Neither the rain nor the drop in temperature caused by the entry of cold front number 11 prevented nearly a thousand people from gathering the night before last in the colonial streets that surround the historic neighborhood of the hermitage of Santa Isabel, the starting point of the usual Rodada de las Ánimas.
The event, which is part of the Festival de las Ánimas 2025 program organized by the Mérida City Council, brought together local cyclists, national visitors and foreign tourists, who cycled from the Santa Isabel Hermitage Park, advancing along 81st Street and later along 66th, until reaching the General Cemetery. At that point, attendees participated in a guided tour of the mausoleums.
The festive atmosphere was reflected in the creativity of the participants, who wore outfits alluding to the Day of the Dead and Hanal Pixán. Animas, catrinas, catrines, ghosts, werewolves, pumpkins and even clowns inspired by horror movies gave life to the tour, which took place despite the intermittent rains of the night.
The bicycles were also protagonists, decorated with tombstones, LED lights and marigold flowers. The details showed the imagination of the attendees and the respect for the Mayan traditions that continue to be present in the daily lives of the Yucatecans.
The event became a space for family coexistence and physical exercise, where girls, boys, young people and adults shared the journey with enthusiasm. Among the participants were José Borges Argáez and Ángela Cobos Archundia, who came with their four-year-old son to enjoy a different family activity. The couple highlighted the importance of these events to strengthen local traditions. “For us, Yucatecans, who are very fond of these dates, it is essential to participate in activities like this, which allow us to live together and enjoy as a family,” they expressed.
For her part, Berenice Yam Brito pointed out that every year she looks forward to the Rodada de las Ánimas with enthusiasm. “I love participating. Seeing the color, the costumes and the joy of the people gives a special touch to the event, which makes it unique,” he said.
Likewise, Enrique Chim Garrido said that he has attended all the activities of the Animas Festival since Saturday, October 25 and plans to continue until its closing, scheduled for Sunday, November 2. “Since the weekend I have been going to different events. I really like this theme and I will continue participating until the last day to enjoy and get out of the routine,” he said.
The tour, which has already become a tradition within the festival, combined cultural, sports and symbolic elements, reaffirming the value of celebrations that honor life and memory through art, citizen participation and respect for ancestral customs.— Carlos Sierra Gómez
At a glance
Always present
The Rodada de las Ánimas, in addition to promoting sports and coexistence, also has a commemorative meaning. It is dedicated to the memory of the faithful deceased and, in a special way, to cyclists who have lost their lives in road accidents.
Cipher
“Every year in Yucatán, approximately 40 people die while pedaling. This is a special date to remember those who have lost their lives riding their bicycle in Mérida, in Yucatán and throughout Mexico,” said Everardo Flores Gómez, president of the Cicloturixes Association.
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