The “Paseo de las Animas”, Merida’s new tradition

To live the path followed by the souls in the “Dia de Muertos” celebration, the living ones make this tour from the City’s General Graveyard to one of the most emblematic parks in the Historic Center…

The Dia de Muertos is a celebration full of meaning and symbolism, all dedicated to those who aren’t among us anymore but, according to the Mexican tradition, they come to visit us once a year. In the spirit of this Mexican belief, TYT brings you a short explanation of the meaning of symbolisms on the “Paseo de las Animas”.

In recent years Merida has been the host of a special event previous to the “Hanal Pixán” dates, the “Festival de las Animas” (Spirit’s Festival). The festival lasts 7 days, in which take place several traditional events in the Historic Center, like vaquerías, serenatas, tours around the General Graveyard, the traditional altars and the always popular “Paseo de las Animas”, which is the principal activity of the festival.

The Paseo de las Animas is like a parade in which people meet in the General Graveyard, all dressed in the Yucatecan traditional clothes and with a skull painted all over the face to simulate being the souls that will come this year to our world. Then all together they walk to the San Juan Park, where there are other activities.

All along the path followed by the souls, there are music, altars and people representing the traditional “Catrina,” the Mexican personification of Death, as a skeleton dressed up as a 19^th century Mexican high-society lady.

As the principal part of this year’s “Festival de las Animas,” the “Paseo de las Animas” will be held Friday October 27 at 8:00pm. TYT team hopes that you decide to participate in the “Paseo de las Animas” and keep enjoying the activities of the festival this week.

By Jorge Andrés Barrera Rojas for TYT

With an International Trade degree from the Autonomous University of Yucatan, Jorge is currently an Editor for The Yucatan Times, Business Adviser and Chinese language and culture student. He also speaks Spanish, English and French.

To check the rest of the “Dia de Muertos” series click on the tag “Dia de Muertos” or on the following links:

• www.theyucatantimes.com/dia-de-muertos-all-saints-day-two-schools-of-thought-blend-into-one-tradition/
• www.theyucatantimes.com/hanal-pixan-the-yucatecan-dia-de-muertos-the-altar-is-the-heart-of-the-festivity/
• www.theyucatantimes.com/the-four-most-haunted-places-in-yucatan/
• www.theyucatantimes.com/dia-de-muertos-a-celebration-of-life/
• www.theyucatantimes.com/la-catrina-mexican-representation-of-death/
• www.theyucatantimes.com/meridas-general-cemetery-the-gate-to-the-other-life/
• www.theyucatantimes.com/pan-de-muerto-the-sweet-part-of-the-dia-de-muertos-festivity/
• www.theyucatantimes.com/tyt-infographic-dia-de-muertos/