What is Janal Pixán?

Hanal Pixán or Janal Pixán /hahNAHL peeSHAN/ is the name given to the Day of the Dead celebrations of the Maya people who live within the Yucatan Peninsula. Literally translated it means ‘food of souls’ and although many of the traditions are similar to Day of the Dead, or Dia de Muertos, which is celebrated across Mexico, Janal Pixán runs throughout November.Celebrations begin in the last week of October and the first few days of November. Dates can vary depending on the customs of the area, but we celebrate receiving and welcoming the souls of children on the night of October 31st and November 1st and adults who we have lost on the evening of 1st and into 2nd November. On the third day (November 2nd), a special mass is said for the souls of the dead.

But Janal Pixán and Dia de Muertos are not sad, or scary, and they are definitely not the same as Halloween. They are about celebrating and honoring our lost ones. In Quintana Roo and the Yucatan Peninsula, traditional dishes are prepared and families often create an alter in their home to guide our loved ones home.

The altars are usually decorated with an arch which symbolizes the entrance to the world of the dead, cempasúchil flowers (marigolds) to guide the souls to the altar, candles to light their way, incense, calaveras (sugar skulls), fruits, bread and the favorite items of our lost ones, along with photographs and crosses.

Families feast and celebrate, often eating pib, a special dish that is buried and cooked underground.

Experience Janal Pixán and this authentic Maya-Mexican tradition for yourself in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Mexico, and immerse yourself into our unique culture.