The Mexican Caribbean is preparing to honor its ancestors in a unique celebration of the Day of the Dead and Hanal Pixán, an ancestral Mayan festival in which tribute is paid to the deceased. In this destination, the fusion of Mayan and Mexican customs offers an unforgettable cultural experience, inviting locals and national and international tourists to explore the depths of tradition, history and spirituality. Quintana Roo, recognized for its beautiful landscapes, becomes the epicenter of this festivity this year, highlighting its cultural richness and its role as a protagonist in one of the most emblematic celebrations in Mexico.
18th Festival of Life and Death Traditions in Xcaret
From October 30 to November 3, the Xcaret park in the Riviera Maya will hold the eighteenth edition of the Life and Death Traditions Festival, where Quintana Roo will be the guest of honor. This event will bring together artisans, traditional cooks and local artists, who will share the best of Quintana Roo culture through its gastronomy, crafts and music. Renowned artists such as Reik and Silvana Estrada will participate in the event, adding a contemporary touch to this celebration.
The festival is presented as a space for cultural expression, where visitors will be able to explore workshops, admire offerings and enjoy shows that reflect the beauty of Quintana Roo traditions in the natural environment of Xcaret. This is a unique opportunity to connect with the cultural legacy of the region and experience the symbolism of the Day of the Dead up close.
Hanal Pixán in Puerto Juárez
In Cancún, Puerto Juárez will host Hanal Pixán this year, an emblematic celebration of Mayan culture. In the Parque de las Palapas, thousands of people will gather to enjoy cultural activities and participate in the Cena de Animas, which in its tenth anniversary in Cancun, honors the deceased with offerings and an atmosphere of respect and spiritual connection. This event has gained popularity for its immersion in Mayan traditions, where families from the region place offerings in honor of their loved ones in an environment that evokes respect and unity.
Hanal Pixán in the Zapote Cenote
The celebration will continue on November 10 at the impressive Cenote Zapote, with the Hanal Pixán Mestizaje event. This event stands out for its authenticity and takes place in a sacred environment, where artisans from Leona Vicario and Puerto Morelos offer handcrafted creations and a selection of traditional Mayan dishes. In this celebration, a pilgrimage to the Mayan underworld will take place, with a symbolic representation of Hanal Pixán. This event invites attendees to a mystical and immersive experience that highlights the spiritual meaning of this ancient holiday.
Immersive experience at Mayakoba
The Mayakoba complex also joins the celebrations on November 1 with an experience that combines art, tradition and gastronomy. Starting at noon, visitors will be able to participate in cultural workshops, tour altars along Mayakoba’s canals, and enjoy live shows at an immersive altar, which conveys the worldview of death in Mayan culture.
To end the day, a gourmet dinner will be offered that delights attendees with the authentic flavors of the Yucatan Peninsula. The celebration culminates with the After-Dead Party in El Pueblito, where live music and altar awards create a festive atmosphere to close this day in a memorable way.
