Rooted in tradition and deep spirituality, Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a unique annual Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1 and 2. It combines thousands of years of history infused with Catholicism in a distinctive ritual that honors lost loved ones and death as part of the life cycle through events, cuisine, and reverential altars set up in the home and other spaces. Though its symbols — including skeletons and whimsically painted skulls — may at first seem ominous or even eerie, it is in fact a truly joyous celebration, and while it follows another popular international holiday on the calendar, Halloween, it is distinctly different and unrelated. For travelers who seek to immerse in local culture, few opportunities offer a more unforgettable, quintessentially Mexican experience than Dia de los Muertos. 

Historic Roots and Modern Interpretations  

Its origins can be traced back thousands of years to ancient Aztec rituals, yet Dia de los Muertos has evolved and grown into a lively modern holiday celebrated by people throughout Mexico and beyond, even reaching into international pop culture. An elaborate Dia de los Muertos parade in Mexico City featured in the introduction of the 2015 James Bond film, Spectre, offering a brilliant glimpse of the colorful costumes, makeup, and icons of the holiday festivities. At the heart of the holiday, however, is the ofrenda, elaborate altar adorned with items to represent the four elements, including photographs, candles, flowers, and foods. Candles, representing fire, light the way for the departed loved ones, and colorful paper streamers represent the wind. The flowers, marigolds, are chosen because their bright color and strong scent are believed to help guide the spirits to the altar. Favorite foods may also be set out, and drinks are offered to quench the spirits’ thirst. Traditional dishes like tamales, mole, and atole (a corn-based beverage) are prepared with love and care, reflecting the deep connection between food and memory. Additional significant elements that have become symbolic of the celebration include elaborately decorated skulls crafted of sugar, calaveras de azúcar, and la Catrina, a large female skeleton that wears an extravagant hat and a broad smile. In honor of the holiday, families visit cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones, often spending the night in celebration. Music, dance, and storytelling are integral parts of the festivities, coloring the entire celebration with both joy and a deep respect. 

A Host of Celebrations

Hotels and resorts throughout the country invite guests to experience the festivities and learn more about this holiday steeped in tradition, respect, love, and joy, with everything from décor and special menus to entertainment, activities, and their own elaborate ofrendas. Fully decorated for the holiday, Grand Velas Los Cabos will host a Catrinas parade, where the symbolic skeletons strut through the resort’s gardens and beachfront areas at sunset. Offered along the parade route will be traditional pan de muerto, bread of the dead, a sweet, fluffy bread with bone-shaped decorations, and handcrafted popsicles in typical Mexican flavors such as tamarind and hibiscus, decorated for the occasion with skull and flower motifs. Guests inspired by the Catrinas’ unique look will have an opportunity to be transformed themselves when expert makeup artists are on hand to apply the signature skull designs.

On the Mexican mainland, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit puts a unique spin on celebrations with Mexology Fest, making different kinds of Mexican spirits — the drinkable kind — the stars, and each drink and ingredient tells a story. The event’s activities include a Mexican dinner with signature mixology, a cocktail tasting, and varied distillery workshops. Beach-bound guest can enjoy pan de muerto and take in the ofrenda at Las Brisas Ixtapa, and farther south along the Pacific Coast at Las Brisas Huatulco, guests can join the festivities as the hotel unveils its own traditional ofrenda, with a detailed explanation of the holiday and its traditions, accompanied by themed small bites. The contemporary Galeria Plaza Monterrey honors the occasion with a three-course dinner pairing that includes a welcome cocktail. 

In north-central Mexico, Hacienda Jurica by Brisas, set on a former 16th-century plantation in Queretaro, will have an elaborate ofrenda on display, and offers a buffet breakfast featuring pan de muerto. Meanwhile in Mexico City, where grand Dia de los Muertos parades feature larger-than-life skeleton puppets, colorful costumes, and elaborate floats, Galeria Plaza San Jeronimo observes the holiday with a buffet dinner featuring traditional dishes, ofrendas, Catrinas, and live music.   

On Mexico’s Caribbean coast, hotels and resorts get in the spirit with their own festivities. Hotel Xcaret Mexico and the adults-only Hotel Xcaret Arte showcase the beauty of the holiday’s traditions with performances including plays, dance, and music, as well as exciting workshops for adults and children interested in learning more about Dia de los Muertos. At Palmaïa - The House of AïA, guests are treated to a unique two-day experience that includes the artistic reinterpretation of traditional mixology, an evening with elegant Catrinas, and a ceremony led by authentic Mayan guides, all while paying tribute to the eternal cycle of life. 

Haven Riviera Cancun observes Dia de los Muertos with an intricate lobby altar and vivid holiday decor, then adds to the magic with an enchanting parade featuring beautiful Catrinas. Guests who want to recreate the stunning looks can even book makeup sessions with the resort’s SPA team. In addition to its altar, Grand Velas Riviera Maya adds a Wishing Tree, where participants write down their wishes, hopes, or goals on small pieces of paper and then hang them on a tree or branch, plus a Corazón Milagritos craft, inviting guests to decorate their own “little miracle hearts,” and a “Spooky Cinema.” The dreamlike Palafitos Overwater Bungalows packs events into both days of the holiday, with Catrinas, a tour of its altars, and of course, traditional regional dishes and Mexican beverages, plus entertaining shows and mariachis.  

With so many opportunities to immerse in this heritage-rich holiday celebration, how you choose to celebrate is as personal as those you may choose to honor. Whether you find yourself in the heart of Mexico City or the picturesque towns of Oaxaca and Michoacán, your journey with us will be one of deep cultural discovery and thrilling experiences for memories that will last a lifetime — and perhaps beyond.