With summer winding down, it’s time to set sights on the fall. Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is one of the most popular Mexican traditions. People travel from all over the world to celebrate this special holiday. It commemorates the lives of the departed with food, drink, and elaborate altars. Skeleton and skull figures ( Calaveras) are commonly used in sweets, masks, dolls, folk art and baked goods. At Barceló Hotel Groups’ various properties in Mexico, guests can immerse themselves in the Day of the Dead.
Puerto Vallarta’s “Death is Alive” procession includes horses, mariachi bands, and more! Participants start their journey at the 5 de Diciembre cemetery. Then, they make their way down the cobblestone streets of El Centro to the Malecon and wind up at the main square. The Occidental Nuevo Vallarta is the perfect play to stay while enjoying the festivities.
Xcaret Park, a short distance from the adults-only Royal Hideaway Playacar, celebrates Day of the Dead as no other place in the Riviera Maya. Every year, the park hosts its four-day "Life & Death Festival." Popular activities include theater, music, dance, food and face painting.
Day of the Dead in Mexico City is an exciting time to visit. Since 2016, Mexico City has been hosting a special Day of the Dead parade. It takes place along Paseo de la Reforma on the last Saturday of October. Located just a few steps away from the parade, there is no better place to stay at than at Barceló Mexico Reforma. There, guests can easily catch a glimpse of the brightly colored floats and the beautifully costumed dancers.
Cozumel, home to the all-inclusive Allegro Cozumel, honors the deceased during Day of the Dead by creating special altars called ofrendas. These altars are decorated with colorful folk art, candy skulls, marigolds, candles and more. They are displayed in hotels, restaurants, and other public places, as well as in private homes. A fun and welcoming Day of the Dead festival takes place in the Benito Juarez Park. There, visitors can enjoy traditional handmade treats in the shapes of skulls and flowers, as well as sweet bread – pan de muerto.
Every year, the city of Cancun holds its annual Day of the Dead festival celebration “Cena de Ánimas” (Dinner of Souls). Taking place October 31 through November 2, it features altars, traditional food, artistic performances, handmade treats, and more. Even more, over 450 artists participate in the festival. The daily parade starts at Avenues Chichén Itza and Tulum, ending in Parque Las Palapas. Located just a few minutes away from Downtown, the all-inclusive Occidental Tucancún offers guests comfort and affordable rates.
One interesting fact about Los Cabos is the destination celebrates Halloween as a precursor to Day of the Dead. Children in costumes go trick-or-treating in downtown Cabo San Lucas. Many establishments around the area provide candy for visitors. The destination also hosts a big parade with fantastic costumes. The vibrant pageantry of Dia de los Muertos is on full display in altars and decorations at San Jose del Cabo’s art district. Just a short distance away, Barceló Grand Faro Los Cabos is allows visitors to experience the very best that Cabo has to offer.
For an authentic cultural experience, spend your next Dia de los Muertos at Huatulco, home of the all-inclusive Barceló Hualtulco . There, you’ll learn about the Oaxacan traditions surrounding this important holiday. At spots like the Cemetery in Santa Maria Huatulco, you can witness families visiting their dead relatives and see the ofrendas (or offerings). Theses include pan de muertos (bread of the dead), sugar skulls or mescal. Even more, special tamales, bread and chocolate are made just for the occasion. Mariachi bands serenade revelers dressed up in ornate costumes.