Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) 2024 in Cancun

Mexicans indulge in traditional foods and their favourite tequila to show respect for their ancestors, leaving a few glasses for the visiting souls

Dates: October 30–November 3

The dead are never forgotten in Mexico and are believed to wake up for the celebration dedicated to them. This event is called Dia de los Muertos and is celebrated all across Mexico, bringing back to life the best of Mayan and Mexican traditions, including food, music and dancing, theatre, arts, and much more. Recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, this celebration provides a fresh outlook on the concept of death.

Dates

The festivities begin in late October, normally starting on October 30th, but the dates vary between regions. The main events unfold on November 1st and November 2nd. On November 1st, Mexicans honor children and babies who passed away, while on November 2nd, locals take the time to pay respects to the souls of deceased adults. Interestingly, the event was previously celebrated during the summer season but was shifted to late fall after Spaniards invaded Mexico and attempted to Catholicize it, moving the celebration to All Saints' Day.

Dia de los Muertos Traditions

With pre-Hispanic roots and large Catholic influence, Dia de los Muertos has its fair share of vibrant, deeply cherished customs and rituals. It's common to witness flower petals laying out the path from people's homes to the graveyard. Many families set up altars inside their houses and decorate them with flowers, candles, fruits, and various dishes, meant to be offerings to the dead. To honor the souls of the dead and show respect, Mexicans bring food and their favorite tequila to the graves of their loved ones.. The ancient ritual of bringing food for the souls is named Hanal Pixan, which means "food for the souls" in Mayan language.

Xcaret Festival of Life & Death Traditions (October 30-November 3, 2024)

Cancun boasts fine entertainment, but its Day of the Dead celebrations are not as commonplace as in other regions. The best place to celebrate the Day of the Dead must be Xcaret Park in Riviera Maya, 47 miles (76 km) from Cancun. This great fiesta has taken place annually for nearly two decades and stretches over several days from October 30th to November 3rd. Various musicals, tragicomedy plays, and puppet shows explore the concepts of death, friendship, and love, entertaining the audience at the same time. Some of the performers include the Mayab Mool theatre troop, Yliana y Primitals Bros, Ánima Escénica, and others.

Tickets & Schedule

There are several admission options. General admission for Yucatan peninsula citizens costs 650 Mexican pesos per person. Quintana Roo residents can purchase tickets for 1,179 Mexican pesos, while Xcaret at Night Admission gives you access to an exclusive show and costs 1,849 Mexican pesos. Children under four can enter for free. Tickets to the Gala concert range from 1,899 to 4,599 Mexican pesos.