A Colorful Celebration: Your Guide to Day of the Dead in Cancun and the Riviera Maya

Hanal Pixán: A Feast for the Souls

October 31st to November 2nd, 2024

Immerse yourself in the magic of Hanal Pixán, an ancient Mayan tradition that invites the spirits of ancestors to share a feast on Earth. This celebration, meaning "food of the souls," is a testament to the deep respect Mayans have for their deceased and their connection to the spiritual world.

During Hanal Pixán, families build altars adorned with marigold flowers, candles, and their loved ones' favorite foods, creating a bridge between the world of the living and the dead. In Puerto Juárez - Cancún, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel, this tradition is celebrated with special intensity. The streets are filled with color thanks to the altars, each with a unique design reflecting the personality and tastes of the deceased. The aromas of traditional food fill the air, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Activities to enjoy Hanal Pixán:

• Altar Building: Participate in workshops and learn to build your altar following Mayan traditions.
• Catrina Parade: The vibrant colors of the costumes, marigold flowers, and traditional decorations create a festive atmosphere that invites celebration.
• Offerings: Discover the meaning of each element that makes up an altar, from copal and incense to photographs and personal belongings.
• Traditional Music: Enjoy concerts of Mayan and Mexican music, which accompany the celebrations with joyful and melancholic rhythms.
• Dance: Join in traditional dances and feel the energy of the community.
• Gastronomy: Delight your palate with delicious Mayan cuisine, such as mucbipollo, a tamale wrapped in a banana leaf and stuffed with pork, or papadzules, tortillas bathed in a pepita and egg sauce. Don't miss the traditional tamales of various flavors and sweets like pibinal, made with piloncillo honey.
• The meaning behind each dish:
  • Mucbipollo: Represents the abundance and nourishment offered to the deceased for their journey.
  • Papadzules: Symbolize the union of life and death, as they are prepared with fresh ingredients and seasonings that evoke the flavors of the earth.
  • Tamales: Are an ancestral food offered as an offering to gods and the deceased.

A journey to the heart of Mayan culture

Hanal Pixán is more than just a celebration; it's an opportunity to connect with your roots and honor your ancestors. By participating in this tradition, you'll be part of a millennia-old history and contributing to keeping the customs of our indigenous peoples alive.

Festival of Life and Death in Xcaret: An Unforgettable Experience

October 30th to November 3rd, 2024

The Festival of Life and Death (Festival de Vida y Muerte) in Xcaret is one of Mexico's most spectacular events, a celebration that perfectly blends Mexican traditions with world-class performances. Every year, thousands of visitors gather at this magical theme park to live a unique and moving experience.

An experience beyond imagination

Imagine walking along paths lit by thousands of candles, admiring monumental altars that represent life and death. Listen to the melodies of traditional Mexican and world music while enjoying a feast prepared with the freshest and most authentic ingredients. The Festival of Life and Death in Xcaret is a sensory journey that will transport you to a world full of color, music, and emotions.

Activities for all tastes:

• Soul Parades: Attend the impressive soul parades, where colorful floats and thousands of participants recreate the traditions of the Day of the Dead.
• Concerts: Enjoy concerts of Mexican and world music, with renowned artists performing songs specially selected for the occasion.
• Workshops: Learn how to create altars, paint sugar skulls, and prepare traditional dishes.
• Gastronomy: Delight your palate with a wide variety of Mexican dishes, from mole and tamales to traditional sweets like pan de muerto.
• Spectacles: Attend the impressive aquatic and musical shows presented in the natural settings of Xcaret.
• Natural attractions: Explore underground rivers, paradisiacal beaches, and the Mayan jungle, and discover the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya.

Monumental Altars: A tribute to life

One of the festival's main attractions is the monumental altars, true works of art that pay tribute to the deceased. These altars are made with natural materials and decorated with marigold flowers, candles, photographs, and personal belongings, creating a magical and emotional atmosphere.

Beyond the Day of the Dead

In addition to Day of the Dead-related activities, Xcaret offers a wide variety of attractions to complement your experience. Explore the underground rivers on an exciting zip-line tour, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, or visit the butterfly and bird sanctuary.

Altar and Catrina Contest in Puerto Morelos: A Community Celebration

October 30th, 2024

Puerto Morelos becomes a canvas of colors and traditions during the altar and catrina contest. This festivity, which involves the entire community, is a testament to the residents' deep-rooted customs and creativity.

Neighbors, schools, businesses, and organizations actively participate in creating altars, each with a unique design and full of meaning. From the youngest to the oldest, everyone contributes to honoring their loved ones. The competition is healthy and friendly, and the main goal is to celebrate life and remember those who are no longer with us.

Evaluation criteria: more than a contest, a celebration

A specialized jury evaluates the altars and catrina costumes, taking into account various criteria such as:

• Originality: Creativity and innovation in the design of the altars and costumes are rewarded.
• Symbolism: The understanding and representation of traditional Day of the Dead elements, such as marigolds, sugar skulls, paper picado, and photographs of the deceased, is evaluated.
• Craftsmanship: The quality of the materials used and the technique employed in the construction of the altars and costumes is considered.
• Visual impact: The aesthetic effect of the altar and costume is valued, as well as its ability to convey emotions. Participating in the altar and catrina contest in Puerto Morelos is an enriching experience that allows residents and visitors to connect with their roots and celebrate life. It's an opportunity to learn about Mexican traditions, share special moments with the community, and create unforgettable memories.

Enjoy Day of the Dead at El Cid Resorts!

October 30th to November 2nd, 2024

Commemorate your loved ones at El Cid Resorts in Riviera Maya. Enjoy our stunning ofrendas (altars), participate in colorful rituals, and share special moments with those you cherish. Our resorts invite you to celebrate this Mexican tradition with a series of special activities designed for the whole family.

Activities for everyone:

• October 30th | Altar Revelation: Witness the unveiling of our spectacular Day of the Dead altar, a tribute to Mexican traditions and our ancestors at the main lobby of Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort.
• November 1st | Mexican Day of the Dead Show: Enjoy a colorful and musical performance showcasing traditional dances and Mexican legends associated with the Day of the Dead.
• November 2nd | Day of the Dead Circus Show: Amaze the whole family with a unique circus show featuring acrobats and dancers who will astound you with their skills and originality.

Special activities for the little ones: In our Kids Club, children can enjoy fun and educational activities related to the Day of the Dead:

• Making Marigold Flowers: Kids will learn to make marigold flowers out of tissue paper.
• Catrina Face Painting: Little ones can transform into fun catrinas with the help of our animators.
• Decorating the ofrenda: Spark their creativity by decorating the ofrenda with vibrant colors, traditional elements, and fun designs for the altar.

Book your all-inclusive stay at El Cid Resorts and experience something truly unique in the Mexican Caribbean!