Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos in Mexico is a unique tradition. That is why we invited our Travel Club members to be part of this amazing experience at the Festival de Tradiciones de Vida y Muerte that took place at Xcaret Park in the Riviera Maya.
Did you know?
Rituals to the dead began several thousand years ago with the Aztec, Toltec, and other Nahua people. Later on, the holiday originated in Mexico is celebrated with colorful calaveras (skulls), calacas (skeletons), altars, music and traditional food.
In 2008, UNESCO recognized the importance of Día de los Muertos by adding the holiday to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Today Mexicans from all religious and ethnic backgrounds celebrate Día de los Muertos, but at its core, the holiday is a reaffirmation of indigenous life.
Marigolds are the main flowers used to decorate the altar. Scattered from altar to gravesite, marigold petals guide wandering souls back to their place of rest.
The centerpiece of the celebration is an altar, or ofrenda, built in private homes and cemeteries. These aren’t altars for worshipping; rather, they’re meant to welcome spirits back to the realm of the living. As such, they’re loaded with offerings—water to quench thirst after the long journey, food, family photos, and a candle for each dead relative.
Travel Club members Mark & Michelle enjoy the “Festival de Vida y Muerte”
Plenty of musical activities were part of the celebration in Xcaret.
Xcaret park proudly portraits the Mayan culture to their visitors.
In Travel Club, our members’ satisfaction is the most important thing! Thank you for being part of the Day of the Dead celebrations.
Looking forwards to all events and parties
Thank you, Corrine! We love to host these kind of events.