How to dress for the Festival of Life and Death Traditions at Xcaret

What to wear to Enjoy Día de Muertos in Mexico

The 18th edition of Xcaret's Festival of Life and Death will occur from October 30th to November 3rd, with Quintana Roo as its guest. This year, the festival offers vibrant activities, including exciting plays, dance performances, live concerts, the Feast of All Saints mass, cultural exhibits, and the popular Hacienda Interactiva attraction.

With so many activities and an atmosphere full of colors, music, and rich Mexican traditions, choosing the right outfit is essential to enjoying the event to the fullest. In this blog, I'll give you some recommendations on what to wear, from comfortable and practical outfits to ideas for dressing like a real Catrina, ensuring that your visit is as comfortable as it is stylish and in tune with the joyful spirit of the festival.

Choose Lightweight and Comfortable Clothes: The festival is held outdoors, so it is essential to dress lightly and breathable. Opt for cotton or linen clothing that will keep you cool. A good outfit could include a short-sleeved T-shirt, a cool blouse, shorts, or a skirt. Avoid heavy materials that may make you uncomfortable in the heat.

Consider the Right Footwear: Be prepared to walk. There are many places to explore during the festival, and I promise you will want to visit them all, whether it's your first time here or your 18th. So choose comfortable shoes like sneakers or supportive sandals. Avoid high heels or new footwear that could cause blisters or discomfort.

Prevention is better: This advice will be handy, especially in this season when the probability of rain is high. Consider carrying a light raincoat or sweater to protect you from the occasional rain. It is also a good idea to bring a compact umbrella to protect you from the rain while still exploring and enjoying all the activities the Festival of Life and Death Traditions offers. Even if it rains, the festival is full of events and moments you will attend.

Don't Forget Practical Accessories: You will have to walk during this festival, so I recommend carrying a small backpack or a hip pack where you can keep your personal belongings, such as your cell phone, maybe an extra battery or charger, a raincoat, wallet, a reusable water bottle, insect repellent—remember that it must be biodegradable—etc.      

Now that you have the essential tips for choosing your outfit in mind, it's time to elevate your experience to the highest level.

If you've been waiting all year to immerse yourself in the magic and symbolism of Día de Muertos, the time has come. The Festival of Life and Death Traditions is more than a cultural celebration; it's your chance to let your creativity run wild with unique costumes and outfits. Take advantage of this occasion to stand out with a style that reflects the festive and cultural essence.

From the iconic Catrina and Catrin costumes to outfits inspired by traditional Mexican characters, the options for dressing for the festival are as varied as they are colorful. Here are some ideas to inspire you and achieve a style that combines tradition, style, and comfort, allowing you to enjoy the festival.

Dress up as a Catrina or Catrin:  If you want to immerse yourself more in the spirit of Día de Muertos, a Catrina costume can be a fun option to enrich your experience. With her elegant attire and skull makeup, the Catrina is an iconic symbol of this holiday.

Agregar: https://blog.xcaret.com/en/catrina-history-mexican-day-of-the-dead/

Tips to dress up as a Catrina or Catrin:

You can opt for a plain black dress or adorned with floral details.   

-An embroidered blouse combined with a colorful skirt   

-A guayabera, cool shorts or pants, or any outfit that reflects the festive nature of the event.   

-Ensure your attire is comfortable; the festival involves walking and enjoying different activities.

Calavera Makeup: The essential touch

Makeup is the most important part of your Catrina look. Here are some critical steps to achieve the perfect Calavera makeup:

White foundation: Apply a white foundation all over the face to create the perfect canvas. You can use quality face paint or cream foundation for an even finish.       

Dark contours: Use black paint or an eyeliner pencil to outline the contours of the eyes, cheekbones, and nose. For a more dramatic effect, create symmetrical shapes.       

Details: Add flowers, spider webs, or floral designs around the eyes and forehead. Use vibrant colors like blue, pink, or gold for a touch of color.       

Finishing touches: Remember to draw the characteristic skull teeth on your lips and cheeks. Liquid eyeliner can help you draw more precise lines.

Accessories are essential to completing your Catrina look. Consider the following items: 

Hat: A large, elegant hat is a classic Catrina accessory. You can decorate it with marigold flowers, lace, or colorful ribbons.       

Flowers in the hair: Another popular option is to adorn your hair with fresh or artificial flowers, especially marigolds, which are symbolic of Día de Muertos.      

Jewelry: Add long necklaces, large earrings, and rings that complement your dress. Pearls and pieces in gold or silver tones are excellent choices.

Additional details to make your look unique:

To take your Catrina costume to the next level, incorporate a few details to make it truly memorable. A decorated hand fan will accentuate your elegance and provide a practical way to cool off during the festival. Optional for a fan with floral motifs or gold details to complement your outfit, adding a touch of sophistication and functionality.

Adapt your style to the Spirit of the Festival: When you arrive at the festival, you will see other visitors dressed as catrinas, wholly immersed in the essence of this celebration. Don't worry if you don't come prepared or prefer not to dress up!  There's no need to dress in a specifical way to enjoy the event, it is unnecessary. However, if you decide to join the festive atmosphere, the festival offers stands where you can find everything you need to make up and transform yourself with an authentic Día de Muertos look. And if you want to take your style to the next level, you can also purchase accessories such as flower headbands or T-shirts alluding to the event in our stores.

Find more inspiration from Erick de Luna, a Catrina Icon

If you're looking for inspiration for your Catrina style, you can't overlook Erick de Luna, an icon of the Festival of Life and Death Traditions at Xcaret. With his impressive characterization of Catrina, Erick has captivated visitors year after year, elevating the character's aesthetics to a profound artistic and emotional level.

Erick de Luna embodies Catrina's elegance and mysticism, and his interpretation is so iconic that many visitors love to take inspiration from her and create their own. If you're up for it, follow his tips and dare to take your Catrina outfit and makeup to the next level, fusing tradition and creativity.

The Festival of Life and Death Traditions at Xcaret is a magical opportunity to connect with the essence of Día de Muertos. Choosing the right outfit will not only allow you to enjoy all the activities in comfort but also allow you to express yourself and celebrate this holiday authentically.

From light clothing and comfortable shoes to dressing as an elegant Catrina, every detail counts to maximize your experience. Remember that the most important thing is to enjoy the festival and immerse yourself in its rich culture. If you decide to join the festive atmosphere with a thematic outfit or prefer a casual option, the festival has something for everyone. Get ready to experience unforgettable moments, discover new traditions, and create memories you'll treasure forever.

Ready to celebrate in style and joy?       

See you at the festival!