DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS, A TRADITION THAT FEELS ON THE SKIN
Color, folklore and much emotion we lived on November 2 at the Festival of Life and Death Traditions, in which as Mexicans we are proud to see the Day of the Dead represented in its maximum splendor. Have you had the opportunity to visit the Xcaret park in the Riviera Maya? This was my first time and what better occasion to get to know it than in the celebration of this beautiful tradition.
If you still do not know what I'm talking about, I'll give you a bit of history to give you an idea. Each year the Xcaret park opens its doors to all to show the singularities of this tradition. From October 30 to November 2, the 12th edition of the Festival of Life and Death Traditions was held, this festival offers its visitors different exhibitions, offerings, dances, tours, plays, concerts and multiple shows that make the maximum of a unique tradition in our country.
On this occasion the guest state was Yucatán. More than 18 communities adorned the event with rituals, gastronomy and traditional celebrations of this culture that has an endless number of wonders to discover. The scenery is exceptional: this park was formerly known as Polé, where the Mayans came to purify themselves in the sacred waters of their cenotes, do you not feel like coming to know the Riviera Maya and its wonders?
Of all the activities that we could enjoy we are going to list our top 5 of the must-see in this festival:
1.EXPOSITION OF ALTARES DE MUERTOS
The tour of the exhibition of altars is undoubtedly an enriching cultural experience. You can see up close the dead altars assembled by members of the most important Mayan communities of Quintana Roo, Yucatan and Campeche. When we approach them, we ask them for their meaning and to whom they dedicate it, here we can understand the essence of Hanal Pixan and why it is so important for their culture.
2. THE CATRINES
One of the things that I like the most about the Festival of Life and Death is that it has become a custom for visitors to come dressed as catrinas and if you left the disguise, you can paint yourself there! They give you paint so that you can make the design that comes to your mind and be a unique and original catrina. What moved me the most was to walk along the roads of Xcaret and find children, adults, couples and entire families who decided to represent the favorite of the Day of the Dead: La Catrina.
3. OUR GUEST STATE GASTRONOMY
Personally, my palate is ecstatic with so many sweeties that the state of Yucatan has, no doubt that each state has a particular seasoning that cannot go unnoticed. So, it is the perfect opportunity to try typical dishes prepared by the members of the original communities of the state, in addition to all the delights that the guest state offers I also found other delicacies such as tamales, a lot chicken, cochinita cakes, bread of the dead, churros, hot chocolate and other typical dishes of the Day of the Dead in the Yucatan Peninsula.
4. MEXICAN NIGHT CEREMONY
In this night tour you will guide yourself with the lights of the lit candles and torches and feel the aroma of the cempasúchil flowers with which decorate the tombs, I think it is one of the most beautiful activities of the Festival of Life and Death, you can go with all the tranquility and have fun reading the epitaphs and admiring the beautiful thematic tombs.
5. PREHISPANIC DANCES IN THE MAYAN PEOPLE
The pre-Hispanic dances of the company Xipe Tótec are a mandatory presentation. They tell Mayan legends and stories through their dance to the rhythm of drums and flutes. It is such a vibrant show, with elaborate costumes, that will not let you take your eyes off the stage and your feet will want to move when you feel the music.
This year the festival is over, but we can assure you that you can plan your holidays in advance with us! Do you want more information? Register here so you can enjoy your adventures in Cancun and Riviera Maya.
Maybe the next blog we're reading is yours, go for the adventure ;)
