Artistic and Cultural Activities in Festival of Life and Death

It was born in 1984 as a gathering to honor the songs, music, and dances of the Purépecha, Mazahua, Nahua, Otomí, Pirinda people, and the Tierra Caliente region. Today, after more than 40 years of history and with the living strength of 3,500 tradition bearers, it arrives at Xcaret to share a legacy that transcends generations. A unique celebration where the heart of Michoacán beats through sones, colors, and dances that keep alive the memory of its people.

At the heart of the Day of the Dead, when the paths between worlds open, we invite you to a space of creation, memory, and connection with the earth. In this workshop, your hands will shape clay into a butterfly or a pineapple, sacred symbols for the Purépecha peoples of Michoacán.

The group from Señor, in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, conveys through its music the feelings of a people who preserve their traditions. The Maya paax is heard on days of celebration, and each “son” has a moment of presentation established by tradition.

On the border between the mythical and the real, the stories of a family guardian of the dam take us on an ancestral journey where the earth divides, souls travel in butterflies, and destiny intertwines with the flow of the waters. From the source of the Paricutín to the Xanharu, the story is woven among stars, legends, and spirits that return every Day of the Dead. A spectacle that reminds us that the past lives in memory and in the wind that moves the Parakatas.

Two crooks, a crazy bet, and a duel of tirahules that ends in tragedy... or does it? Luis Mejía and Juan Chereque Tenorio are rivals for the love of Lela Inés, a young woman confined to a convent. But what begins as a challenge of honor becomes a tangle of laughter, chaos, and destiny. A year later, in the silence of the cemetery, Juan Chereque returns to confront his past, only to be greeted by the pixán of Lela Inés, who has more than one surprise in store. Music, comedy, and a touch of the afterlife in a play that celebrates life and death in the purest style of regional theater.

A leading reference among wind quintets in Michoacán and at the national level, this ensemble presents the Suite La Cocina, a work by Maestro Andrés Campos inspired by the Purépecha worldview. In five movements, it evokes the traditional Indigenous kitchen as a space of knowledge and memory. The oboe, the voice of the Uarhiti or Naná, guides each passage with cadence and style, symbolizing the feminine principle that brings harmony and life.

Since its creation, Xcaret has cultivated a vast musical legacy that embodies the essence of Mexico's spirit: compositions that span the spectrum from traditional popular music to symphonic creation. Today, that journey comes to life on stage with works ranging from Fantasía Xcaret to Peregrinos, under the artistic direction of Fernando Herrera. This program, conceived as a tribute to the Festival of Life and Death Traditions, presents a mestizo narrative that combines heritage, innovation, and emotion. The performance is by the Xcaret Symphony Camerata, the Mariachi “Las Adelitas,” Los Cantores de Xcaret, and the K'ay Group, ensembles that proudly embody the spirit and creativity of the park, accompanied by the Danaus Ensemble, worthy representatives of the music of Michoacan.

From the heart of Paracho—cradle of the guitar and Purépecha musical tradition—emerges the virtuosity of a young prodigy: six-time winner of the National Guitar Competition and recipient of the National Youth Award. His talent has reached across continents, yet it is in his roots where he finds his greatest creative strength. Sharing the stage, the Danaus Ensemble brings to life La Cocina, a suite composed by Maestro Andrés Campos—an evocative work that translates the Purépecha worldview into musical language. Divided into five movements, each section reflects the essential elements of the traditional Indigenous kitchen, where the oboe represents the Uarhiti—the woman—spiritual guide and sole keeper of rhythm, fire, and time. This meeting of strings and winds, of youthful virtuosity and ancestral sound, goes beyond artistic collaboration—it honors women, the kitchen, and memory. A powerful experience that invites the audience to look inward, through music rooted in land, symbol, and reverence for who we are.

Legend has it that an ancient tunnel once crossed beneath the city, a passage through which thieves escaped with the treasures of Morelia’s Cathedral. Yet their greed condemned them, and they were left trapped underground. It is said that, on certain nights, their laments can still be heard… As the storyteller guides you through this tale of mystery and penance, your hands will weave a symbol of protection, memory, and faith.

Founded in 1990, the T’animu Iretecha Trio takes its name from the hometowns of its members: Ulises Santana (from Comanja, double bass and third voice), Isidro Jacinto (from Tiríndaro, accompaniment and second voice), and Adolfo Gabriel (from the Island of Urandén, requinto, first voice, director, and composer). Their mission is to carry on the ancestral legacy of the pirekua, the traditional Purépecha song recognized by UNESCO in 2010 as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Their music, which sings of love, nature, life, and death, seeks to preserve and revitalize a living tradition for future generations.

