Your Weekly Window Into Paradise Friday October 30, 2026 |
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We’re heading into one of the most memorable weekends of the year in Puerto Morelos. Alongside Halloween, we have Día de Muertos, Mar de Almas ("Sea of Souls”), and Janal Pixán, the Maya tradition of remembering departed loved ones.
If you have never seen the beautiful altars, elaborate Catrina costumes, decorated boat procession and colorful alebrijes, those fantastical creatures of Mexican folk art, you are in for a treat. This week’s picks and guides will help you decide where to go and what to see.
As you enjoy the celebrations, please remember that this is a meaningful time for families honoring loved ones who are no longer with them. Halloween brings a different, more playful party atmosphere, and there is room to enjoy both with a little understanding and respect.
There is good news on the food and music front, too: our friends at Lonchería Sandro have reopened, and Cielito Lindo Food Market is back under new management. Stop by both for a bite and some live music.
Puerto Morelos has so much to offer. Aren’t you glad you discovered it? See you out on the town! 😎 |
This Week’s Insider Picks |
1. 🕯️ Entre Dos Mundos: Between Two Worlds at La Sirena
La Sirena’s rooftop becomes the setting for a 50-minute Día de Muertos performance told through dance, original music and handmade costumes. Across three acts, Entre Dos Mundos explores memory and the connection between the living and those we remember.
The costumes are by designer Anthony Manfredonia, with choreography by Javier González, a former director of choreography at Xcaret. With just 50 seats per night, this is an intimate way to experience a theatrical tribute to the season.
Tickets must be reserved online in advance. Last year’s performances sold out, so book ahead if this is on your weekend list.
Date: Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, 2026 Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; show at 7 p.m. Location: La Sirena rooftop, El Puerto Admission: Adults $800 MXN; children 12 and under $400 MXN. Includes a welcome drink. Reservations: Reserve your tickets online More Info: Show details and artist spotlight
2. 🛶 Mar de Almas & Janal Pixán: Sunday on the Waterfront
Sunday brings one of the season’s most distinctive evenings to the waterfront, with decorated fishing boats, a Maya fire ritual and the Procession of Souls. Activities take place around Parque Fundadores and the nearby Fishermen’s Pier, so you can enjoy several parts of the celebration in the same area.
The decorated-boat contest begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Maya fire ritual at 6 p.m. The boat procession leaves the pier at 6:30 p.m., with songs to nature also scheduled on the pier esplanade.
After the boats return, the Procession of Souls begins at 8:15 p.m. A cultural program follows in Parque Fundadores at 8:35 p.m., with the musical group Sesquiáltera performing at 10 p.m.
These are just a few highlights from a much fuller program. Visit the PMI Events App and search “Janal Pixan” for all the event listings and details.
Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026 Time: Activities from 5:30 p.m.; Sesquiáltera at 10 p.m. Location: Parque Fundadores and the nearby Fishermen’s Pier, El Puerto Admission: Free
3. 🌼 Janal Pixán, Day Two: Music, Dance and Remembrance
After Sunday’s spectacular boat procession, Monday’s celebrations bring the focus onto land, with music, dance and altar awards in Parque Fundadores. It is another chance to spend an evening in the square and enjoy the cultural program.
Performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with Changora Drums at 8 p.m., a Xantolo presentation at 8:35 p.m. and Al Son del Corazón from Isla Mujeres at 8:45 p.m. The exhibition altar awards are scheduled for 9:20 p.m., followed by Alfredo Fiori at 9:45 p.m.
In the traditional Janal Pixán calendar, October 31 remembers children, November 1 adults, and November 2 all departed loved ones.
These are just a few of Monday’s highlights. Visit the PMI Events App and search “Janal Pixan” for the individual events and details.
