Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, honors the departed joyfully, celebrating—rather than mourning—them. Originating centuries ago, modern celebrations are a mash-up of pre-Hispanic religious rites and Christian feasts that take place on November 1 and 2—All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on the Christian calendar.
Throughout Mexico, revelers apply make-up, don skeleton costumes, join lively parades, and dance in the streets. And in Los Cabos and Mazatlán, Pueblo Bonito Resorts offer themed meals and other Day of the Dead events at several of its properties.
At Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach in Los Cabos, the family-friendly resort that crowns a bluff overlooking the Pacific, Day of the Dead festivities at Aqua 17 will feature traditional dishes, live mariachi music, a folkloric dance show, and fireworks on the beach.
LaFrida, the signature restaurant at Sunset Beach—dedicated to iconic artist Frida Kahlo and led by award-winning chef Anaisa Guevara—will honor Día de Los Muertos with a special five-course tasting menu on Nov. 1 and 2 featuring lobster, beef filet and a special dessert—Pan de Muerto (bread of the dead)—filled with yuzu cream and piloncillo ice cream.
Even the décor of Day of the Dead gets special treatment, highlighted by a traditional altar (ofrenda) that represents the four elements: water, wind, earth, and fire. Adorned with offerings—food, refreshments, candles for the departed—ofrendas are meant to welcome back spirits to the realm of the living. Marigolds and monarch butterflies are typical symbols; orange and purple are common colors.
At Pueblo Bonito Pacifica in Los Cabos, an adults-only oceanfront getaway, a “Welcome to Mictlan” celebration on the resort’s pristine beach will feature a pre-Hispanic shaman ceremony, a parade of alebrijes (fantastical folk art creatures thought to be spirit guides), an artisan market, and a large ofrenda. A lavish Mexican buffet will be served on the beach at Pacifica’s annual Day of the Dead events, Nov. 1 and 2.
At Montecristo Estates Luxury Estates, a Day of the Dead dinner at the resort’s Cibola Restaurant will feature traditional, time-honored dishes, live music, colorful Día de los Muertos décor, and a traditional ofrenda.
Pueblo Bonito Rose, situated on Medano Beach in the heart of Cabo San Lucas, will stage a Día de los Muertos celebration featuring a Mexican buffet, Mariachi band, live show, and Day of the Dead décor from sugar skulls to calacas (skeletons).
Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán Beach Resort, the hospitality company’s original property, will offer a sumptuous Mexican buffet at Las Palomas restaurant. The evening will also feature live music, fireworks on the beach, and, for children of all ages, a piñata. At Emerald Bay, a sister property in Mazatlán, a similar program will be held at the French-themed La Cordeliere restaurant. A bountiful Mexican buffet will be highlighted by DJ music, a piñata, and fireworks.
For further information or to make reservations, access the website at www.pueblobonito.com.