A vibrant and satirical show that fuses the chamber concert with comedy and period portrait. In an indeterminate period between Baroque and Neoclassicism, a musician with no name but an enormous talent will try to climb the strict musical hierarchy to become maestrissimo. With impeccable aesthetics and hilarious characters, the play addresses ethics, originality, and the value of art as it traces great moments in classical music.

The devotees embark on a theatrical walk through the Purépecha manor on their way to the mythical Paricutín, "the place on the other side." Through this scenic procession, they will experience different moments of Michoacán's history, guided by emblematic characters who will propose challenges, games, or knowledge of their time and region. Along the way, they will meet the wise Tariácuri, the visionary Vasco de Quiroga, the brave Gertrudis Bocanegra, the insurgent Morelos, the biting voice of Pito Pérez, and even the Paricutín volcano in person. Each encounter will be a door to the soul of Michoacán: its culture, memory, and living force.

An area featuring altars created by different communities from the region, the guest state, and the group’s business divisions.

In the heart of the Quintana Roo jungle lives a fascinating Mayan legend: the story of two warrior brothers, Tizic and Kinich, who fell in love with the beautiful maiden Nicté-Há. Their shared love led them to face each other in a deadly duel. Moved by the tragedy, the gods transformed them into trees: Tizic into the Chechén, with toxic sap, and Kinich into the Chacá, with reddish bark and healing properties. Nicté-Há was reborn as a delicate white flower by the water. Today, visitors can admire these trees growing together in the jungle, reminding us of the eternal struggle between love and destiny.

Ancestral practice of ancient cultures. The primary purpose of Xahumerio smoke is to cleanse the body and spirit as well as environments, spaces, and places. Xahumerio smoke is always in movement, which is why it is associated with the power to make that heavy energy that is stagnant circulate and leave; the smoke dissipates, which is why it can make negative vibes disappear, and harmony arrives; the smoke is the product of a transformation of matter, that is why it can convert what is in its path; the smoke rises, that is why it can carry messages to where they need to go. These messages are more potent when our loved ones cross the portal and are present at this Festival.

In the waters of the underworld, the Mythical Canoe moves to the rhythmic beat of the oarsmen Raya and Jaguar, whose silhouettes pierce the darkness as they guide the god of Corn through ancient shadows, accompanied by the sacred animals carved into the bone staff of the ruler of Tikal, Jasaw Chan K'awil. In this scenic tale, the lords of Xibalbá, Hun Camé and Vucub Camé, lead the viewer through the nine houses of the underworld described in the Popol Vuh, where each room tests the soul, memory, and hope. A ceremonial and sensory experience that revives ancient Mayan myths, where the fate of corn—and humanity—is decided amid shadows, challenges, and eternity.

Danza del Pescado Blanco and Mariposa with Danza de Viejitos of Jarácuaro accompanied by Trio Hermanos Orozco.

In the warmth of cacao and the echo of ancient words, we invite you to a space for listening, feeling, and remembering. As you savor a cup of hot chocolate, let your soul journey through the legend of Janitzio and Eréndira, a sacred tale of Purépecha culture that speaks of love, courage, and the subtle bridge between life and death.

The festival's opening ceremony will be preceded by government authorities, Xcaret executives, Zona Maya representatives, and special guests.

"As every year, Chonchita's family is getting ready to celebrate the Day of the Dead, but this time it will be different: Grandpa Rulo has recently passed away, and according to tradition, no altar can be placed until a year after his death. His soul still travels to Xibalbá, and bringing his offering forward could leave it trapped in limbo... or take someone else with it. Chonchita, a faithful believer of these customs, fears every strange sign, convinced that everything is tomok chí. Amid laughter, anecdotes, memories, and a lot of hanal pixán flavor, this story in the style of Yucatecan regional theater will reveal a secret of the grandfather that will make the audience exclaim: Uay chichí, it's tomok chí!"

A band originating in Xcaret, comprised of talented musicians who will welcome every soul that crosses the park gates. Their music, charged with emotion and evocation, creates a unique atmosphere that transports us to beloved landscapes and memorable moments, turning each arrival into a sensitive encounter with tradition, memory, and the celebration of life.

