Día de los Muertos is an important tradition in Mexico and some other Latin American countries; a time to honor the memories of deceased family and friends. And, every year, several destinations and hotels stage events that make it easier for foreign travelers to experience Day of the Dead and learn more about its fascinating cultural history.
When is Day of the Dead 2023?
Day of the Dead — or Día de los Muertos — traditionally takes place on two days, November 1 and November 2, and that’s the case this year, as usual. But you may find ceremonies and activities on the days just before and after the 1st and and 2nd as well, so it’s a good idea to research the destination or hotel you plan to visit to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Where to Celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico
Día de los Muertos is commemorated in different ways in different parts of the country. In some regions, it’s more of a private and solemn affair, and is less easily accessed by foreigners. In others, it’s more festive and visually grand, making it easier for visitors to observe, learn and perhaps even participate.
In Mexico City, the nation’s capital, a large parade takes place — and interestingly, it’s not an event with decades of history; it was inspired by a parade created solely for a James Bond movie that was being filmed there! Details are often hard to find until closer to the date, but according to Chilango magazine, it the Gran Desfile del Día de los Muertos de CDMX (Grand Day of the Dead Parade in Mexico City) is scheduled for November 4, 2023.
The St. Regis Mexico City, one of the capital’s best luxury hotels, is helping guests to take part in the season’s traditions with a Day of the Dead brunch timed to coincide with the Desfile de Catrinas (a parade dedicated to one of the most iconic visuals associated with the Day of the Dead: a skeletal woman dressed elegantly in early 20th-century garb and a giant hat). Diana Restaurant’s special Day of the Dead brunch features Mexican antojitos, a raw bar, cold cuts and cheese, a carving station and a variety of desserts. Guests can even get their faces painted as Catrinas. In addition, from October 1 – November 5, the hotel’s Glass House Café will serve the iconic pan de muerto, a deliciously sweet bread with a sugary orange glaze.
In Puerto Vallarta, Dia de los Muertos includes a festival that last year earned the city the Guinness World Records title for “The World’s Tallest Calavera Catrina” (the city of Aguascalientes, meanwhile, claims to have the world’s tallest permanent such statue). Puerto Vallarta’s towering, 75.5-foot structure on the waterfront Malecon, which is slated to return this year, was adorned with more than 80 giant calaveras (sugar skulls) and ofrendas (altars memorializing the dead). The festival’s pinnacle includes cemetery visits on November 2. Embodying the celebratory spirit of Day of the Dead, the cemetery in the Colonia 5 de Diciembre neighborhood transforms into a family celebration as locals honor their loved ones, while the surrounding area is filled with vibrant Mariachi music and vendors offering ornate marigold flowers and traditional Mexican snacks.
In the city of Aguascalientes, meanwhile, the creator of the original Catrina is especially revered during the Festival de las Calaveras (Skeleton Festival); it’s scheduled for October 27-November 2, 2023.
Hotels that Celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico
Even some of Mexico’s beach resort hotels provide their own unique programming for Day of the Dead.
For Day of the Dead festivities this year, for example, Velas Resorts in Mexico will offer authentic celebrations ranging from catrina parades and nighttime cultural tours of Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon, to culinary traditions and art and handicraft exhibits.
On November 2nd, Velas Vallarta springs to life with a parade featuring the iconic Mexican Catrinas. The guided experience will showcase eight captivating sculptures representing distinct characters and stages of Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant history. Throughout the experience, guests will have the opportunity to engage with their knowledgeable guides who will explain the origins and cultural significance of the cherished traditions. From November 2-3, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit will host the first annual Mexology Fest, a spirited fusion of Mexico’s rich Día de los Muertos traditions and innovative mixology. Included in the resort’s nightly rate, attendees will immerse themselves in two days of workshops, tastings, and spirited evenings led by world-class mixologists from Mexico and the United States.
In Baja California Sur, Grand Velas Los Cabos will offer a Day of the Dead-inspired floating tray in the adults only Serenity Pool adorned with vibrant marigolds. Additionally, an elevated turn-down service featuring culinary Day of the Dead amenities and a poolside Catrina parade accompanied by talented musicians and dancers are on tap for guests. To complete the experience, guests can opt for “Catrina Makeup” for a festive dinner featuring authentic Mexican cuisine.
In Playa del Carmen, Sandos Caracol Eco Resort hosts a two-day extravaganza every year that brings the holiday to life through costumed fêtes, lively parades, vibrant performances, and ancient traditions. Guests of all ages can participate in unique cultural moments that honor life after death, from sugar skull face painting to decorating a remembrance altar.
Where to Celebrate Day of the Dead in South America
Visitors to Ecuador will find some especially memorable Día de los Muertos experiences. In the days leading up to November 2, the streets surrounding cemeteries burst to life with vibrant decorations and flowers. Entire families unite to create a tapestry of offerings, share meals, and play the cherished melodies of their departed loved ones. In Riobamba, the parishes ofYaruquíes, San Luis, Cubijies, and Quimiag rekindle the tradition of the Animero, a character who embodies the spirits of the departed. Adorned in a white robe and bearing a human skull, a Bible, and a bell, the Animero strolls through the cemetery, reciting solemn funeral prayers.
Visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of enriching experiences, such as savoring meticulously crafted traditional beverages like chicha de chonta, prepared with care eight days in advance. In Esmeraldas, you can witness the distinctive celebration of the Black Saint San Martin de Porres, where boats are adorned with vibrant flowers and palm fronds, setting sail on a breathtaking November 3rd Sea pilgrimage. Ecuador offers a diverse tapestry of captivating cultural traditions and immersive experiences awaiting discovery.
The sweet essence of this commemoration is found in the flavors of colada morada (purple corn drink) and the delightful “guaguas de pan” figures made from wheat flour and decorated with vibrant colors. These age-old recipes are lovingly revived by families throughout the country. Today, every province hosts gastronomic fairs and competitions to honor and recognize the most exquisite culinary creations.
In November, Ecuador honors its departed with emotion and diversity amidst evolving traditions. Discover its inviting locales along the equator, where the rich flavors of colada morada and the lively gatherings with guaguas de pan, filled with dancing, feasting, and playful games, bring warmth to the heart. Ecuador’s diverse offerings make it the perfect destination to immerse yourself in a culture and tradition that will awaken your senses and create a sense of belonging, no matter where you come from.
I’m a travel writer, travel blogger and Mexico travel specialist, and I love sharing travel tips to make your next vacation or business trip better. I’ve also written a memoir: Prepare for Departure: Notes on a Single Mother, a Misfit Son, Inevitable Mortality and the Enduring Allure of Frequent Flyer Miles. It’s a coming-of-age story, a coming-out story and an end-of-life-story about the journeys that families must sometimes take together (it also happens to be quite funny, according to reviewers).
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