Festival of Life and Death Xcaret

“Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life.  ~John Muir”

Through the jungle paths of Xcaret Park, past the flowing rivers, a flock of wild green parrots fly by the skeletal figure walking alone, squawking their greeting at her pale white face. She approaches an altar and lays a flower down, inhaling the heady aroma of incense and closing her eyes for a thoughtful moment.

This is the “Festival of Life and Death” at Xcaret Park in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. The annual event celebrates “The Day of the Dead”, or “Hanal Pixan” as it is called in the Maya language. October 30 to November 2, families throughout Mexico pay homage to their ancestors with altars, prayer, songs and offerings in an ancient tradition that combines Aztec and Roman Catholic teachings.  “The Day of the Dead” has been recognized by UNESCO as “A Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” since 2008, a true honour and a symbol of the event’s importance. The Mayan culture celebrates “Hanal Pixan”, their own regional version of the “Day of the Dead”.

Visitors to Xcaret Park during the celebrations are invited to a day of history and family, with dance and music, theater and art, colorful altars and traditional foods to savor. The event is a lively family affair, the children’s area is filled with activities  for the young ones, from arts and crafts to games of skill to workshops where they can create a traditional “corrido” song and perform as a group. Face painting stations are set up around the park and everyone is invited to create their own “calavera” (”skull”) look. Altars are built along the paths,with photos of ancestors, candles, water, salt, marigolds, and food and drink, with elaborate decorations and details. Traditional foods are served, mucbipollo, tamales, and the oh so yummy churros, served with hot chocolate and “atole”.

The festival is a sensory pleasure, the sights and sounds, the aromas and flavours, history and tradition come alive through the experience. The “Festival of Life and Death” runs October 30- November 2nd starting at 4 pm each day, located at Xcaret Park in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Take a moment to remember those who have passed, with a smile and a toast to their happiness. This is a time to rejoice in life and death and the beautiful mysteries of our world and the ones beyond.