Day of the Dead Celebrations?

[Kurls76]

Heya All,

Myself and 5 other girlfriends have our trip booked at a resort in Playacar for arrival late on Nov 1. We weren't sure what sort of celebrations if any took place over the 1st and 2nd so thought it best to ask you all.

What sort of party/celebrations can we expect and where should we look for them?

Thoughts/Stories??

thx,
Katie

[Libby]

There really are no public celebrations or parades for Day of the Dead in Playa del Carmen like in some other Mexican cities.

Around this holiday, Mexicans decorate altars to honor their departed loved ones. They use marigolds, candles, pan de muertos (bread of the dead), photos, sugar skulls, and favorite items of the deceased. For example, they might use the favorite toy of a child, a plate of enchiladas, a favorite bottle of tequila or the preferred brand of cigarettes for a smoker.

Most of the altars are set up inside private homes. But if you walk around some residential areas, you might be able to see some altars set up outside. Many restaurants and stores, including Walmart and Mega usually have altars. Calle Corazon is always decorated beautifully for Day of the Dead.

On November 2nd, Mexicans visit the gravesites of their loved ones. I have not witnessed it myself, but I understand it is meant to be a celebration. They often bring picnic baskets and champagne and party with the departed. Pretty cool, actually.

[Kurls76]

Thanks for the insight

[Babaloo]

Originally Posted by Kurls76

Thanks for the insight

but you're missing a great party in town by one day!!

[ele]

xcaret does some sort of show or celebration for day of the dead. i have no specific info on it though.

[Libby]

Originally Posted by ele

xcaret does some sort of show or celebration for day of the dead. i have no specific info on it though.

Thanks for bringing that up, ele! I can't believe I forgot about it especially since I have it on the events calendar! The festivities at Xcaret will most likely be held October 30th - November 2nd. (I haven't seen an official press release for it yet.)

Michele has been to this before and said her family really enjoyed it. Hopefully, she'll chime in here.

You can check out the website for the 2007 festival at Xcaret. It hasn't beeen updated for 2008 yet.
Festival de Tradiciones de Vida y Muerte

[Michele]

....and here I am!

We go to Xcaret just once a year with the kids and it's always for the Day of the Dead festivities. I don't have any printed info yet but sometimes there are usually coupons and such in McDonalds....not that I EVER go there

It is a great event with lots to do, see, eat....I'll see if I can dig up some pictures.

[Libby]

Check here for a press release from Xcaret on their Day of the Dead activities. Also, they have updated the Xcaret Life and Death Festival website for 2008. However, it is only available in Spanish. The English link just takes you to a pge on the main Xcaret website with a small blurb on this festival.

[surfnmom]

Last year there were a few things set up in the town square area between the beach and the church on 5th Ave (right at Juarez).

Also, at the entrance to Playacar (2) there is a school, Manuel Acosta, that had each class set up alters out front which is accessible to the public. It was interesting to see how they set them up. It also showed the difference between the schools here (embracing the cultures) and in the US. I don't think I would ever see an alter on school grounds with beer, cigs, and liquor in the US.

The other thing I did was go visit the local cemetary on Nov 1 to see how people cleaned, painted and decorated.

But, that being said. The events at Xcaret are fantastic!

[Michele]

Originally Posted by surfnmom

Last year there were a few things set up in the town square area between the beach and the church on 5th Ave (right at Juarez).

Also, at the entrance to Playacar (2) there is a school, Manuel Acosta, that had each class set up alters out front which is accessible to the public. It was interesting to see how they set them up. It also showed the difference between the schools here (embracing the cultures) and in the US. I don't think I would ever see an alter on school grounds with beer, cigs, and liquor in the US.

The other thing I did was go visit the local cemetary on Nov 1 to see how people cleaned, painted and decorated.

But, that being said. The events at Xcaret are fantastic!

We do a large altar at Papalote as well but is inside the school grounds and not easily seen from the street. It's fun to see what the kids bring in from home to personalize it. A cemetary trip is a good idea!

[Kurls76]

Thanks for the follow up info everyone... does anyone know if there is an entrance fee for the celebration at Xcaret or is it open to the public... I don't read Spanish otherwise I'm sure the answer would have been righ in front of me.

thx.

[Libby]

Originally Posted by Kurls76

Thanks for the follow up info everyone... does anyone know if there is an entrance fee for the celebration at Xcaret or is it open to the public... I don't read Spanish otherwise I'm sure the answer would have been righ in front of me.

thx.

They will charge the regular admission fee. Here are their prices. Xcaret México - Parque Ecologico

[suncatcher]

The link that Libby posted above has BOOK NOW prices at

Adult -$277.78
Kids -$138.89 in M.N. currency

This seems reasonable if it approximates to $27 & $14 USD? If this means entry after 4pm, we will miss the rest of the eco park is that right?

Thanks for your insight.

[Libby]

Originally Posted by suncatcher

The link that Libby posted above has BOOK NOW prices at

Adult -$277.78
Kids -$138.89 in M.N. currency

This seems reasonable if it approximates to $27 & $14 USD? If this means entry after 4pm, we will miss the rest of the eco park is that right?

Thanks for your insight.

Wow, that's a great price! Regular admission is $69 USD. According to the site the special price that you found is for admission after 4pm. It doesn't say whether you get admission to the full park or not. I suppose they could cordone an area off for just Day of the Dead stuff. Anyone know if they do that?

[Kurls76]

Wow that isn't bad at all, thanks for looking into this. Very helpful!