Date: Monday, November 2, 2026 Time: Performances from 7:30 p.m.; Alfredo Fiori at 9:45 p.m. Location: Parque Fundadores, El Puerto Admission: Free
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Insider Tip: Janal Pixán Alters |
A Janal Pixán altar may hold jícaras, copal, candles, flowers, a green cross, photographs, and foods such as pibipollo, pozol, relleno negro, or balché. In public displays, these details connect the altar to the milpa, the kitchen, and family memory. |
Local News |
Sunday: Boats and the Procession of Souls
Mar de Almas continues November 1 with decorated boats, a Maya fire ritual and a 6:30 p.m. boat procession from the Fishermen’s Pier.
Monday: Music and Altar Awards
November 2 brings Changora Drums at 8 p.m., a Xantolo presentation, invited academy performances and exhibition altar awards. Alfredo Fiori is scheduled for 9:45 p.m.
Monday’s performances begin at 7:30 p.m. at Parque Fundadores, on the beach side of town. The full guide includes every listed time for both evenings. Read More... |
Food for the Souls
Janal Pixán, also written Hanal Pixán, is a Maya tradition of welcoming departed loved ones with food, offerings and remembrance. It is part of the Yucatán Peninsula’s Day of the Dead celebrations, including here in Quintana Roo.
Altars With Personal Meaning
Families prepare altars with candles, flowers, photographs and favorite foods. Traditional elements can include water, salt and a green cross, while children’s altars may feature colorful cloths, sweets and toys.
A Meal That Brings Families Together
Pib, a large tamal traditionally cooked underground, is one of the season’s best-known dishes. The main observance runs from October 31 through November 2, remembering children, adults and all departed souls.
Our refreshed guide explains the traditions behind the season and what to look for when you encounter an altar in Puerto Morelos. Read More... |
Friday’s First Party
Fonda Americana Grill starts the Halloween weekend October 30 at 8 p.m., with DJs, costume prizes, a $100 MXN cover and a welcome shot.
Saturday’s Choices
October 31 brings the free Halloween Festival at Parque Fundadores, Changora Drums and DJs at My Paradise, parties at La Sirena and El Refugio, and Spooky Sea at Salón Mar.
Get Costume-Ready
Leidy Castillo offers face painting at La Sirena from 2 p.m. Saturday, starting at $200 MXN with no appointment needed.
Our guide brings together times, venues, prices and event links, while explaining the distinction between Halloween parties and the Janal Pixán/Day of the Dead observances. Read More... |
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Sargassum Report |
Puerto Morelos Among Five Priority Areas
Mexico’s 2-billion-peso sargassum strategy, outlined on July 30, includes Puerto Morelos among five priority destinations.
From Cleanup to Useful Products
A Puerto Morelos processing operation is also turning sargassum into agricultural products. In June, Sarga Agriscience reported sales in the United States, Ecuador and Colombia, showing how some collected seaweed can find a market beyond disposal.
The fuller picture is both practical and local: intercept more seaweed in the water, protect the shoreline during cleanup, and develop the capacity to process what is collected. Read More... |
Local Events Update |
This week brings big celebrations from different cultural traditions to Puerto Morelos. Halloween parties fill Friday and Saturday, followed by the Mar de Almas and Janal Pixán programs on Sunday and Monday.
There is so much to see and do, from costumes and skeletons to altars, music and evenings by the sea. Take time to enjoy it, we’ll be out there too! Here are the events beyond those already covered in our Insider Picks and holiday guides.
Halloween Events
The Halloween parties, costume contests and face painting are already in our Halloween guide. Find the times, venues and practical details there before choosing your night out.
Mar de Almas Events
The boat procession and November 1–2 festival program are covered in this week’s Insider Picks and our Mar de Almas schedule. Those include the waterfront ceremonies, performances and altar awards.
Janal Pixán Events and Remembrance
Catrinas and Handcrafted Alebrijes Exhibition
Our Traditions: Día de Muertos
For those observing the Catholic calendar, the church also has two seasonal services:
All Saints’ Day Mass in English
All Souls’ Day Mass in Spanish
More This Week
Friday Artisan’s Market
Free Spanish Class
Open Mic at La Sirena
Ladies Night with Tekilla Monster
CRIST Project |