanal Pixanoob): A general day of remembrance for all departed souls, often culminating in a special mass.

 

 

Janal Pixen vs. Día de los Muertos

 

While both traditions honor the dead, Janal Pixen is distinct. It is the Mayan version of remembering ancestors, celebrated exclusively in the Yucatán Peninsula (Yucatán, Campeche, and Quintana Roo).

 

While Día de los Muertos is celebrated throughout Mexico, often with parades and vibrant public displays,

 

Janal Pixen tends to be a more intimate, family-centered observance, though public events like Mérida's "Paseo de las Ánimas" have grown in popularity.

 

Embracing the Spirit of Janal Pixen

 

For those living in or visiting Puerto Morelos and Quintana Roo, understanding Janal Pixen offers a deeper appreciation of the local culture.

 

It's a powerful reminder of the enduring connection between the living and the departed, a celebration of life's continuity, and a testament to the resilience and beauty of Mayan traditions.

 

As the scents of pib fill the air and altars glow with candlelight, take a moment to reflect on this unique and heartfelt tribute to the souls who have journeyed before us.