2011 marks the sixth year that Xcaret park in the Riviera Maya will celebrate Day of the Dead, or Hanal Pixan, as it's known in the Maya area, with its Festival of Life and Death Traditions. This grand festival takes place from October 30th to November 2nd, and includes a wide varienty of cultural representations with Day of the Dead altars, theater presentations, concerts, dance performances, handicrafts and gastronomical treats.
The Mexican state of Tabasco is the festival's special guest this year. A delegation of 95 people from Tabasco will share the special traditions of their state, and festival attendees will have the opportunity to savor chocolate the traditional way it is prepared in Tabasco.
The Festival of Life and Death is an excellent time to visit Xcaret and learn about Mexico's cultural traditions as well as to enjoy a beautiful natural area combined with the Riviera Maya's gorgeous beaches and myriad attractions. Xcaret is billed as an "eco-archaeological theme park" but combines some of the best elements of a zoo, aquarium, water park, museum, and cultural center. I had the pleasure of visiting Xcaret for the first time last week, and I came away very impressed by the quality of the park's diverse attractions. I'll be sharing more about my experience there in the near future, but for now, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Xcaret for anyone visiting the Riviera Maya, and particularly for the park's special Day of the Dead celebrations.
Photo courtesy Xcaret
Visit the festival web site: Festival of Life and Death Traditions.
Xcaret is one of our top picks for places to celebrate Day of the Dead. See our complete list of Day of the Dead destinations.
I just checked on the website and saw that the festival is already sold out! Since I am living in Cancun I hope to get some tickets for the event next year now that I know.
That’s too bad it’s sold out, Alex. I’ve heard amazing things about Xcaret’s festival. Do plan in advance to be there next year – I’m sure it will be a great experience.