Full Schedule, Parades, and Events
From October 29 to November 2, 2026, Ajijic will celebrate Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) with Axixic Vive 2026, a cultural festival featuring live music, parades, traditional altars, art, and celebrations along the shores of Lake Chapala.
Under the theme “Embrace Your Roots,” this year’s festival invites everyone to remember loved ones who have passed away and experience the traditions that keep the community’s cultural heritage alive.
Ajijic’s Main Plaza, downtown streets, and lakeside promenade will host a variety of activities for residents and visitors as part of Jalisco’s Festival de las Almas (Festival of Souls).
Wondering when to visit Ajijic, where to watch the parades, or what time the famous Wall of the Dead will be illuminated? This guide covers the festival’s highlights, dates, locations, and announced schedule so you can make the most of your visit.
What Is Axixic Vive 2026, and When Does It Take Place?
Axixic Vive is a Day of the Dead cultural festival held in Ajijic, a lakeside community in the municipality of Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico.
Ajijic is officially recognized as a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town), a designation awarded by the Mexican government to destinations known for their cultural heritage, traditions, and distinctive character.
The festival brings together local artists, musicians, families, and community members to honor those who have passed away through traditional altars, photography exhibitions, dance, music, and cultural performances.
Main festival dates: Thursday, October 29, through Monday, November 2, 2026.
Opening event: Saturday, October 24, featuring an art exhibition opening at the Ajijic Cultural Center.
Main locations: Ajijic Main Plaza, Colón-Morelos pedestrian walkway, Ajijic Cultural Center, and the Malecón (lakeside promenade).
Corn is one of the central symbols of this year’s festival, reflecting its deep connection to Mexico’s food traditions, cultural memory, and ancestral heritage.
Five Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss at Axixic Vive 2026
If you only have a limited amount of time to experience Day of the Dead in Ajijic, these five scheduled events are worth considering.
1. Mariachi Parade — October 29 at 6:00 PM
Enjoy traditional Mexican mariachi music as musicians and participants make their way through the streets toward Ajijic’s beautiful lakeside promenade.
2. Fiesta de las Ánimas (Festival of Souls) — October 30 at 6:30 PM
Inspired by Xantolo, a traditional Day of the Dead celebration from Mexico’s Huasteca region, this performance is expected to feature 200 dancers parading through downtown Ajijic.
3. Children’s Souls Parade (Desfile de Angelitos) — November 1 at 4:30 PM
A special procession honoring children who have passed away, reflecting the Mexican tradition of remembering departed children’s souls during Día de Muertos.
4. Catrinas and Catrines Parade — November 2 at 6:00 PM
A colorful parade through Ajijic featuring elaborate costumes, artistic makeup, and traditional Day of the Dead characters.
Catrinas and Catrines are elegantly dressed skeleton figures that have become iconic symbols of Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations.
5. Lighting of the Wall of the Dead — November 2 at 8:00 PM
One of the festival’s special evening events will take place in front of the Church of San Andrés Apóstol, where Ajijic’s famous Wall of the Dead will be illuminated.
And there’s much more to discover! The festival also includes traditional altars, children’s workshops, competitions, mariachi performances, folkloric dancing, and activities along the lakefront.
Axixic Vive 2026: Complete Schedule of Events by Day
Below is the schedule announced in the festival’s general program.
All times are local to Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico (Central Standard Time, UTC-6).
Saturday, October 24: Art Opens the Celebration
The festivities begin with a special cultural event ahead of the main festival dates.
5:00 PM — Ajijic Cultural Center
Opening of a collective Day of the Dead art exhibition and the photography exhibition La historia del Catrín y su guitarra (The Story of the Catrín and His Guitar), by Paulina Sevilla.
Thursday, October 29: Mariachi Music Takes Over Ajijic
6:00 PM — Mariachi Parade (Maleconeada de Mariachi)
Music takes center stage as the parade begins at the intersection of 16 de Septiembre and Morelos streets.
The procession will continue past the pier and along the lakeside promenade, ending at the basketball courts.
It’s an opportunity to enjoy traditional mariachi music in one of Ajijic’s most recognizable settings.
Friday, October 30: Fiesta de las Ánimas
6:30 PM — Festival of Souls Inspired by Xantolo
The program announces a performance featuring 200 dancers.
The procession will begin on Parroquia Street and continue to the Main Plaza.
