The Hanal Pixan is one of the millennial traditions and holidays of the Mayan Culture that is celebrated nowadays in the whole Península de Yucatán, Tulum included. For the rest of the country the Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos) is celebrated.
Hanal Pixan means ‘food for the soul’ in the mayan language and it originates from our tradition on every Oct 31st, Nov 1st and Nov 2nd in which our passed away relatives, family and friends, receive some ‘sort of permit’ to come back to the‘ world of the living’ to enjoy again the food and drinks that they loved when alive, and to share during the holiday with their loved ones.
Oct 31st is the day to remember the children and is called Hanal Palal. Nov 1st isdedicated to the adults and is called Hanal Nucuch Uinicoob. The third day of the holiday is called Hanal Pixan Noob or Misa Pixan because that day a mass is celebrated as an offer for the ‘holy souls’.
This tradition consists in placing a white embroidered tablecloth under the trees to present various elements: wax candles to guide the souls to the altar, new gruel (atole nuevo), pibes or mucbipollo (a sort of cake stuffed with pork and chicken), jícamas, tangerines, grinded chile, papaya candy, coconut , pumpkin seeds, balché (an intoxicating beverage made out of tree cortex), sweet bread and jícaras (from náhuatl language, Xicalli, a small cup made out of a dry pumpkin). The altar is adorned and garnished with flowers and photos of the persons to which it is dedicated. Once the ‘dead’ have enjoyed the food and drinks, the attendees may eat everything that has been offered in the altar.
The Hanal Pixan in Tulum is one of the most colorful and traditional celebrations. It is our tradition to have altar exhibitions in the surroundings of the community on Oct 31st, and there are several festivities held at hotels and restaurants in both the beach and town.
Come to Tulum to celebrate with us our unique and beautiful Mayan traditions and have the time of your life!
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