Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a vibrant and joyous celebration in Mexico, filled with colorful traditions, parades, and special culinary dishes. Taking place on November 1 and 2, this holiday blends Indigenous beliefs and Spanish customs to honor loved ones who have passed away.
This celebration is not a sad event, but rather a lively and raucous celebration. Friends and families in Mexico create altars (ofrendas) and display photographs, candles, marigold flowers, food, and favorite beverages to remember and honor their departed loved ones.
In different cities and towns across Mexico, there are large parades, parties, art installations, and special culinary treats to commemorate Día de los Muertos. Here are five celebrations happening in Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, Riviera Maya, and Los Cabos:
Mexico City:
Mexico City hosts the grandest Dia de los Muertos celebrations in the country. Andaz Mexico City Condesa, a stylish boutique luxury hotel in the artistic neighborhood of La Condesa, offers special programs for Dia de los Muertos. From now until November 5, they have holiday pan de muerto offerings and traditional Mexican hot chocolate at Derba Matcha Café. The hotel also hosts a pop-up Dia de los Muertos-themed art installation by local gallery Caminarte, and offers authentic Catrina face-painting on select dates. La Condesa is a bohemian district near Parque Mexico, where guests can enjoy vibrant cafes, art galleries, and authentic cuisine.
San Miguel de Allende:
Casa De Sierra Nevada, named the 2nd Best Hotel in Mexico by Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, celebrates Dia de los Muertos from November 1. Guests can enjoy festive cocktails at Tunki Rooftop by Handshake and participate in special activities. Belmond Hotel collaborates with Mexican artist Betsabee’ Romero, who offers vibrant recycled plastic flowers and other themed objects. Guests staying for three nights or longer can experience a La Catrina makeup session, a Romero-designed personal altar kit, and a special culinary dinner on November 2 featuring traditional Mexican dishes.
Los Cabos:
Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos Resort celebrates Dia de los Muertos with a traditional parade on November 1. Guests can watch the parade and enjoy live music, dance shows, and traditional food and drinks. The resort also sets up an altar to honor the deceased, creating a space for the living and the dead to coexist.
Riviera Maya:
Xcaret Hotels in Riviera Maya hosts the annual Festival of Life and Death Traditions, recognized as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. From October 30 to November 3, guests can experience theatrical performances, Mexican cuisine, music, dancing, workshops, and a dedicated children’s area. Grammy Award winner Natalia Lafourcade will also perform during the festival.
These celebrations offer a unique and immersive experience to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico. From colorful altars and art installations to traditional cuisine and parades, visitors can truly embrace and honor this rich cultural tradition.
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