The Day of the Dead is one of Mexico’s most representative festivities, an occasion to honour those who are no longer with us and celebrate the continuity of life with joy and colour.

At Princess Hotels Riviera Maya we invite our guests to immerse themselves in this unique tradition and enjoy a magical atmosphere surrounded by the natural beauty of the Mexican Caribbean with activities specially designed to experience this celebration like never before.

Read on to find out more about this day.

The tradition behind the Day of the Dead

Celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November each year, the Day of the Dead combines pre-Hispanic roots with Catholic traditions to create a cultural mosaic that has been recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The festival originated with civilisations such as the Mexicas, Mayans and Purépechas, who saw death not as an end, but rather as a step towards another phase of existence.

Today, Mexican families prepare altars decked with photos, candles, sugar skulls, marigolds and their loved ones’ favourite foods as a way of remembering them with love and joy, instead of sadness.

Day of the Dead in the Riviera Maya: a unique experience in Princess Hotels

Our resorts offer the perfect setting for experiencing this celebration in unforgettable style.

The beaches, warm climate and tropical landscapes create the ideal ambience for enjoying an authentic cultural experience, and all complemented by the comfort and quality services that characterise us.

At this time of year all our hotels are transformed by traditional decorations that include regional altars, multi-coloured tissue paper, Mexican marigolds and artistic skulls, all designed, curiously enough, to bring these spaces to life.

Among the highlights are:

• Grand Riviera Princess: Guests can enjoy colourful offerings in different areas of the hotel as well as elements in our performances inspired by the Day of the Dead celebrations
• Platinum Yucatán Princess: Hotel staff create altars representing different regions of Mexico, showcasing their symbolism and cultural richness. In the evening a parade of Catrinas accompanied by mariachi music fills the resort with music and colour, inviting visitors to dance, take photos, and participate in this unique tradition.

How the Day of the Dead is celebrated in Mexico

In addition to creating altars, Mexican families visit cemeteries in order to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones, bringing flowers, food and music to accompany their memory.

Each element of the altar has a special meaning: marigolds guide souls with their scent and colour, while bread of the dead symbolises generosity and hospitality.

At Princess Hotels Riviera Maya, guests can experience these customs interactively by enjoying workshops, exhibitions and performances that connect with the essence of tradition, all within an environment of comfort and luxury.

The legend of “The Nagual”

The origin of the nagual legend dates back to the ancient Mesoamerican cultures, when it was believed that each person had what was known as a tonal, a spirit animal that was linked to their destiny.

Shamans and wise men were considered naguals, and had the power to transform themselves into their spirit animal in order to protect their community or communicate with the spiritual world.

With the arrival of the Spanish this figure went from being seen as a sacred guide to being associated with witchcraft and the supernatural, giving rise to the legend that is still told today in different regions of Mexico.

Today, the legend lives on and it is said that each person has a Nagual that protects them. On the Day of the Dead these beings act as guardians of souls, guiding them and accompanying them on their journey to the next world.

Sharing this legend allows guests to connect with the mystical and ancestral dimension of Mexico, thereby enriching the experience and significance of the celebration.

Experiencing the Day of the Dead at Princess Hotels Riviera Maya is much more than a tourist experience; it’s an opportunity to connect with one of Mexico’s most iconic and symbolic traditions.

Every detail, from the decorations to the shows and shared legends, allows guests to be part of this unique celebration, creating memories full of colour, music and meaning that will last forever.

Leave a comment and tell us about your experience with the Day of the Dead!

Categories: Caribbean, Discover culture, Lifestyle, Riviera Maya