Cuernavaca, Morelos — The capital city is preparing for a massive cultural display as more than 50 catrinas, traditional altars, and representative offerings from various regions of Veracruz arrive for the Festival Miquixtli 2026.

The cultural activities for this major celebration are set to officially begin on October 29. Veracruzian artisans are currently working at a rapid pace to install the elaborate altars within the Government Palace and the Jardín Borda Cultural Center.

An Ancestral Journey to the Mictlán

Joaquín Miranda, a master of Fine Arts from the Escuela Normal Veracruzana, detailed that one of the festival’s flagship attractions will be a monumental pyramid. This multi-level structure is designed to represent the souls’ journey toward Mictlán, according to pre-Hispanic beliefs.

The wooden installation will be accompanied by an altar of seeds dedicated to Mictlantecuhtli, alongside pieces of pottery, flowers, and fruits. Furthermore, organizers highlighted that the offerings will include items representative of Papantla and a special altar honoring Yanga, the first free town.

Giant Catrinas, Music, and Gastronomy in Cuernavaca

For the 2026 edition of Festival Miquixtli, master sculptors have crafted over 50 giant catrina figures that will decorate public spaces.

Between 10 and 15 of these figures will adorn the local executive headquarters, while the remainder will be distributed throughout Jardín Borda and Chapultepec Park. In addition, the delegation will include nearly 700 people who will host visitors with coffee, workshops, legends, and gastronomic samples.