Receiving our departed: The altars of Day of the Dead at Xcaret

Discover the Magic and Meaning Behind Each Altar

A Tribute to Our Loved Ones

Get ready to experience the magic and significance behind each altar at Xcaret's Festival of Life and Death, a one-of-a-kind celebration that honors Mexico's Día de Muertos tradition. This epic fest is all about remembering and paying tribute to our loved ones who've passed on.

Each year, thousands of visitors flock to Xcaret to marvel at the beauty and dedication that goes into creating these stunning altars. They're more than just decorations – they're testaments to the love and gratitude we feel for our ancestors and loved ones.

This year, Quintana Roo took center stage, and its presence was felt throughout the park. The altars, crafted with love and care, reflect the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of our land.

The Altars:

Grupo Pole: "A Three-Realm Altar: Honoring the Journey of Life"

This stunning altar represents the three realms of existence: the underworld, earth, and heaven. The cal cross at its center purifies the souls, surrounded by fruits and food that the deceased loved. Every detail reminds us of our connection to those who've passed on, inviting us to reflect on the journey of life.

Instituto Tepeyac: "The Tree of Life: A Symbol of Transition"

This poignant altar symbolizes the transition between life and death. The ceiba tree, a symbol of connection between worlds, takes center stage. Its presence invites us to contemplate the cycle of life and the importance of honoring our ancestors.

Xenses y Xenses Insomnia: "Beyond Perception: An Altar of Wonder"

This innovative altar defies perception, blending three representations of the park into one breathtaking artwork. It invites us to question reality and connect with the unknown, pushing the boundaries of our understanding.

Actividades Recreativas: "Submerged in Memory: An Underwater Altar"

This underwater altar pays tribute to the rays and shark trainers who've passed on. Crafted from recyclable materials, it features a shark jaw and seashells, reminding us of the importance of protecting our planet.

Proyectos: "Handwoven Love: A Maya-Inspired Altar"

This beautifully crafted altar features a clay cross and hand-embroidered fabric by a Maya artisan. Each stitch and detail speaks to the dedication and love that went into its creation, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of our land.

"Snapshots of Love: An Interactive Altar"

This interactive altar invites visitors to take photos with memories of former colleagues. The smiles and joy of shared moments fill our hearts with nostalgia and gratitude, reminding us of the importance of family and community.

Hotel Xcaret México: "A Cozy Tribute: A Maya-Style Hut"

This charming hut, inspired by ancient Maya dwellings, honors former colleagues and family members. Its warmth and hospitality make us feel at home, surrounded by traditional food and drinks.

Xel-há: "Floral Tributes: A Quintana Roo Tradition"

This vibrant altar reflects the traditions of Quintana Roo, featuring floral arrangements and a green cross. Its beauty and cultural richness fill us with pride and gratitude.

Xplor y Xplor Fuego: "Maya Roots: A Pyramid Altar"

This striking altar combines Maya elements, including a Tulum pyramid and ceiba tree. Its presence invites us to connect with our cultural heritage and contemplate our identity.

Xoximilco: "Floating Memories: A Trajinera Altar"

This colorful altar, shaped like a traditional trajinera, features elements from the region, including a huipil flag and a representative catrina. Its joy and music remind us of the importance of celebrating life.

Hotel Xcaret Arte: "Artistic Tributes: Honoring Mexico's Creative Souls"

This altar pays tribute to famous Mexican artists, inspiring us to explore our own creative expression.

Comunidades Mayas: "A Celebration of Maya Tradition"

The presence of Maya communities was a highlight of the festival. Over 20 representatives from various communities in Quintana Roo shared their rich traditions and culture. This altar showcases the essence of Maya culture, including traditional food, ceremonial objects, and textiles.

A Traditional Maya Altar:

Honoring the Ancestors A traditional Maya altar is a sacred space where family and community gather to honor their ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. The altar is typically set up in the home or community center and is adorned with various elements that hold spiritual significance.

Some common elements found in a traditional Maya altar include:

- Incense (copal or palo de rosa) to purify and connect with the spirits

- Candles to light the way for the deceased

- Flowers (marigolds, gladiolas, etc.) to honor the dead

- Traditional food and drink offerings (tamales, panes, fruits, atole, chocolate, etc.) to nourish the spirits

- Personal items of the deceased (photos, clothing, etc.) to remember and honor their memory

- Ceremonial objects (incense burners, prayer fans, etc.) to facilitate communication with the spirits

- Textiles and fabrics (huipiles, cortes, etc.) to represent the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds

The Conclusion:

Xcaret's Día de Muertos altars are a testament to Mexico's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Each one invites us to reflect on life, death, and our connection to those who've passed on. Don't miss out on this unique celebration – visit Xcaret and experience it for yourself!