From October 24 to November 2, 2026, Mérida comes alive with tradition, culture, and remembrance through a series of activities celebrating Day of the Dead and the Souls.
The program features regional performances, altars, nighttime tours, music, dance, gastronomy, and family-friendly activities at various locations throughout the city.
The activities will take place from October 24 to November 2, 2026, with events scheduled at different parks and venues across Mérida, as well as special activities in Xcunyá.
Illuminated Souls (Ánimas Iluminadas)
6:00 p.m. | San Juan Park
Lighting of giant figures inspired by Yucatecan culture and the seven fine arts.
Mexican Night (Noche Mexicana)
8:00 p.m. | Remate de Paseo de Montejo
A celebration of Mexican culture through music, dance, and other artistic expressions.
Mucbipollo Festival (Feria del Mucbipollo)
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. | San Sebastián Park
The ninth edition of this festival will be dedicated to the preparation and sale of mucbipollos, a traditional Yucatecan dish, accompanied by traditional artistic performances.
Inauguration of the Monumental Altar
6:00 p.m. | Plaza Grande
Presentation and explanation of a traditional Yucatecan altar measuring 16 meters long and 4 meters high, dedicated to the deceased.
Pixán Peek
6:00 p.m. | Central Park, Gran Santa Fe Norte
A walk and activities featuring pets dressed in costumes.
Souls’ Vaquería (Vaquería de las Ánimas)
9:00 p.m. | Municipal Palace Grounds
A regional performance featuring traditional dance accompanied by the lively rhythms of Yucatecan jarana music in the heart of the city.
Mexico and Its Traditions (México y sus Tradiciones)
8:00 p.m. | Municipal Dance Center
A performance featuring traditional dances from different regions of Mexico, presented by students from the Department of Identity and Culture.
Souls’ Ride (Rodada de las Ánimas)
8:00 p.m. | La Ermita Park – General Cemetery
A nighttime ride from La Ermita Park to the General Cemetery.
Souls at La Isla (Ánimas en La Isla)
6:00 p.m. | La Isla Plaza
A procession of souls featuring young students from the Aprende Centers, followed by a traditional Yucatecan jarana dance performance.
Pixán Paalal
7:00 p.m. | Chuburná Park
A children’s performance depicting souls arriving in the world of the living, accompanied by a show featuring Doña Chela in celebration of Day of the Dead.
Mysteries of the Underworld (Misterios del Inframundo)
8:00 p.m. | Southern Cultural Center
A journey through local stories, myths, and paranormal events from the region.
Catrina Parade (Desfile de Catrinas)
8:00 p.m. | Plaza Grande – La Plancha
A spectacle showcasing how Mexico celebrates Day of the Dead through artistic representations of Catrinas, the iconic figures associated with this tradition.
Nighttime Souls’ Bike Ride (Biciruta Nocturna de las Ánimas)
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | Remate de Paseo de Montejo – Monumento a la Patria
A nighttime bike ride filled with tradition and festive spirit. Participants are encouraged to dress up as souls of the departed and enjoy the experience with family.
Paseo de las Ánimas features a reenactment of the arrival and procession of souls into the world of the living, inspired by the Mayan worldview.
Activities include an altar exhibition, video mapping, traditional Yucatecan dance performances, a food corridor, and an area featuring local entrepreneurs.
Events will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at San Juan, La Ermita, and San Sebastián parks.
Xcunyá’s Mysterious Trails (Caminos Misteriosos de Xcunyá)
From October 31 to November 2, an altar exhibition and a nighttime bike ride along forest trails will take place, following a route from Xcunyá to the ghost town of Misnébalam.
The tours will be guided by the local cooperative, and the program indicates that spaces are limited.
From October 24 to 27, guided tours will be offered to explore the history of the General Cemetery’s notable mausoleums and graves.
Tours will depart at 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, and 8:00 p.m., with limited capacity.
To conclude the program, the Offering at the Monumental Altar will take place on November 1 and 2 at 10:00 a.m. in Plaza Grande.
During this activity, visitors and residents will receive an explanation of the altar’s significance and will have the opportunity to leave offerings in memory of their deceased loved ones.
The 2026 Festival de las Ánimas offers an opportunity to explore different expressions of Yucatecan and Mexican culture through gastronomy, music, dance, altars, and nighttime tours.
From October 24 to November 2, Mérida will host a variety of activities that keep traditions alive and honor the memory of loved ones who have passed away.
Check the program and plan your itinerary to enjoy the activities of the 2026 Festival de las Ánimas in Mérida.https://www.merida.gob.mx/animas/
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