Mexican Altars at Xcaret's Festival of Life and Death Traditions

Offerings and Altars from Querétaro, Xcaret, and More Guests

One of the most anticipated traditions for all Mexicans is to knock on the door at the end of October to envelop homes with marigold flowers and the scent of copal: the Day of the Dead. Every year, this tradition also arrives at Xcaret Park with the Festival of Life and Death Traditions 2023.

The guest state this year was none other than the beautiful state of Querétaro, which allowed us to learn about its customs, its community, its cuisine, and, above all, the culture of its state.

Like every state of Mexico, Querétaro has Day of the Dead traditions throughout its communities. One of the most common is to create an altar for their deceased loved ones with three levels representing the sky, the earth, and the underworld.

These altars are filled with marigold flowers, photographs, "pan de muerto" (bread of the dead), "papel picado" (cut paper), and other traditional elements of offerings to remember those who are no longer with us.

In addition, Xcaret and other special guests also surprised us with their creativity by making their altars with their unique essence. Keep reading because here I'll tell you all about the altars of the Festival of Life and Death Traditions 2023. 

Querétaro Altars

As I mentioned earlier, in Querétaro, the three levels of their altars have a special meaning as they represent the sky, the earth, and the underworld. This belief originated in the Otomí communities of the region and has since become a popular custom that we can still appreciate today because it is an integral part of the essence of Querétaro. 

Main Altar of the State of Querétaro

It's worth mentioning that in this edition of the Festival of Life and Death, three of the magical towns of Querétaro were also present: Jalpan de Serra, Tequisquiapan, and Cadereyta de Montes, who incorporated visual elements into their offerings that represented their culture as a community. 

Altar of Jalpan de Serra and Cadereyta de Montes

Altar of Tequisquiapan

It's worth mentioning that in this edition of the Festival of Life and Death, three of the magical towns of Querétaro were also present: Jalpan de Serra, Tequisquiapan, and Cadereyta de Montes, who incorporated visual elements into their offerings that represented their culture as a community.

Queretaro's Altars at Xcaret Park's Main Square

Altars of Local Communities in Quintana Roo

Among guano palm, long candles, and Yucatecan gourds, the towns of Xpichil, Polyuc, Dzulá, Chancah Derrepente, Chunhuhub, El Ramonal, and Chancah Veracruz presented their beautiful altars. Prayers at the end of the Day are a tradition for these towns, as they dedicate a few minutes sitting in front of their altars dedicated to their departed loved ones.

Xcaret Altars

With much creativity and care, the employees of Xcaret Parks, Hotels, and Activities surprised us with the emotional altars that they created themselves to represent their areas of work.

Xcaret's Altar

Altar of Hotel Xcaret Mexico

Altar of Hotel Xcaret Arte

Altar of Fauna Conservation

Altar of Environmental Conservation

Altar of Polé Group

Altar of Xenses Park

Altar of Xel Há Park

Altar of Xplor and Xplor Fuego Park

Altar of the Photo Team

Altar of XTOURS

Altar of Xoximilco Park

Altars of Special Guests

There were also some altars from special guests who undoubtedly put a lot of effort into each of their beautiful offerings. Take a look!

Altar of DIF (National System for the Integral Development of the Family)

Altar of Tepeyac Institute

Altar of Red Cross

Altar of University Technology of Playacar

Setting up altars and offerings to remember our loved ones is one of the best customs we have in Mexico to celebrate the Day of the Dead, and we know that all the altars present at the Festival of Life and Death Traditions 2023 were filled with love, dedication, and creativity. They were all amazing! Tell me in the comments which one was your favorite.