Day of the Dead
The Day of the Dead tradition is celebrated in Mexico every November 1st and 2nd. This national holiday marks the temporary return of deceased loved ones to the land of the living. Since 2003, UNESCO has recognized it as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The occasion includes vibrant public festivities and moments of personal reflection: each home features an altar decorated with offerings, and a path of marigold petals is laid out to guide the souls to their altar.
November 1st
On November 1st is the All-Saints festivity according to Catholic tradition and when we remember those who had passed away being children, or without becoming saints. Also, for the Catholic religion, the All-Souls’ Day takes place on November 2nd, when people pray for everyone who has not to enter paradise yet.
This Mexican tradition includes a visit to the cemeteries where the remains rest and setting altars with food, candles, incense, photographs, and flowers to remember them. Only during these days every year, can the souls of our loved ones come back to Earth to be close to their relatives.
What can we find on an altar during the Day of the Dead?
An altar should have several objects, some of them almost mandatory in each one, and personal things from the people who have gone. Among the required elements in every altar, there are candles, salt, incense, sugar candy skulls, Pan de Muerto (Dead Bread), decorated paper, and marigold flowers. Also, it is common to cook the meals they liked while living, liquor or cigarettes, or even a toy or sweet if there was a child.
What is the goal of the Festival?
The Festival of Life and Death Traditions aims its efforts to keep the ancestral Mexican traditions of the Day of the Dead, plus showing to the world the culture of our country. Through costumes and different contemporary artistic expressions, Xcaret contributes to preserving this proud tradition.