Inspired by Xantolo, a traditional celebration associated with the Huasteca region of Mexico, this event introduces visitors to another cultural expression of Día de Muertos.
Sunday, November 1: Traditional Altars, Art, Music, and the Children’s Souls Parade
Sunday’s program brings together a variety of activities at the Main Plaza and along the Colón-Morelos pedestrian walkway.
At the Main Plaza:
- 2:00–6:00 PM – Children’s art workshops presented by Pinturas Prisa Ajijic.
- 2:00 PM – Opening of Tumba de Tiro (Shaft Tomb), an artistic installation by Polo Gutiérrez.
- 3:30 PM – Traditional Mexican folk dance performance by Ballet Folklórico Xicantzin, directed by Judith Olivares.
- 5:00 PM – Opening of the photography exhibition Memorias de Ajijic (Memories of Ajijic).
- 6:00 PM – Al Calor del Mariachi (The Warmth of Mariachi), featuring Mariachi Juvenil Axixic, Mariachi Continental Mazamitla, Mariachi Femenil Nuevo Tecalitlán, and Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán.
At the Community Stage:
From 3:00 to 10:00 PM, the Asociación de Comerciantes Amigos Colón-Morelos (Colón-Morelos Merchants Association) will present an artistic and cultural entertainment program.
Children’s Souls Parade — 4:30 PM
According to the festival poster provided, the parade will depart from the Main Plaza, continue along the Colón-Morelos pedestrian walkway, and finish at the Community Stage.
Monday, November 2: The Main Day of Parades and Traditional Celebrations
Day of the Dead itself will feature a full afternoon and evening of activities.
Visitors can enjoy live music, folkloric performances, competitions, and processions through downtown Ajijic and along the lakefront.
Activities at the Main Plaza:
- 2:00–6:00 PM – Children’s art workshops presented by Pinturas Prisa Ajijic.
- 3:00 PM – Ballet Folclórico Axixic, directed by Andrea Masical.
- 3:45 PM – Artistic program presented by Tecnológico Superior de Chapala.
- 5:00 PM – Mariachi Juvenil Axixic, directed by Daniel Medeles.
- 5:00 PM – Traditional Pan de Muerto (Day of the Dead Bread) competition, organized by Tecnológico Superior de Jalisco, Chapala Campus, next to the stage.
- 5:30 PM – ¡Hay, que bonito es volar! (Oh, How Beautiful It Is to Fly!), a performance by Academia Aerial Braver, in front of the Ajijic Cultural Center.
- 5:45 PM – Las Coronelas, featuring traditional Mexican music.
- 6:45 PM – Recognition and thanks to festival sponsors.
- 7:00 PM – Yolihuani Sitar Set.
- 8:00 PM – Lighting of the Wall of the Dead (Muro de los Muertos), in front of the church.
- 8:00 PM – Soul Remains, a tribute to Led Zeppelin.
Activities at the Ajijic Malecón (Lakeside Promenade):
- 3:00 PM – Traditional dance performances in front of the stage.
- 4:00 PM – Salute to the Four Cardinal Directions, a ceremonial presentation.
- 4:30 PM – Camino al Mictlán (Journey to Mictlán), a competition featuring Mexican dog breeds. Mictlán is the underworld in Mexica (Aztec) tradition.
- 5:30 PM – Traditional dances, a ceremonial cleansing with incense (sahumado), and the release of búcaros (decorative clay vessels).
- 6:00 PM – Ballet Folklórico Xicantzin.
- 7:00 PM – Mariachi Real Axixc.
- 7:45 PM – Catrinas and Catrines costume parade and grand waltz.
- 8:15 PM – Mariachi Real Axixc.
- 9:00 PM – Luz al Cielo (Light to the Sky), a launch of traditional Cantoya paper lantern balloons at the skate park.
- 9:15 PM – Baile de los Muertos (Dance of the Dead), featuring the band Sabor Kumbia.
Axixic Vive 2026 Parades: Times and Routes
Parades are an important part of the celebration and among the events that attract the most interest from visitors.
Here are the routes and times published in the festival’s general program.
November 1: Children’s Souls Parade
Time: 4:30 PM
The parade will begin at the Main Plaza, continue along the Colón-Morelos pedestrian walkway, and end at the Community Stage.
November 2: Canoe Parade
Time: 5:30 PM
The program invites visitors to watch this event from Friendship Park (Parque de la Amistad), located along Ajijic’s lakeside promenade.
