Puerto Morelos is preparing for its annual Day of the Dead celebration with the "Mar de Almas" Janal Pixan 2026 festival. Mayor Blanca Merari Tziu Muñoz has invited everyone to join the events on October 24 and November 1-2.

This festival is a way to keep local traditions alive. It helps share the town's cultural identity with new generations.

A Mix of Maya and Mexican Traditions

Day of the Dead in the Yucatán Peninsula has its own special character. It combines the national holiday with the regional Maya tradition known as Janal Pixan, which means "food for the souls".

Janal Pixan is a spiritual time when families welcome the souls of their loved ones. They build altars with food, candles, and flowers to honor them. In Puerto Morelos, these Maya traditions are an important part of the community celebrations.

Festival Events and Processions

The "Mar de Almas" festival will feature a variety of events. There will be boat processions along the coast, which is a unique part of the celebration in Puerto Morelos. There will also be walking processions, concerts, and cultural ceremonies.

Another celebration, "Alma & Raíz," will take place in the nearby community of Leona Vicario on October 30. This event will include a procession from the cemetery to the main square and a special Maya ceremony.

Contests and How to Participate

The festival includes several contests for residents and businesses. Competitions will be held for decorated boats, building facades, and handmade Catrinas and alebrijes. There will also be a contest for the best Catrina and Catrin costumes.

Prizes for the decorated boat contest include 19,000 pesos for first place. The decorated facades contest offers a top prize of 10,000 pesos. For handmade Catrinas and alebrijes, the first-place winner will receive 7,000 pesos.

Registration is open at the Municipal Institute of Culture and Arts through October 23, 2026, according to municipal announcements.