In the Yucatan Peninsula, the day of the Dead tradition is known as “Hanal Pixan,” which means “soul food.” This is a tradition of the Mayan people that takes place to remember their departed loved ones and honour their memory by placing altars with offerings filled with typical food such as mucbipollo and pan de muerto, as well as decorations for the day of their visit since on those days it is believed that the souls of the deceased can return to the world and enjoy the offerings. This tradition takes place from October 31st to November 2nd.
The first day, October 31st is dedicated to children and is called “u hanal palal.” The second day, November 1st is dedicated to deceased adults. It is called “u hanal nucuch uinicoob.” The third day, November 2nd is “u hanal pixanoob,” called in some places misa pixán. A mass dedicated to the souls is held on that day, usually in the town’s cemetery.
The tradition includes several rituals. The main one consists of setting a table as an altar, lit with wax candles, under the trees in the courtyard, and near relatives’ graves, where typical food is placed.
As every year, fairs and festivals are held where cultural and artistic activities are exhibited in allusion to the Day of the Dead, expressing respect for the emblematic tradition of Hanal Pixán. You can enjoy folkloric music, photo exhibitions, theatre, typical dishes, and more at these events.
This tour consists especially in knowing the Day of the Dead in the Mayans’ way (Hanal Pixán). Yucatán Península had carried this tradition out for years.
You can learn in detail about Hanal Pixán. A tradition of the Mayan people that is carried out to remember in a special way the friends and relatives who have gone before them on their eternal journey.
You will visit the Hoctun cemetery. Then see colourful tombs, beautiful mausoleums, and even replicas of famous structures in the country, such as the Latin American Tower in Mexico City.
You will learn about the Hanal Pixán festivals, where artistic presentations will take place, revealing the power of this magnificent tradition. As you pass through the festivals, you will find colourful offerings with flowers, food, candles, and decorations honouring those who have passed away.
Of course, you will visit a local community where you will learn to cook typical dishes that are placed in the Hanal Pixán offerings and the archaeological site of Mayapán. Here you will find a replica of the famous pyramid of Kukulcán in Chichen Itzá.
To complete the adventure, you will visit one of the seven wonders of the world, “Chichen Itza,” as well as live a unique experience swimming in cenotes. These places were sacred for the Mayas since they performed sacrifices and rituals that were part of their cosmology. All of this will be explained to you in detail by a guide so that you can learn about the Mayan way of seeing death.
Finishing this extraordinary journey through the Mayas and their traditional “Hanal Pixan,” we will take you to the Great Museum of the Mayan World. Here you will get to know this great culture.