November 2: Catrinas and Catrines Parade
Time: 6:00 PM
The parade will begin in the Las Seis Esquinas (Six Corners) neighborhood, continue along Hidalgo Street to Colón Street, and finish at the lakeside promenade.
November 2: “El llanto de la Michicihualli” Performance
Time: 6:50 PM
The performance, titled El llanto de la Michicihualli (The Cry of Michicihualli), will begin at the Main Plaza and continue along Colón-Morelos to Friendship Park.
The festival program describes it as an educational and cultural presentation with opportunities for children to participate.
Important: Some parade times and routes differ from those listed in other 2026 event calendars. We recommend checking the organizers’ latest announcements before attending.
Where Can You See the Day of the Dead Altars in Ajijic?
Traditional altars, known in Mexico as ofrendas, are among the most meaningful expressions of Día de Muertos.
Decorated with family photographs, flowers, candles, and offerings, they honor the memory of loved ones who have passed away.
At Axixic Vive 2026, a two-day exhibition of Day of the Dead altars is scheduled.
Dates: Sunday, November 1, and Monday, November 2.
Hours: 2:00–10:00 PM.
Location: Ajijic Main Plaza and the Colón-Morelos pedestrian walkway.
Take your time exploring the altars, appreciating their details, and learning about their meaning.
Remember that many of these offerings carry a deeply personal significance for the families and community members who create them.
Tips for Enjoying Axixic Vive in Ajijic
Planning to attend the festival? These simple recommendations can help you enjoy your visit.
- Arrive early. Parades and live performances may attract large crowds, especially during the evening.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Many activities take place outdoors, and Ajijic has traditional cobblestone streets.
- Check for schedule updates. Event times and parade routes may change.
- Respect the altars and ceremonies. Avoid touching offerings or interrupting cultural and religious activities.
- Support local businesses. Take the opportunity to explore Ajijic’s restaurants, shops, and local food traditions.
- Help protect the environment. Dispose of trash properly and follow safety instructions during activities along the lakefront.
Frequently Asked Questions About Axixic Vive 2026
When is Axixic Vive 2026?
The main festival will take place from October 29 through November 2, 2026, with an earlier cultural event scheduled for October 24.
Where is Axixic Vive held?
The festival takes place in Ajijic, in the municipality of Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico.
Most activities will be held at the Main Plaza, along the Colón-Morelos pedestrian walkway, at the Ajijic Cultural Center, and on the lakeside promenade.
When is the Catrinas and Catrines Parade in Ajijic?
According to the festival’s general program, the parade is scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
The announced route begins in the Las Seis Esquinas neighborhood and ends at the lakefront.
When can visitors see the Day of the Dead altars?
The altars will be on display on November 1 and 2, from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, at the Main Plaza and along the Colón-Morelos pedestrian walkway.
What time will the Wall of the Dead be illuminated?
The lighting of the Wall of the Dead is scheduled for Monday, November 2, at 8:00 PM, in front of the church in downtown Ajijic.
Is Axixic Vive 2026 free to attend?
The official Visit Jalisco event calendar lists several activities as free, and local news coverage reports free admission to the festival.
However, visitors should confirm any specific admission requirements or costs before attending individual activities.
Are there activities for children?
Yes. The festival program includes children’s art workshops on November 1 and 2, the Children’s Souls Parade, and an educational performance with opportunities for children to participate.
Ajijic Honors the People Who Are Part of Its Story
Axixic Vive is more than a schedule of events. It’s an opportunity to discover how the people of Ajijic remember their loved ones through music, art, and traditions passed down through generations.
Every altar tells a story. Every performance brings together people who help keep these cultural expressions alive.
For those who call Ajijic home, the festival is an opportunity to celebrate and share their community’s traditions.
For visitors, it’s a chance to experience those traditions firsthand while learning about their meaning and showing respect for the people who preserve them.
This Day of the Dead, discover Ajijic, embrace its roots, and experience the stories that keep its memories alive.
Share this guide with anyone planning to visit, and discover more local celebrations and activities in our Ajijic Events Calendar.
Sources and Updates
- Axixic Vive 2026 — General Program and Embrace Your Roots festival posters, provided for this article.
- Festival de las Almas Jalisco 2026 — Chapala Events, Visit Jalisco.
- Semanario Laguna — “Con ‘Abraza tus raíces’, Festival Axixic Vive reivindicará las tradiciones prehispánicas”, published October 26, 2026.