This season in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya is really special. People come from all over the world to celebrate Day of the Dead or Dia de Muertos. One of the most beautiful places to experience this mexican tradition to honour your loved ones that have passed away is in Xcaret Park.
Day of the Dead Festival in Xcaret Park: Honouring Life and Traditions: From October 30 to November 3, visitors can immerse themselves in the captivating tradition of the Day of the Dead at Xcaret, the Best Park in the World. This festival offers a vibrant program of activities that welcomes the spirits returning from the beyond for a few days, allowing them to reconnect with their loved ones.
The 17th edition of the Festival of Life and Death Traditions has the state of Querétaro as its guest of honor. The event will feature artisans, traditional cooks, and numerous artists from this region of Mexico, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage.
This year’s festival program promises a diverse array of events, including theater performances, dance presentations, various concerts, the All Saints’ Day Mass, as well as interactive workshops, exhibitions, and the ever-popular Interactive Hacienda. This space offers an opportunity for both children and adults to engage with the many traditions that define the Day of the Dead.
Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, the Day of the Dead festivities in Mexico are an integral part of the country’s cultural identity and heritage. It’s a time to honor and remember departed loved ones, embracing the belief that during these days, from October 31 to November 2, the spirits are granted permission to visit their families.
In addition to Xcaret, the Day of the Dead will also be celebrated in Playa del Carmen, where a series of events and activities will unfold in the main square over two days, November 1 and 2. Highlights include altar displays, a stroll along the Fifth Avenue, ceremonial offerings by Mayan elders, and ancestral messages, all of which serve to preserve the Mayan culture and traditions.
Catrina Costume Contest: As a highlight of the festivities, the annual Catrina costume contest will take place at 5pm on November 1st, inviting participants to showcase their most elaborate and creative Catrina costumes and the catrinas and catrins parade down 5th Avenue. La Catrina, a prominent figure in Mexican Day of the Dead mythology, is more than just an elegant skeleton; she symbolizes the profound themes of mortality, destiny, and societal divisions of class.
The term “Hanal Pixán” or “Janal Pixán” in the Maya language means “food of the souls,” and it represents a special tradition among the Maya people to commemorate friends and relatives who have embarked on their eternal journey. This tradition is popularly known as the Day of the Dead, and it holds a profound significance for the bereaved, as they believe that during these days, from October 31 to November 2, the souls of the departed are “permitted” to visit their families.
Visit Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya this season to partake in this unique cultural experience that pays homage to life and the enduring connections with those who have passed on.
