Whether you call it “Dia de Muertos” or “Dia de los Muertos” (the Americanized version), ‘Day of the Dead’ parties tend to freak people out. But Halloween was taken so Mexico had to improvise.
Paint yourself up and join a rockin’ party at the Hotel Xcaret and their 9 Xcaret Ecological Parks, where Dia de Muertos is commemorated annually between November 01 – November 2nd…they offer an over-the-top expression of this colorful and artful traditional holiday.
Guests of Check PricesHotel Xcaret can attend the Eco-Park’s Festival, where they will experience a Gala Concert, ghost stories, workshops, art exhibitions, folkloric dance, circus theater, and traditional Mexican music.
In addition to the authentic shows and music, there will also be an Interactive Hacienda where guests can create masks, paint their faces as life and death, light a candle to guide the souls of the departed, and more.
While the Day of the Dead is celebrated throughout the country with traditional costumes, customs, and cuisine, Cancun honors its dearly departed with a typical Mayan variation known as Hanal Pixan (“Food for the Souls”).
Where’s the best place to stay?
Although most all-inclusive resorts will host celebrations, we highly recommend Check PricesHotel Xcaret Mexico (and for adults-only, the Check PricesHotel Xcaret Arte next door), for the an unbeatable value, as Admission to Xcaret Eco-Park for the Festival is included in your stay (aka FREE!)* as well as transportation (however the concerts are not included). Check the Festival Schedule for additional events at the Xcaret Park and Hotel Xcaret.
Check PricesAvailability & Prices* Admission to all Xcaret eco-parks and attractions is currently included in a stay at Hotel Xcaret/Hotel Xcaret Arte at the time of this writing but please be sure to check before booking in case that changes.
Another great option is Check PricesGrand Velas Riviera Nayarit in Vallarta, which will host its first “Mexology Fest” on November 2nd and 3rd to mark Día de los Muertos traditions and Mexican mixology innovations. The mixology workshops and tastings are included in the nightly rate, and Mexico City’s renowned Licorería Limantour will do a “bar takeover that sounds like a blast! For the Day of the Dead, attend a poolside Catrina parade with musicians and dancers and opt to get Catrina skull makeup for a festive dinner of Mexican cuisine.
Or consider Check PricesGrand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancún, where every Friday throughout October they will host a variety of fun events and serve a traditional Hanal Pixan dish called “mukbil pollo”. Made of nixtamalized corn, lard, chicken and a variety of condiments, this enormous tamale is wrapped in banana leaves and buried, then slowly cooked using the heat of incandescent stones. Mayan people wait for this season to cook mukbil pollo, as it’s believed that it creates a connection between the worlds of the living and the dead.
Will you be there?
Don’t Miss:
Day of the Dead Festival at Xcaret Park (video)
Velas Resorts in Mexico Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos
