Janal Pixan Special: Your Guide to Puerto Morelos

Your Weekly Window Into Paradise

Friday October 31, 2025

Trivia Question❓

What is the purpose of the altars created during
Janal Pixan (Day of the Dead)?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Day Of The Dead in Mexico | Celebration in Cancun and Xcaret Park | Dia de Muertos

👋 Welcome to this week’s Puerto Morelos Insider

Hola, Puerto Morelos!

This is a truly special week as we dive deep into the heart of Janal Pixan, the Yucatecan Maya celebration of Day of the Dead.

Get ready to experience the magic, beauty, and heartfelt traditions that make this time of year so unique in Puerto Morelos. 

From the enchanting Mar de Almas festival and its breathtaking boat parade to the hidden gems of the Ruta de Altares, we've got your insider guide to the local traditions of honoring ancestors and celebrating life. 

Plus, we're shining a spotlight on a fantastic local eatery, Maíz Maix, local Halloween parties, and introduce you to Nina, a sweet pup looking for her forever home. 

Let’s dive into what’s happening this week — and we’ll see you out on the town!

Photo Of The Week

Día de los Muertos Alebrije in CDMX

Featured Photo by Michael Huie

Send us your favorite photos: photos@puertomorelosinsider.com

Best Bets For Your Week

1. Mar de Almas: Janal Pixan Festival & Boat Parade 💀

Get ready for the most enchanting and vibrant celebration of the year! The Mar de Almas (Sea of Souls) festival is Puerto Morelos' incredible Janal Pixan (Day of the Dead) event, bringing together the community to honor ancestors with beauty and tradition.

You'll see stunning altars adorned with marigolds, candles, and offerings, taste traditional foods, and experience cultural performances. 

But the absolute highlight is the Boat Parade!

Decorated boats, often lit with candles and adorned with flowers, gently float along the coast, creating a truly magical "Sea of Souls" as they honor those who have passed.

It's a deeply meaningful and visually spectacular festival that you absolutely don't want to miss!

Dates: November 1st and 2nd, 2025
Time: Events begin in the afternoon and continue into the evening.
Location: Main square (Parque Fundadores) and the pier.
Admission: Free

More Info: Puerto Morelos Day of the Dead Festival 2025 | Janal Pixan Puerto Morelos Schedule 2025

2. Ruta de Altares & Muertobus

Want to see the most beautiful altars across Puerto Morelos? Hop on the "Muertobus" for the Ruta de Altares (Route of Altars)!

This special tour takes you to various homes, businesses, and community spaces where families and locals have lovingly created their ofrendas for Janal Pixan.

It's a unique opportunity to witness the diverse traditions and personal touches that make each altar special, all from the comfort of a guided bus. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture and see the town's vibrant spirit of remembrance.

Dates: November 1st and 2nd, 2025
MuertoBus departure times: 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM, and 8:30 PM (weather permitting)

Starting point: Parque de la Colonia, in Puerto Morelos

Admission: Free
NOTE: You can join the line on site or reserve your spot via WhatsApp +52 998 414 1275

More Info: Puerto Morelos Janal Pixan Route of Altars 2025 | Muertobús Route Map

3. 🎃👻 Halloween Party at Live Music Hall 👻🎃

This October 31st, get ready to rock and roll into the spookiest night of the year at Live Music Hall! Join the ultimate Halloween celebration with electrifying live rock music that will keep you dancing all night long.

Don't forget to dress in your most creative or terrifying costume for a chance to win exciting prizes in their thrilling costume contest!

Plus, you can savor special Halloween-themed cocktails and enjoy exclusive drink promotions throughout the evening. Gather your friends and make it a spooktacular night of music, fun, and surprises the Live Music Hall way!

Date: October 31, 2025
Time: Starting at 8:00 PM 
Location: Live Music Hall, Puerto Morelos
Admission: $100 MXN (free drink if wearing a costume)

Weekly Weather

Local Business Spotlight

Maíz Maix

This charming Puerto Morelos eatery is celebrated for its truly authentic Mexican cuisine, where every dish tells a story of tradition and passion.

What makes them unique? They're known for their incredible homemade flavors, with many locals raving about dishes that taste just like abuela (grandma) used to make.

They even feature delicious homemade pastas with a Mexican twist, showing off their creative flair while staying true to their roots.

Beyond the food, the staff are super friendly and make everyone welcome, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that keeps people coming back again and again.

And for a can't-miss treat, many folks are raving about their amazing cocktails, especially the frozen daiquiris – described as some of the best ever!

So, whether you're craving classic Mexican comfort food or a refreshing drink, Maíz Maix is a must-visit.

