VIBRANT DAY OF THE DEAD TRADITIONS AT XCARET
Known for its lush jungle setting, endless cultural activities, Yucatan wildlife and breathtaking Caribbean backdrop, Xcaret is a theme park unlike any other. Every fall, Xcaret celebrates Mexico's Day of the Dead holiday with the Festival of Life and Death. This four-night event features visually stunning attractions for adults and kids alike with centuries-old Mexican traditions that honor the departed.
Throughout the rest of the year, travelers and locals alike visit this immense park filled with attractions like an underground river, an aquarium, a bird sanctuary, Mayan ruins, jaguars, dolphins, snorkeling and so, so much more. On the evenings of October 30 through November 2, Xcaret transforms into a kaleidoscope of rojo, azul, verde, rosa and endless other colors in true estilo Mexicano as the dead join the living in the heart of the jungles of the Riviera Maya.
This year, the 7th annual Festival of Life and Death promises unforgettable experiences for the entire family. Fun theatrical performances can be seen in the evening at different locations around the park, with elaborate puppet shows, plays and dances as well as interactive street theater. Music lovers will discover delightful shows at Xcaret's open air theaters like concerts, Mayan music performances and songs from across the Yucatan Peninsula. Folkloric ballet, contemporary style and Mayan rituals combine in numerous dance shows throughout Xcaret. There's always something to see at the Festival of Life and Death!
Learn all about Mexican Day of the Dead traditions as well as local culture with extensive exhibits. Displays filled with wood sculptures and murals catch the eye, while unique handcrafts like sugar skulls, embroidery, jewelry, Yucatan handbags and pottery are available for purchase. You'll even find stands showing Mexican cuisine with handcrafted cacao products and baked goods from other parts of the country.
Get a glimpse of the famous Day of the Dead altars, found throughout Mexican households during this colorful season. Dedicated to deceased family members, these altars are topped with candles, marigold flowers, bright papel picado (banners of cut paper) and favorite foods that the deceased enjoyed in their lifetime. The Festival of Life and Death features Day of the Dead altars as well as altars for Hanal Pixán, the Mayan celebration of the dead.
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Tour Xcaret's unique Mayan cemetery, overflowing with marigold flowers (known as flor de muerto in Spanish and cempasúchitl in Mayan) along with incense and candles to welcome the dead. Kids will love the event's interactive activities and workshops, including decorating skeletons, storytelling, jewelry-making, makeup and costumes, mask-making and even a Mayan scavenger hunt for teens. You can even learn to draw Mayan glyphs and prepare a traditional xacoatl (chocolate) beverage just like the ancient Mayans!
You'll see Mexico's most heartwarming and bone-chilling Day of the Dead traditions at Xcaret's Festival of Life and Death. Get ready for mesmerizing shows and hands-on activities surrounded by candles and color at this Riviera Maya event.
Where: Xcaret Park, on the main highway just south of Playa del Carmen
When: October 30 - November 2, from 4 pm to 10 pm
General Admission Prices (beginning at 4 pm):
- $50 - $60 USD per adult (kids 50% off)
- $199 Mexican pesos for locals, with free admission for children under 5