In a heartbeat, life slips away, and the offering is the bond of love that unites us with our deceased loved ones.

This multidisciplinary show fuses dance, theater, live music, visual arts, and circus to reinterpret Michael Ende's children's classic Momo. Join Momo, Beppo, Giggi, and Casiopea in an adventure against the Grey Men. A story that invites us to reflect on time, life, and the importance of living in the present. A montage that reminds us of the importance of enjoying the present before it is too late.

Amidst gossip, laughter, and memories, Britany Yajaira faces the absence of her inseparable friends, Suncha, Meche, and Maruch. With the guidance of her brother Chato and the unexpected visit of their spirits, she will learn that the true bond of friendship is never broken. A touching and funny story that reminds us that those we love are still alive in every anecdote and every heart, a celebration of life, memory, and tradition!

The Charanga Nicté Há de Xtatil will perform traditional music and lively jaranas that invite us to dance to their captivating melodies. The songs they will perform are derived from ancient regional tunes and a unique blend of European songs and rhythms, infused with ancient expressions of the musical soul of the Mayan people.

The bailes de tarima, also known as bailes de golpe, have their deepest roots in the Tierra Caliente region of Apatzingán. Since the 19th century, the municipality of Arteaga, Michoacán, embraced these expressions thanks to families who arrived in search of a better life, bringing with them music, dance, and traditions. At rural gatherings and cattle rodeos, the arpa grande terracalenteña, violins, and guitar enlivened long hours of stomping on wooden platforms. Men and women, serious and steadfast, transformed the fandango into a rite of identity and resistance—a practice that today lives on in the Sunday gatherings at the Jardín de Arteaga.

Throughout history, clothing has been much more than a means of protecting the body: it is an unwritten language that reflects identity, gender, origin, and social status. In Mexico, since pre-Hispanic times, the textile arts have been linked to divine gifts and to the creative role of women, becoming a living symbol of memory and tradition. The photographic exhibition Wearing My Identity reveals the cultural richness found in the attire of the Indigenous peoples of Michoacán. It originates from the Traditional Costume Contest, first held at the Huatápera of Uruapan in 1982 during the Palm Sunday Festivities, with the purpose of encouraging children, youth, and adults alike to preserve their ceremonial, dance, and everyday garments.

From the heart of Paracho—cradle of the guitar and Purépecha musical tradition—emerges the virtuosity of a young prodigy: six-time winner of the National Guitar Competition and recipient of the National Youth Award. His talent has reached across continents, yet it is in his roots where he finds his greatest creative strength. Sharing the stage, the Danaus Ensemble brings to life La Cocina, a suite composed by Maestro Andrés Campos—an evocative work that translates the Purépecha worldview into musical language. Divided into five movements, each section reflects the essential elements of the traditional Indigenous kitchen, where the oboe represents the Uarhiti—the woman—spiritual guide and sole keeper of rhythm, fire, and time. This meeting of strings and winds, of youthful virtuosity and ancestral sound, goes beyond artistic collaboration—it honors women, the kitchen, and memory. A powerful experience that invites the audience to look inward, through music rooted in land, symbol, and reverence for who we are.

In the heart of the Quintana Roo jungle lives a fascinating Mayan legend: the story of two warrior brothers, Tizic and Kinich, who fell in love with the beautiful maiden Nicté-Há. Their shared love led them to face each other in a deadly duel. Moved by the tragedy, the gods transformed them into trees: Tizic into the Chechén, with toxic sap, and Kinich into the Chacá, with reddish bark and healing properties. Nicté-Há was reborn as a delicate white flower by the water. Today, visitors can admire these trees growing together in the jungle, reminding us of the eternal struggle between love and destiny.

Founded in 1990, the T’animu Iretecha Trio takes its name from the hometowns of its members: Ulises Santana (from Comanja, double bass and third voice), Isidro Jacinto (from Tiríndaro, accompaniment and second voice), and Adolfo Gabriel (from the Island of Urandén, requinto, first voice, director, and composer). Their mission is to carry on the ancestral legacy of the pirekua, the traditional Purépecha song recognized by UNESCO in 2010 as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Their music, which sings of love, nature, life, and death, seeks to preserve and revitalize a living tradition for future generations.

From the shores of the lake in Metepec, where time is suspended and whispers of the past float on the breeze, comes The Legend of the Tlanchana, a scenic experience that fuses dance, music, and visual art. The Tlanchana, a creature of water and dreams, envelops the spectator in a journey of love, betrayal, and mysticism. It is an encounter between mythology and contemporary art that invites you to lose yourself in the beauty of darkness. A contemporary ballet that unites mythology, poetry, and sustainability in a sensory experience that converses with the present.

