Halloween and Day of the Dead Events 2019
October in Playa del Carmen is in full swing, and even though we're in the middle of “low season”, you’ll still find plenty of things to do with the upcoming Halloween and Day of the Dead holidays. Halloween falls on October 31st and Day of the Dead is a 2-day celebration on November 1st and 2nd; since Playa del Carmen celebrates both, you’ll have several straight days of parties, celebrations, and cultural events. Here’s the list of the ones we have found so far.
Festival of Life and Death at Xcaret Park
As always, the year's biggest event will be the Festival of Life and Death at Xcaret Park. This 4-night Day of the Dead celebration runs every evening from October 30th to November 2nd, offering endless cultural activities, tons of stuff for kids, a Mexican cemetery, and beautiful shows. This year's festival also features a concert by Los Angeles Azules on November 1st and 2nd. A must-see if you're going to be in the Riviera Maya! You can find the full itinerary on the website.
Hanal Pixan & Dia de Muertos w/ Alltournative
Join Alltournative for a traditional Hanal Pixan/Dia de Muertos celebration in the Maya village of Tres Reyes. Your tour includes round-trip transportation, altar-making, a candlelit Maya ceremony in a cenote and a traditional meal. If you've yet to experience a traditional Maya Day of the Dead celebration, this is a must-do! Tours run from November 1st thru November 4th and depart from a central meeting place in Playa del Carmen.
Catrina Parade on 5th Avenue
Enjoy an evening of art and culture at Playa del Carmen's annual Desfile de Catrinas (Catrina Parade) organized by Todos Somos Catrinas. The festive parade down 5th Avenue is taking place on November 2nd at 4pm. There will also be holiday-themed murals and a festival.
Altar Exposition at El Pueblito Mayakoba
Celebrate life at the annual Day of Dead altar competition at El Pueblito at Mayakoba. This charming Mexican-style square has become a gathering place for Riviera Maya locals thanks to their frequent family events, with outdoor movie nights, concerts and more.
Day of the Dead 5K & 10K Run
Celebrate Day of the Dead with a fun, family-friendly 5K & 10K run through the streets of Playa del Carmen. The Celebremos la Vida 1er. Carerra del Dia de Muertos takes place November 2nd at 6pm. The route starts and ends at Plaza 28 de Julio in Playa del Carmen.
Day of the Dead Bike Ride
Celebrate Day of the Dead with a fun 15K Rodado Dia de Muertos bike ride around downtown Playa del Carmen. It's free to join. BYO bike, helmet, lights, etc. There will be a prize for the best costume!
Halloween for Kids in Playacar
Huellas de Amor is hosting a kid-friendly Halloween party with games, a costume parade, a piñata, and even trick or treating in Playacar. It goes from 3:30pm to 6:30pm and the cost is $200 pesos.
Halloween Tiki Party at the Tiny Tiki Hut
This year, The Tiny Tiki Hut is throwing a Spooktacular "Stangers Things" themed Halloween party. It'll be a bewitching evening filled with evil elixers & ghoulish delights! Costumes are a must!
Halloween Party at Off The Vine
Enjoy fine wines and a delicious dinner at Off The Vine's Halloween party. There will be a costume contest with fun prizes. The party starts at 8pm and the cost is $400 pesos (includes dinner).
Halloween and Costume Party at Bar Ranita
Bar Ranita's Halloween bash has been called the BEST halloween party in town. Dance to funky beats spun by Dj Jonathon Soul while all the witches and goblins party the night away.
Halloween Party at INTI Beach
Celebrate Halloween Playa-style with a costume party on the beach! There will be music, dancing, drinks, and a prize for the best costume. The party starts at 8pm.
Halloween Party at ALIVE
For the 3rd year in a row, ALIVE snack-bar is hosting their annual Halloween party with all the best music, awesome decorations, and a costume contest with fantastic prizes. Come and have a great time at one of the best paties of the year!
Halloween Party at Latitude 20
If you're going to be in Puerto Aventuras this Halloween, Restaurant Latitude 20 is hosting a Booze and Boos Halloween Party with a costume contest, dancing and live music featuring Banda Flagio.
Halloween Party at La Vagabunda Fiesta
La Vagabunda Fiesta's Halloween party will include a costume contest, a swimming pool, piñatas, music and kid-friendly games and surprises.
Day of the Dead Party at La Vagabunda Fiesta
La Vagabunda Fiesta's Dia de Muertos party will include a costume contest, a swimming pool, piñatas, music and kid-friendly games and surprises.
Halloween Party at The Admiral
For Halloween, The Admiral is hosting a Studio 54-themed Halloween Party with disco music and prizes for the best dressed. The cost is $350 pesos and includes and open bar and canapes.
Halloween Party at La Buena Vida
If you're going to be in Akumal for Halloween, La Buena Vida is hosting a Halloween party on the beach. Costumes are encouraged and there will be prizes for the best costumes in several categories, including most creative, best couple and more!
Halloween Costume Contest at Bar Loco
This Halloween, don't miss Bar Loco's Halloween Costume Contest. The party starts at 9pm with the costume contest taking place around 1am.
Halloween in Puerto Morelos
If you're going to be in Puerto Morelos this Halloween, be sure to check out the Catrina parade on October 31st. There will also be a mega altar cultural walk, ongoing celebrations at Cenotes Zapote Prehistoric Park, and a Day of the Dead party at the cultural center on November 2nd.
Day of the Dead Celebration at Turtle Bay Cafe
If you're going to be in Akumal on Saturday, November 2nd, Turtle Bay Cafe is hosting their annual Day of the Dead celebration with a menu of traditional Day of the Dead specialties and a Catrina contest with prizes.
We’ll be updating as the dates get closer! And be sure to check out our Riviera Maya Events Calendar to find out about other upcoming events throughout the year.
Lead photo credit: Xcaret Park
Laura Nazimiec moved to Cancun from Philadelphia. A two-week language and culture immersion program in Guatemala led to a year of backpacking in Latin America and ultimately the decision to live abroad. After moving to Mexico, Laura turned her passion for travel into her career as a blogger and social media manager for BuyPlaya Real Estate Advisors. In her free time, she enjoys running and yoga, and she also runs the website FitCancun.com. You can follow her on Twitter @FitCancun