Hanal Pixán

In Mayan “Hanal” means food and “Pixán” means soul, therefore, Hanal Pixán means: “Food of the souls”

The Hanal Pixán tradition belongs to the Mayan people and is celebrated throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. During these dates, family and friends who have passed away are remembered in a special way. With the passing of time, it has been adapted to the religious beliefs of the Spanish conquerors and missionaries who arrived in Yucatán, such as the establishment of the annual dates for the celebration and the realization of altars.

This tradition is celebrated for 3 days: October 31st is dedicated to deceased children, November 1st is dedicated to deceased adults and on November 2nd a mass is offered in the name of all souls. During the three days altars dedicated to the deceased are offered, in which they are offered traditional food and drinks such as: Atole, mukbilpollo or “pibes”, fruits, tamales, among others.

The altars are adorned with flowers, candles and photographs of the deceased. For the children’s altars, we try to decorate them with cheerful colors, sweets and toys.

Most important elements of the altars:

Table
White tablecloth for deceased adults and colored tablecloth for deceased children.
Green cross: Representation of the tree of life (Ceiba or Kapok).
Incense: guides the deceased with its light and aroma towards food.
Salt and water: purification.
Mukbilpollo: In Mayan it means buried and, it is a tamale stuffed with stews with meat and spices, it is cooked inside a hole in the ground.
There are different celebrations around Hanal Pixán, such as the famous Paseo de las Animas, which is a journey starting from the general cemetery until reaching the Arch of San Juan, during this journey you can see more than 130 altars, Mayan ceremonies; traditional parades, where the participants wear typical costumes and at the same time sing prayers offering incense; the traditional “vaquería de las ánimas”, where you dance and enjoy the festive compositions of the typical orchestra in honor of those we fondly remember; the flower path, which is divided into three sections, each of which reflects a vision of death; among others.

This great tradition can be enjoyed in different parts of the state such as: Mérida, Progreso, Valladolid, Tizimín, Izamal, Peto and Tekax.