This year Na’atik welcomed a group of students to experience Janal Pixán, the Maya Day of the Dead. This special program combined Spanish or Maya classes with a full week of cultural activities and events designed to showcase this unique Maya festival.

Janal Pixán, which translates literally to ‘food for the spirits’, is a month-long celebration which combines elements of the more well known Mexican Day of the Dead, Catholic religion and traditional Maya beliefs. Families gather to both remember and celebrate loved ones who have passed on, sharing memories and special festive foods to mark the occasion. While the celebration runs until the end of November, the days around Day of the Dead at the beginning of the month remain the most important. 

During Janal Pixán there are a variety of events held in the town, including a small parade, an open air display of different Day of the Dead altars showcasing the different styles found all across Mexico, as well as a wide variety of family and group activities. Na’atik students get the best of both worlds, with guided activities during the day and then spending evenings and weekend days experiencing their homestay host family’s traditions.

Highlights of this year’s experience included:

Helping to put together a Janal Pixán altar and remembering loved ones

Traveling to the nearby Maya community of Uh May to see (and help with) traditional Pib (underground earth oven) cooking.

Learning how to make delicious Pan de Muerto in the local style

Visiting a local bee cooperative to learn about the importance of stingless melipona bee cultivation in the Maya culture

Relaxing at an idyllic Maya cenote

Sharing local traditions with people from all over the world is one of the most cherished parts of our programs. We are grateful to all of the students that joined us to learn about Janal Pixán and to everyone in the local community who made a special effort to make this wonderful experience possible.

For 2024 we are extending the Janal Pixán experience to 8 days, to ensure students get to experience as many of the local events and activities as possible. Spaces on this program are limited so if you would like to join us, we recommend booking as early as possible. Reservations made before the end of December 2023 will receive a 10% discount. Visit our program webpage or contact us on MaS@naatikmexico.org to find out more and secure your spot.