Riviera Maya, Q.R. — Thousands turned out in their respective municipalities on the first official night of Dia de Muertos. The Day of the Day festivities are celebrated across Mexico November 1 and 2, however, public festivities start October 31 and run until November 3.
In Cancun, thousands arrived to watch the procession of catrinas at the pier on 45th Street after a nautical procession in waters off Puerto Juárez. Surrounded by catrinas and catrines (male and female) that landed at the dock on 45th Street in Puerto Juárez, Janal Pixan (the Mayan Dia de Muertos) officially started Friday night.
Governor Mara Lezama participated in what she said was the fourth festival in Cancun. “While it is true that Janal Pixán is a treasure of our cultural heritage that we want to preserve, it is also true that we want to recapture the importance of venerating those who live in our hearts, in the memories that give meaning to our lives, and we will never forget.”
During this year’s Janal Pixan, officials are anticipating 70,000 people over the four days. On October 31, 17,000 Cancun residents took in the 32 Janal Pixan alters, 200 artists, 120 merchants, 70 artisans and 50 food stands. There are participants from neighboring states such as Yucatan, Chiapas, Tabasco, Oaxaca and Veracruz.
In Playa del Carmen, more than 5,000 gathered at Plaza 28 de Julio in the city’s center where the lighting of the great Janal Pixan alter took place on the first night. In Playa del Carmen, people also celebrated Pixanoob Saacil óol (Deceased, beings of light).
Mayor Estefanía Mercado said the artistic and cultural activities will take place from October 31 to November 3 in different venues, where the objective is to honor those who went before us on the path and, at the same time, strengthen the identity of the people and the traditions of Mexico and Solidaridad.
“During this time, we gather around altars filled with colors, aromas and offerings where every detail symbolizes our connection with the past and our hope for the future.
“This is the moment when we feel part of them, our loved ones return to share with us to savor what we prepare for them and to feel the love that never fades,” said Estefanía Mercado.
The Mayor made a commitment to rescue and promote traditions, “because we know that our identity is what makes us strong. We want this celebration not only to be for those who visit us, but for our families, our children, our grandmothers and grandfathers and every person who day after day builds this municipality with their effort and dedication to live and enjoy it.”
In Playa del Carmen, 23 altars were set up in the Plaza 28 de Julio, recreating the festivity in states such as Baja California, Tabasco, Coahuila, Sinaloa, Zacatecas, Durango, Guerrero, Michoacán, Hidalgo, Puebla, Tamaulipas, Oaxaca and Campeche.
