Day of the Dead 2025 – Isla Mujeres’ Festival of Light and Life “Between the Living and the Dead"
- jo90m0
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is one of Mexico’s most meaningful and colorful traditions, celebrated from late October through early November. It’s a time when families welcome the spirits of their loved ones back to the world of the living, honoring their memories through celebration rather than mourning. Here’s what this holiday represents and how it’s celebrated on Isla Mujeres.
What is Day of the Dead?
Although often compared to Halloween due to its timing and imagery, Dia de los Muertos is deeply rooted in ancient Mexican beliefs that celebrate the connection between life and death.
Its origins trace back thousands of years to pre-Hispanic civilizations that viewed death as a natural part of life’s cycle. The dead remained an integral part of the community and were honored with joy and remembrance. When Spanish colonizers arrived, indigenous customs blended with Catholic practices, aligning the celebration with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on the Catholic calendar.
In 2008, UNESCO recognized Dia de los Muertos as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for its cultural and historical importance.
Core Beliefs of the Tradition
It is believed that during Dia de los Muertos, the souls of the departed return to visit their families. To welcome them, families create Ofrendas - altars filled with offerings that represent the four elements:
Water: A glass of water refreshes the visiting spirits after their long journey.
Wind: Represented by papel picado, colorful tissue paper that moves with the breeze, symbolizing the fragility of life.
Earth: Reflected through food, particularly pan de muerto (bread of the dead), representing nourishment.
Fire: Candles are placed on the altar to light the way back to the living world.
Other key symbols include photos of loved ones, cempasúchil (marigold flowers) believed to guide the spirits with their scent, and calaveras (sugar skulls), representing the cycle of life and death.
Traditions and Festivities
Across Mexico, Dia de los Muertos takes many forms, but all share the same spirit of remembrance. One of the most iconic figures is La Catrina, the elegantly dressed skeleton symbolizing the fusion of Mexican and European influences. Many people paint their faces like skulls, take part in parades, and visit cemeteries to decorate graves and celebrate the lives of those who have passed.
On Isla Mujeres, celebrations often include Hanal Pixán, a Yucatecan Maya tradition meaning “food of the souls.” Food plays a central role in this custom, with offerings prepared for returning spirits over three nights of festivities.
Isla Mujeres’ 2025 Day of the Dead Celebrations
This year marks the fifth edition of the Festival Luz y Vida: Entre Vivos y Muertos, taking place from Thursday, October 30th to Sunday, November 2th, 2025.
Events occur around the Explanada Municipal (Isla Mujeres' Main Square) and Avenida Hidalgo, both in the downtown area.
Schedule:
Thursday, October 30th – Xibalbá (Underworld) at 7:30 PM
The opening night begins at the Main Square with Xibalbá, featuring the coronation of the 2025 Light and Life Ambassador and a pre-Hispanic show including music, dance, and other artistic performances highlighting the region’s cultural richness.
Friday, October 31st – Festival of Calaveritas: Night of the Children
Parade of Little Skulls at 6:30 PM: From Stingray to the Main Square, coinciding with Halloween, this evening is for the island’s children. Families, locals and visitors join the parade along Avenida Hidalgo from 6:30 PM, where many people will be dressed up in halloween costumes, there will be trick-or-treating throughout the evening.
Fair of Little Skulls at 7:30 PM: A children’s show, costume contest, and artistic performances create a fun and enjoyable night for families.
Saturday, November 1st – Catrinarte: Festival of Catrinas
Caminando con las Ánimas (Walking with the Souls) at 6:30 PM: The main Día de los Muertos procession, Caminando con las Ánimas (Walking with the Souls), begins at 6:30 PM from Stingray to the main square along Avenida Hidalgo. Participants dressed as skulls and skeletons carry candles and stop at altars in the Main Square.
Catrina Contest and Headline Show at 10:00 PM: The night continues in the Main Square, where there will be a Catrina costume contest, music, and performances featuring artists Natalia Sosa, Myriam, Aranza, Sheyla, and special guest Tatiana.
Sunday, November 2nd – Hanal Pixán: Night of Traditions
Pib Contest and Show at 7:30PM: This evening focuses on the island’s altars displayed in the main square. Locals present their creations, and a Pib contest takes place to find the best version of this traditional tamal. The night concludes with live music from a Yucatán band at 9PM - Las Trovadoras del Mayab.
Food and Drinks of Día de los Muertos
Isla Mujeres fills with traditional flavors during the festival. Pan de muerto is a signature treat, often served with hot chocolate, café de olla, or atole. Other offerings include calaveras (sugar skulls) and the regional Pib, a large tamal cooked underground and central to Hanal Pixán. Food and drink competitions featuring these items take place throughout the celebrations.
Planning Your Visit
Visitors can expect parades, artistic face painting, Day of the Dead and Halloween costumes, music, dancing, food, and community events that highlight local culture. On October 31st, children will trick-or-treat along Avenida Hidalgo, so bring some sweets or other small treats to give out if you plan to join. Don't forget to get your costume ready for one of Mexico’s most vibrant celebrations.
Photos courtesy of Atenea Gómez Ricalde – President of Isla Mujeres. Thanks to President Atenea Gómez Ricalde and the Municipal Government of Isla Mujeres for providing photos and information about the festival.