A very Mexican celebration that honors life and death
Every year, from October 31st to November 2nd, Mexico is filled with colors, aromas, and emotions to commemorate one of its deepest and most moving traditions: the Day of the Dead. In Quintana Roo, this celebration takes on a special meaning, fusing pre-Hispanic elements with mestizo and modern customs that have shaped a unique experience of spirituality and culture.
Mayan Day of the Dead Traditions
Among the Mayans, this holiday is known as Hanal Pixán, which in the Mayan language means “food of souls.” It is believed that during these days, the spirits of loved ones return from the afterlife to rejoice with their families. In their honor, altars are set up decorated with candles, flowers, photos, and food offerings such as the traditional mucbipollo, a type of giant tamale cooked underground.
Hanal Pixán is more than a custom: it’s a living connection to Mayan roots, a manifestation of profound respect for death, conceived not as final, but as part of the natural cycle of life.
Unique Experiences at Sunset World Resorts
Visit Sunset World resorts in late October and early November and take advantage of the exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in these ancient traditions through cultural activities that honor the Day of the Dead with authenticity and respect.
Altars with Marigold Flowers
Beautiful altars decorated with marigold flowers, papel picado, candles, and traditional offerings are installed at all Sunset World hotels. These installations are not only visually stunning but also serve as spaces for reflection and tribute to those who have passed away.
Sugar Skull and Catrina Workshops
Guests can participate in interactive workshops where they learn how to make sugar skulls—a symbol of the returning soul—and how to decorate catrinas, the iconic, elegantly dressed skeletons that represent a humorous social critique. These activities are ideal for sharing with the family and learning about the symbols that make this holiday unique.
Gastronomy with Typical Day of the Dead Dishes
Mexican cuisine shines especially brightly during these days. At Sunset World’s restaurants, visitors can sample traditional dishes such as pan de muerto (bread of the dead), mucbipollo (a type of chicken tamal), and traditional sweets like candied sweet potatoes and pumpkins. Each bite is a window into the memory and love we have for those who have passed away.
Day of the Dead Cultural Experiences in Quintana Roo
Beyond the resorts, the state of Quintana Roo is filled with color with processions, altar-making competitions, art exhibitions, and music and dance performances in parks, plazas, and cultural venues that celebrate life and death.
A Transforming Experience
Experiencing the Day of the Dead in Quintana Roo is much more than witnessing a tradition; it’s immersing yourself in a symbolic universe where death is celebrated with joy, where memories are revived with flowers and flavors, and where each ritual is a demonstration of eternal love for those who are no longer physically present, but who have never truly left.
Whether observing a lit candle, tasting an ancestral dish, or creating your own catrina, at Sunset World you will discover that the Day of the Dead is an experience that leaves a mark… on the soul.
