The Day of the Dead, one of the most emblematic celebrations in Mexican culture, honours the memory of departed loved ones.

This festival mixes pre-Hispanic rituals with Catholic traditions and has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

At Princess Hotels Riviera Maya we invite our guests to experience this special event in a unique setting, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya and the festive atmosphere that characterises this special holiday.

Read on to find out more about this event and how we celebrate it in our hotels and in Mexico.

What is the Day of the Dead?

The Day of the Dead is a holiday with deep roots in Mexican history celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November.

While these dates coincide with the celebrations of All Saints‘ Day and the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day) established by the Catholic Church, the origins of this holiday date back to pre-Hispanic civilisations, including the Mexica, Maya and Purepecha peoples, who honoured their departed in rituals celebrating the continuity of life after death.

For the ancient peoples of Mesoamerica death was not the end, but rather a transition to another spiritual plane.

This tradition has endured through the ages and today Mexican families place altars in their homes decorated with photos, candles, sugar skulls, marigolds and offerings of their loved ones’ favourite foods and beverages.

It is a time to remember with joy, rather than sadness, those who are no longer physically present.

Why celebrate the Day of the Dead in Princess Hotels Riviera Maya?

Princess Hotels Riviera Maya offer an incomparable setting for experiencing this holiday in a manner that is nothing short of magical.

The warm climate and paradisiacal beaches create the perfect backdrop for a unique cultural experience.

In addition, many areas of our resorts are festooned with decorations alluding to the holiday, including traditional altars, coloured paper cut-outs, marigolds and skull figurines.

The many activities programmed for our guests include the following:

• Grand Riviera and Sunset Princess: Our guests can enjoy a magical experience that combines tradition and spectacle in an idyllic setting. Lively performances featuring traditional dances and emblematic characters such as the Catrinas will transport guests to the heart of this ancient Mexican celebration.

• Platinum Yucatan Princess: Elaborate altars representing the different regions of Mexico are created by staff and other collaborators and guests will be able to see first-hand the elements that make up these tributes, each rich in symbolism and tradition. In the evening the resort is completely transformed with the parade of the Catrina, an iconic Day of the Dead figure, accompanied by a mariachi band that will add to the mood with festive music. This is the ideal moment to take pictures with the Catrina and enjoy dancing with her, a unique, not-to-be-missed experience.

How is this significant holiday celebrated in Mexico?

The Day of the Dead is a colourful, joyous holiday that reflects the duality of life and death.

In Mexico families not only decorate their altars but also visit cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones, bringing flowers, food and music.

The offerings are a central element, and each object placed on the altars has a profound significance, such as the cempasúchil (marigold) flowers that guide the departed souls with their colour and aroma, and the pan de muerto (bread of the dead), which symbolises the generosity of the host.

At Princess Hotels Riviera Maya we recreate the festive atmosphere with activities that allow our guests to be part of this Mexican tradition while enjoying the comfort and luxury of our resorts.

The legend of “La Llorona” (The Weeping Woman)

One of the most popular legends told during Day of the Dead celebrations is that of ‘La Llorona’, a woman whose mournful cry can still be heard near the rivers and lakes of Mexico.

The story goes that La Llorona was an indigenous woman who, sobbing in despair at having lost her children, wanders eternally in search of them.

Her tragic story symbolises a mother’s grief while reflecting the deep indigenous roots of Mexican culture.

By sharing this legend through our festivities, we try to connect our guests to a part of Mexico that is both mystical and ancestral and afford them the opportunity to learn more about the folklore that surrounds the Day of the Dead.

Celebrating the Day of the Dead at Princess Hotels Riviera Maya is more than just a tourist experience; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in one of Mexico’s richest and most symbolic traditions.

Did you like this article? Are you thinking of coming? We look forward to seeing you participate in this unique celebration.

Categories: Caribbean, Discover culture, Lifestyle, Riviera Maya