***Entrance to the Festival of Life and Death celebrations is included when purchasing any entrance to Xcaret Park from October 30th to November 2nd. ***
From Riviera Maya
From Cancun
The scent of copal incense fills the air. It smells like the Xcaret Festival of Life and Death Tradition, it smells like Xcaret. The scene that welcomes you is stunning — that’s Mexico: color, textures, smells, diversity.
The usually friendly faces at Xcaret paint themselves as skulls for their annual festival. It honors the dead and celebrates the living. The stunning works of art upon their faces are not scary at all but rather a gorgeous representation of a country’s rich tradition. Read on to find the unique things to discover at this world-class Xcaret festival in the Riviera Maya.
1. Marigolds Mark the Way at the Xcaret Festival of Life and Death
The grounds are decorated with bright yellow marigolds, the traditional flower of the Day of the Dead. The marigold, known as cempasuchitl flower, represents life and hope. Mexicans believe it marks the way for the dearly departed to return to the land of the living.
https://blog.amstardmc.com/day-of-the-dead-xcaret/
The evening promises to be full of dances, shows, spectacles, exhibitions and games. Above all, these elements shine the spotlight on the traditions of Mexico.
2. Day of the Dead Is a Holiday for the Senses
Immediately upon entering you see the pathways lined with candles and flowers, decorations for you and for the souls who come back just one more time – every year – for a little fun, for a little hot chocolate, for a little torta de cochinita.
The souls have good taste and the food at the Xcaret Festival of Life and Death Tradition is a staple and a must when visiting Cancun-Riviera Maya during the end of October, beginning of November. From the traditional Day of the Dead bread to tamales to the invited state’s traditional food. For the 12th Edition of the Festival, Yucatan’s seasoning filled the air.
3. The Make Up Is Not a Costume
And just like the Day of the Dead bread is a must, so it’s painting your face like a calaverita or skull. In Mexico, the main skull figure is called Catrina. The reasons are now lost in time and translation. Some believe we paint our faces to mock death and tell her we’re not afraid of her. Others believe that it is a way to trick death, as it is believed that the veil that separates the land of the living from the dead is thinner during All Saint’s Day and All Souls’ Day. Whatever the reason, the Catrina face-painting is a ritual that’s done with respect for an ancient tradition.
4. The Celebration Is as Old as Time
The Day of the Dead has its origins from pre-Hispanic civilizations from 2,500 to 3,000 years ago, long before the Spaniards conquered Mexico. That celebration took place in the 9th month of the Aztec calendar (about August in today’s calendar) and lasted the whole month. Today, homes, cities and communities all over Mexico and Latin America celebrate this rich tradition but styles and customs differ by region, depending on the region’s predominant pre-Hispanic culture.
https://blog.amstardmc.com/festival-of-life-and-death-xcaret/
In the Yucatan Peninsula, the native Mayan heritage heavily influences the festivities. The region celebrates Hanal Pixan, which means “food for the souls.” It’s the Mayan phrase that describes the traditional food offered to the dearly departed.
5. Day of the Dead Is a World Treasure
In 2008, UNESCO recognized the importance of Dia de los Muertos by adding the holiday to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It’s difficult for me to describe its magic but all I can say is that it is rich… in color, in taste, in hope.
The holiday celebrates the loving connection between the living and our departed loved ones. It is magical and moving to see the intricate and loving altars, the beautifully painted skull faces, grounds decorated by bright yellow, marigold flowers, smell the fragrant sweet bread and delicious meals all to share with those whom we miss on our earthly lives.
Now it’s your turn, tell us:
What did you think about the Xcaret Festival of Life and Death Traditions?
Have you ever been part of a Day of the Dead celebration?