What People Are Saying:

"The food and cocktails are amazing. One of the best frozen daiquiri’s I’ve ever had! Staff are so friendly and the prices are good." - Sacha R. (Tripadvisor)

"Excellent service, excellent food - hands down the best mole in town!" - Laura P. (Facebook)

"Food was Excellent! Service is great. The entire staff is wonderful. Jimena was our server and was perfect. We had the grouper and birria tacos. Delicious."  - Amy T. (Tripadvisor)

"We ate here for the first time today during a rainstorm. We had enchiladas, guacamole and chips, the food was fantastic and the owner Freddy (Alfredo) was wonderful, we will be back for sure! Thanks guys!" - Sabrina A. (Google review)

Location: Niños Heroes 24, 77580 Puerto Morelos (across from Local Coffee shop)
Hours: 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily
Phone/WhatsApp: +52 998 222 0745
Email: maizmaix2@gmail.com

👉 Insider Tip:

Regulars know to ask the friendly staff about any "especiales del día" (daily specials) that aren't written down.  These off-menu items are often the most exciting and showcase the chef's passion. It's a little secret that guarantees a fresh and delightful surprise!

Visit Maíz Maix on Facebook

Portside Perspective

"In the hearts of those we love,
the dead are never truly gone."
   

~ Traditional Mexican saying for Día de Muertos/Janal Pixan

Insider Tip: Pibipollo

Seek Out the Pibipollo (or Mucbilpollo) Early in the Morning! 🥧

This isn't just any tamal; it's a special, large, savory corn masa pie baked in the ground (or a traditional oven) only for Janal Pixan. 

It's a true Yucatecan delicacy! The best ones sell out fast.

Head to the local markets in La Colonia or ask around at small cocinas económicas (local eateries) early on November 1st or 2nd.

Pibipollo is the more commonly used Spanish term, and Mucbilpollo is the Yucatec Maya term for the same dish.

If you see a place with a smoky aroma and banana leaves, you're probably in the right spot! Prices vary, but expect around $150-$250 MXN for a good-sized portion.

Local Matters

Puerto Morelos Transforms for "Mar de Almas" Festival:
Janal Pixán - Day of the Dead 2025

Get ready, Puerto Morelos! Your town is preparing for the "Mar de Almas" Festival, a big Day of the Dead celebration known as Janal Pixan.

It's a special time to honor loved ones who have passed, filled with color, creativity, and community spirit. This year's festival promises to be more vibrant than ever.

One unique event is the Decorated Boat Contest, where fishing boats will be adorned with Day of the Dead themes. These beautiful boats will be on display at the main pier on November 1st and 2nd, 2025.

The charming Old Town will also get festive with a Decorated Facade Contest. Local businesses and homes will decorate their buildings from October 25th to November 3rd, 2025.

There are also art contests for handcrafted Catrinas and Alebrijes, which must be between 50 centimeters and 1 meter tall. Hotels will create amazing Monumental Catrinas, standing up to 5 meters tall, displayed on November 1st and 2nd.

Come enjoy the beauty and spirit of Janal Pixan!

Read More...

Janal Pixen:
A Taste of Mayan Tradition in Quintana Roo

Janal Pixen, meaning “food for the souls” in Mayan, is the Yucatán Peninsula’s deeply rooted version of Día de los Muertos.

Unlike the Aztec-influenced celebration found across Mexico, Janal Pixen preserves ancient Mayan beliefs about the journey of the soul (pixan), honoring ancestors through food and ritual. 

Families in Quintana Roo and beyond build elaborate *ofrendas* adorned with marigolds, candles, incense, and traditional dishes like "mucbipollo" (pib) — a savory tamal cooked underground in a "píib" oven.

The three-day celebration runs from October 31 to November 2, with each day dedicated to children, adults, and all departed souls. 

More intimate than the national Día de los Muertos, Janal Pixen centers on family gatherings and shared meals that connect the living with their ancestors.

It reflects the enduring strength of Mayan culture — blending pre-Hispanic spirituality with Christian influences while maintaining its heartfelt focus on remembrance, gratitude, and the continuity of life.

Read More...

Janal Pixán Puerto Morelos Schedule 2025 -
Mar de Almas Festival

Puerto Morelos is set to host its annual Janal Pixán, or Mayan Day of the Dead, celebration with the "Mar de Almas" festival on November 1st and 2nd.

The weekend kicks off on Saturday with a decorated boat contest and a procession from the main pier, followed by a "Procession of Souls" and an Alebrijes and Catrinas contest in the old town square.

Cultural events, local dance groups, and live music will fill the evening. Sunday continues with more boat activities and another "Procession of Souls."

The festival will also feature a message from the Mayor, an award ceremony for contest winners, and a final musical performance, offering a rich experience of community and tradition.

Click the Read More to see the full schedule

Read More...

