The Mayans celebrated Hanal Pixán to remember their dead, and in Mérida, it is still a time of celebration and special events.
Like cuisine, Mexican holidays take on different meanings, forms, and names in each region of the country. In the Yucatán Peninsula, the Day of the Dead is called ‘Hanal Pixán.’ This tradition honors our ancestors and celebrates memory, history, and the bonds that transcend death. If you decide to visit Yucatán during this time, here are some events to celebrate Hanal Pixán in Mérida in style.
Festival of the Souls
From October 25th to November 2nd, the “white city” is decked out to welcome Hanal Pixán. For a week, Mérida will host a variety of activities, including vaquerías (events with traditional music and dance), pet costume contests, and a catrina parade. It all begins with the Lighting of San Juan Park and the Mexican Day of the Dead Night at the end of Paseo Montejo on October 25th. On November 2nd, to conclude the festivities, there will be a Vaquería de Ánimas (Vaquería of Souls) at the San José Tzal Police Station and a large altar of the dead in the Plaza Grande.
Nighttime Bike Rides
As part of the Hanal Pixán celebrations, nighttime bike rides will be organized to enjoy the beauty of Mérida at night. The first will be on Wednesday the 29th from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m.; the route will begin at the Ermita de Santa Isabel and will loop through the Historic Center to reach the General Cemetery. The second will be on Saturday, November 1st from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., along Paseo de Montejo. This ride is free, but the idea is for attendees to come dressed as souls.
Intimate Dinner at the Cigno Hotel
Located in Mérida’s iconic Ermita neighborhood, Cigno boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant, two pools, and a sophisticated and timeless atmosphere. To celebrate Hanal Pixán, Cocina Vidente restaurant will offer an event called “Food from the Dead to the Living.” It’s a five-course dinner with cocktail pairings. Each dish reinterprets the symbols of the offering from a modern perspective, and each drink is based on ancestral preparations such as tepache, tascalate, chilate, and balché.
Website: cignohotel.com
Cocina Vidente Restaurant
Located on Mérida’s most famous avenue, Paseo Montejo, Kahal joins the Hanal Pixán celebrations with a sensorial experience. From November 1st to 15th, the bar at this boutique hotel will offer a special cocktail called Kaajal Pixan, inspired by the sacred elements of altars. This drink is made with Ginebra Condesa Sahumerio infused with marigold petals, artisanal pan de muerto syrup, and altar citrus. It’s served in a lit incense container, enveloping the entire space in a cloud of aromatic smoke. The hotel will also have a traditional altar dedicated to Armando Manzanero, so be sure to stop by and see it before you leave.
Website: kahalhotel.com
Dinner by Kinich at Casa T’Ho
Casa T’Ho is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful mansions—and with the most chic atmosphere—in all of Paseo Montejo. On Thursday, October 30th, its Aperitivo restaurant will share the kitchen with Kinich, an icon of Yucatecan cuisine located in the Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) of Izamal. For this unique evening, an eight-course tasting menu will be prepared, designed to honor Mayan roots through ancestral techniques and local products. Seating is limited, so it’s worth reserving your spot in advance.
Website: casatho.com
Source: foodandpleasure
