Famous for celebrating the very best of Mexico, Grupo Xcaret announces its biggest line-up of authentic events and performances to celebrate Day of the Dead with the 14th edition of the Festival of Life and Death Traditions on Oct. 30 - Nov. 2.
Each year, Grupo Xcaret selects one Mexican state to honor during the festivities, San Luis Potosi is this year’s honored state. Along with beautifully ornate altars meticulously adorned with thousands of marigolds and candles, guests will delight in activities rich in Mexican traditions.
Declared an “Intangible Cultural Heritage” by UNESCO, Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed away with colorful rituals saturated with symbolic meaning. The festival promises a week filled with authentic Mexican history, art and entertainment highlighting San Luis Potosi’s Xantolo harvest celebration, which connects humans and ancestors. Grupo Xcaret will highlight rituals with a creative line-up of activities for guests of all ages and backgrounds.
“We are committed to giving visitors unique experiences that immerse them in the spirit of Day of the Dead. As one of the largest and most authentic Day of the Dead festivals, we are honored to showcase this living expression of Mexican culture and traditions passed down from generations to the world,” said Leticia Aguerrebere, Director of the Festival of Life and Death.
Mexicans believe the dead would be insulted by mourning or sadness, so souls are honored with joy and happiness. Grupo Xcaret will celebrate the deceased through multiple Mexican art disciplines and hands-on activities at both Hotel Xcaret Mexico and the brand’s most emblematic attraction, Xcaret Park.
Xcaret Park will transform into a whimsical festival complete with intricate ofrendas, colorful calaveras and the iconic figure of La Catrina. Guests will be entertained by lively concerts, enchanting theater plays, captivating folkloric dance, interactive workshops, a traditional All Hallow’s Eve mass, and more. With a hundreds of must-see things to do at the festival, these are just a sampling of what’s to come:
- Acuarela Symphony Concert: Four beautiful voices accompanied by 27 talented musicians will enchant guests with a symphonic gala on a geographical-musical tour of the various regions of San Luis Potosi with songs by the renown Potosino composers.
- Tamaletom Flyers of San Luis Potosí: Also known as the “flight of the hawk,” the ancient Mesoamerican pole-flying ceremony and ritual is believed to be a way to communicate to the Gods of the Sea, Thunder and Land.
- Hands-on activities: Visitors can create their own colorful alebrije or spirit guide animals, craft gorgeous paper flowers for ofrendas, attend chocolate making classes, design calavera skull masks and more.
- Gastronomy: Cuisine is a cornerstone in the Day of the Dead celebration. This year, palates will be pleased with traditional fare from different regions of San Luis Potosi; dishes include enchiladas, gorditas, tamales, desserts made with cinnamon, honey and anis, mezcal tastings, to name a few.
- Holistic healing: Mayan healers will be on hand for spiritual cleansings and rituals along with natural holistic products for sale.
The fully immersive experience extends beyond the Xcaret park to Hotel Xcaret Mexico, the group’s first All-Fun Inclusive upscale property. The hotel’s festivities are divided into four distinctive art forms: theater, music, dance and gastronomy. Activities will include:
- Mezcal Pairing Dinner: Acclaimed Michelin Star Mexican chef, Carlos Gaytán, will host an exclusive Mezcal tasting alongside renowned chefs, Orlando Trejo and Fabiola Meraz, with culinary masterpieces inspired by the Mayan region and San Luis Potosi.
- Hanal Pixan Dinner: A special menu inspired by Day of the Dead will be served at Restaurant Las Cuevas, an on-site restaurant nestled between the property’s caves and cenotes.
- Live Entertainment: Guests will dance the night away with shows by leading performers and acrobats from outside of Mexico’s borders such as Jose Mendoza y Los Cazadores, Trio Xochipitzahuatl, Erik de Luna – La Catrina Azul and more!
Overall, the authentic celebration will feature 250 musical and theater performances, 20 hands-on activities, 39 artisans, 15,000 candles, 2368 bouquets and 39ofrendas. As one of the most authentic Day of the Dead celebrations, travelers should journey to Grupo Xcaret’s properties at least once in their lifetime to experience this emotional and uplifting celebration. For more information visit https://www.festivaldevidaymuerte.com/en/.