Experience the Magical Janal Pixan
"Route of the Altars" in Puerto Morelos

Get ready for a special event in Puerto Morelos called "Janal Pixan La Ruta de los Altares," or "The Route of the Altars."

This is a beautiful Mayan celebration of the Day of the Dead, now in its seventh year. Families create colorful altars to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away.

You can explore these amazing altars by riding the free "Muertobús." It runs on November 1 and 2, departing from Parque de la Colonia at 6:00 pm, 7:30 pm, and 8:30 pm.

You can also walk the route to see the glowing altars up close, which begin to light up around 6:00 pm.

This event highlights the strong community spirit of Puerto Morelos. Local families pour their hearts into making these altars, keeping cherished traditions alive for everyone to enjoy.

Families can even register their altars for a chance to win prizes. Don't miss this memorable celebration of life and culture!

Read More...

Adoptable Furry Friend

Hi, I'm Nina! I'm Looking for My Forever Home

My name is Nina, and I'm a sweet 3 month old puppy who was rescued from the streets. 

I'm healthy, calm, and SO ready to find a family who will love me. I promise I'm worth it!

I don't chew on furniture, I use my pads like a good girl, and I walk nicely on my leash. I love to play and run around, but I also love to rest quietly next to my person.

I get a little scared sometimes, but once I know you love me, I'm the most affectionate and loyal pup you could ask for.

I've had my first vaccination and two complete dewormings, so I'm ready to go.

My foster hooman will provide 8 kg of food, toys, leash, pads, and my little house for my new forever friend.

Want to meet me? Contact my foster hooman on WhatsApp.

Can't wait to meet you! 🐾

Contact: WhatsApp +52 984 879 6030

What's On Tap

Special Events:

Mar de Almas: Janal Pixan Festival & Boat Parade - Nov 1,2 at main square and pier

Ruta de Altares & Muertobus - Nov 1,2 at Parque de la Colonia
‘Entre Dos Mundos': Dia de los Muertos Show - Oct 31 - Nov 2 at La Sirena from 8pm to 9pm

Halloween Events:
Halloween Party at Live Music Hall - 8pm Friday Oct 31
Halloween Party at La Sirena - 9pm Friday Oct 31
Costume Contest at Diving Bar - 4pm Sunday Nov 2
La Sirena

Friday, Oct 31
Micheladas: Zapata 6:30 pm
Cantina Habanero: live music 7:30pm
LIVE Music Hall: Halloween Party 8pm
La Sirena: Halloween Party with 2 bands 9pm
Micheladas: Talla Musical 10:30pm

Saturday, Nov 1
Unico Beach Club: live music 4pm
Micheladas: Cherry Lovers 6:30pm
LIVE Music Hall: DJ Leo 7pm
Tulipan: Karaoke Night 8pm–10pm
LIVE Music Hall: Black Jam 8pm
La Sirena: Reggae 9pm
Micheladas: Kramel Y Su Team 10:30pm
 

Sunday, Nov 2
Diving Bar: Makurumbe 2pm
Diving Bar: Halloween Costume Contest 4pm
Unico Beach Club: live music 4pm
Micheladas: Excess 4:30pm
Muses Restaurant: live music 7:30pm
Micheladas: Crist Project 8pm
LIVE Music Hall: live rock music 9:00pm
La Sirena: Flamenco Night with Puerto Malix 8pm

Happy Hours
Blue Morelos: All day, every day
Dai Smokehouse: Tue-Thu 3pm-6pm
Don Ernestos: Daily 3pm-4pm and 6pm-7pm
El Refugio: M,W,Th 6pm-8pm
Habeneros: Daily 2pm-4pm
La Sirena: Mon-Fri 4pm–6pm
Micheladas: Daily 12pm-3pm
Lola y Moya: Daily 6pm-8pm
My Paradise: Daily 3pm-6pm
Portside PM: Daily 3pm-6pm
Restaurante Chilam Balam: Daily 3pm-5pm 
Tulipan: Wed-Fri 4pm-7pm

Ongoing Classes
Villas la Playa: Mosaic Art Class Friday 4pm
La Sirena: Free Salsa Lessons Friday 8pm
Parque Fundadores: Zumba class Saturday 8am
El Pirata: Paella Cooking Class with Chef Karla Romo 4pm
Casa de la Cultura: Pilates – Friday & Monday 7am–8:30am
Casa de la Cultura: Salsa Lessons – Monday & Wednesday evenings
Mexico Lindo Cooking: Cooking Classes – Daily 10:30am–3:30pm

Local Outdoor Markets
Town Square: Artisan & Food Market – Friday & Saturday 3pm–10pm
Town Square: Farmers Market – Wednesday 8am–1:30pm

Send us your event: events@puertomorelosinsider.com

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

To offer food, drinks, and other items to deceased family and friends to maintain the link between the living and the dead