| Much like the fun-filled traditions associated with | | | | Set on tables with white cloth, the altars of Cancun |
| Halloween in the United States, Mexico embraces the | | | | display everything from fresh flowers and chocolate |
| somber autumn holiday with a variety of celebrations | | | | skulls to wooden crosses, personal mementos and |
| and activities. Known throughout Latin America as El | | | | photographs. Though the tradition of honoring the |
| Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Cancun offers | | | | deceased might seem solemn, the positive |
| visitors a truly unique version on this popular holiday, | | | | atmosphere of the holiday extends to these |
| with many events incorporating both Mayan customs | | | | personalized displays, as awards are handed out for |
| and modern Mexican traditions. Beginning on October | | | | the most elaborate and beautifully decorated altars. |
| 31 with celebrations for the returned souls of the | | | | The newest Day of the Dead activity for Cancun's |
| departed, the party continues each year until | | | | visitors takes place south of the city in the Xcaret |
| November 2. | | | | Nature and Cultural Park. Last year, the park unveiled |
| As Cancun is in the center of the historic region known | | | | The Bridge to Paradise - one of the world's most |
| as the Mayan Riviera, many of the city's events | | | | unique cemeteries. Composed of 365 lavish gravesites |
| incorporate Hanal Pixan - the Mayan ritual of the dead. | | | | created by local artists, The Bridge to Paradise serves |
| Both in Cancun and at most of the Mayan sites | | | | as a creative representation of Mexican history and |
| outside the city, candlelight prayer services are held on | | | | culture. For instance, a colorful sculpture of a bed |
| October 31 to commemorate the deceased. After this | | | | complete with linens references the country's |
| period of reflection, Hanal Pixan quickly transforms into | | | | dreamlike mythology, while a miniature replica of a |
| a friendly meal shared by hundreds. Tamales are often | | | | cathedral reminds visitors of Mexico's religious culture. |
| baked in an underground pit and served to both the | | | | During the celebrations surrounding the Day of the |
| living and the dead, as it is believed that the deceased | | | | Dead, visitors are served candies and other |
| absorb the essence of the food placed at their | | | | refreshments from altars set up throughout the |
| graves. Handmade wines and candies are also | | | | cemetery. Much like the celebrations in Cancun, the |
| passed around for all to enjoy, but Hanal Pixan marks | | | | events at Xcaret and its cemetery rejoice in life and |
| only the beginning of this amazing holiday. | | | | the cultural traditions of Mexico on this seemingly dark |
| October 31 is also marks the beginning of a three day | | | | day. |
| culinary feast in Cancun, taking place both in the | | | | Much like the American tradition of Halloween, children |
| streets and all the best restaurants. At the city's | | | | are encouraged to don costumes and trick-or-treat |
| gastronomy festival, visitors can sample local delicacies | | | | during the celebrations of Day of the Dead. However, |
| and gourmet international cuisine prepared by Mexico's | | | | Mexican myth and tradition contribute some interesting |
| best chefs. Held outdoors along the Caribbean | | | | items to the children's experience. As most |
| waterfront, this festival is anything but a sober Day of | | | | trick-or-treating takes place of November 2 - the day |
| the Dead ritual, as guests are invited to eat and drink | | | | when, as myth has it, spirits must leave the homes of |
| as much as they like. If you dine in any of Cancun's | | | | their loved ones and return to the other side - all |
| restaurants throughout the three day holiday, you will | | | | children wear bracelets of red string to ward off the |
| be treated special local recipes reserved for Day of | | | | more nefarious spirits traveling to the underworld. As |
| the Dead. At night, many visitors move from the | | | | with all the other events surrounding Day of the Dead, |
| restaurants to the bars and dance clubs where special | | | | visitors are encouraged to participate in the local |
| events such as costume parties have become the | | | | traditions. |
| norm. | | | | Furthermore, as the holiday takes place just weeks |
| One of the most fascinating traditions associated with | | | | before the beginning of the peak travel season, Day |
| the Day of the Dead is the creation of colorful altars - | | | | of the Dead may be one of the best times to visit |
| known in Mexico as ofrendas - to honor deceased | | | | Cancun. Many airlines and resorts will feature special |
| loved ones. Anywhere you travel in the city, you will | | | | rates during this week, making travel to this luxurious |
| pass numerous altars containing all kinds of offerings. | | | | destination affordable for any family. |