The Mintsita Orchestra -meaning “childhood” in the Purépecha language- was born in the indigenous community of Cherán, Michoacán, as an act of hope, resistance, and rootedness. Made up of girls, boys, and young people, this musical group is a living emblem of cultural strengthening and the preservation of traditions within a people that has raised its voice for its autonomy and its territory. Through music, the Mintsita Orchestra cultivates the Purepecha identity from the new generations, weaving the collective memory with each note and reaffirming that culture is a profound form of freedom.

Danza del Pescado Blanco and Mariposa with Danza de Viejitos of Jarácuaro accompanied by Trio Hermanos Orozco.

Life and death appear as part of the same cycle—inseparable and complementary. The mural brings together symbols deeply rooted in collective memory: the marigold flower from Copándaro and Tarímbaro as a luminous guide for souls; the wooden horses from Cuanajo, evoking play and tradition; and the Xoloitzcuintle dog, an ancient guardian of the journey to the afterlife. The Tzompantli, with its rawness and solemnity, recalls the ritual power of the pre-Hispanic world, while a Purépecha female figure rises as sun and origin, goddess and mother, the center of this eternal cycle. In the background, the sea supports the work as a symbol of life, strength, and nature. Each element speaks in a language of memory and return, inviting us to contemplate death not as an end, but as a continuous passage, a union with our ancestors, and a constant return to the earth.

A magical horseback journey alongside the souls of those who have gone before us, where the offerings embody the nostalgia, emotions, and memories of our loved ones. Melancholy must not remain in our minds and hearts; that is why, with the help of God’s little soldiers, sorrow comes to an end and we give way to life—keeping alive the memories of family and friends while honoring our traditions.

The Conjunto de Arpa Grande Alma de Apatzingán, founded in 1973 by Juan Pérez Morfín and Manuel Pérez Morfín, embodies the sonic soul of its region. Their repertoire, rich with sones, gustos, and verses, includes 42 musical recordings. Through the vibrant dialogue of string instruments, this group proudly and authentically celebrates the identity of the Tierra Caliente region, preserving and sharing an invaluable musical heritage.

The devotees embark on a theatrical walk through the Purépecha manor on their way to the mythical Paricutín, "the place on the other side." Through this scenic procession, they will experience different moments of Michoacán's history, guided by emblematic characters who will propose challenges, games, or knowledge of their time and region. Along the way, they will meet the wise Tariácuri, the visionary Vasco de Quiroga, the brave Gertrudis Bocanegra, the insurgent Morelos, the biting voice of Pito Pérez, and even the Paricutín volcano in person. Each encounter will be a door to the soul of Michoacán: its culture, memory, and living force.

La Orquesta Polifacética de Felipe Carrillo Puerto lleva más de una década difundiendo la música regional con un estilo propio que mezcla tradición y contemporaneidad. Bajo la dirección de Ángel Francisco Moo, han recorrido más de diez estados y creado cerca de 60 composiciones originales, además de arreglos de jaranas, danzones y piezas populares. Su “toque mágico” convierte cada presentación en un festejo comunitario, recordando que la música es un lenguaje universal de alegría y unión.

"As every year, Chonchita's family is getting ready to celebrate the Day of the Dead, but this time it will be different: Grandpa Rulo has recently passed away, and according to tradition, no altar can be placed until a year after his death. His soul still travels to Xibalbá, and bringing his offering forward could leave it trapped in limbo... or take someone else with it. Chonchita, a faithful believer of these customs, fears every strange sign, convinced that everything is tomok chí. Amid laughter, anecdotes, memories, and a lot of hanal pixán flavor, this story in the style of Yucatecan regional theater will reveal a secret of the grandfather that will make the audience exclaim: Uay chichí, it's tomok chí!"

The Magnolia Tsïtsïki, Orchestra, born in a Purépecha community in Michoacán, is a vibrant musical initiative that combines art, identity, and resistance. Led by the talented Nubia Magnolia—musician, activist, and proud Indigenous woman—this orchestra represents an act of cultural revitalization and community empowerment through sound. With each performance, Magnolia Tsitsiki reaffirms the power of music as a tool for transformation, making visible the richness of the Purepecha people and the fundamental role of women in preserving living memory.