Festival of Life and Death Traditions at La Casa de la Playa

Culture, art, fashion, and gourmet cuisine to celebrate the Day of the Dead.

The Festival of Life and Death Traditions celebrations also extended to the boutique hotel, La Casa de la Playa, where guests could appreciate one of the most monumental ofrendas (offerings) of this celebration.

On the long staircase leading from the lobby to the beach, the "Camino Nañha" extends, a path of crosses, flowers, candles, and offerings that represent the traditions of the ñañha (Otomi) people of Tolimán, Querétaro. The crosses of souls (jö) are an important symbol for venerating their ancestors. In the family chapels of these towns, the ñañhas surround the crosses with offerings of atole (a traditional hot drink), sweets, cookies, oranges, limes, apples, and marigold flowers, which, with their scent, will welcome the souls in the form of butterflies.

This path of crosses with embedded Querétaro craftsmanship welcomes our ancestors and invites you to taste the essence of the flowers and offerings.

During the Night of the Day of the Dead, guests could savor an exclusive four-handed dinner at the Lumbre restaurant. This dinner was curated by Chef Juan Pablo Inés and Chef Rodrigo Ramírez, both of whom are members of the Queretaro Cooks Association, Xuni Ñöhö.

Also, on this night of celebration, guests could observe the Catrina from Xcaret strolling through the hallways of La Casa de la Playa, reciting some humorous and satirical 'calaveritas' (short poems or verses often associated with Day of the Dead).

As part of the Festival of Life and Death Traditions, in collaboration with Xcaret, Vogue Mexico and Latin America, and the renowned Mexican designer Lorena Saravia presented 'The Dress from Beyond,' a dress that pays homage to one of the most emblematic Mexican traditions in honor of those who have passed into eternity.

Due to its significance and strong connection to Mexico, Lorena Saravia was chosen to create this piece, which also represents the architecture of the destination and respect for the region. For its creation, artisanal methods were used, in which the white sand of the Mexican Caribbean and 'Chukum,' a blend of Chukum tree resin with cement and limestone used for interior and exterior finishes, with colors ranging from warm, soft, and light ochres, were incorporated.representing the destination's architecture.

The dress is highly versatile as it consists of multiple elements, making it an assembly of several layers, alluding to the marigold flower, which symbolizes “several flowers”. The Dress from Beyond was on display in 'La Cava,' where guests could closely appreciate the details and learn more about this intriguing collaboration between fashion and Mexican traditions.