While Halloween is a frolicsome, spooky tradition in the U.S., the main autumnal celebration in Mexico is Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos). They couldn’t be more different.
Day of the Dead celebrations are a combination of pre-Hispanic religious rites and Christian feasts that unfold over two days—November 1 and 2, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day—in a celebration of life-affirming joy. While the theme is death (but not in a morbid way), the point is to show love and respect for family members now gone. In towns and cities throughout Mexico, including Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and Mazatlán, revelers don makeup and costumes, march in parades, and dance and party in the streets.
Popular dances include La Danza de los Viejitos—the dance of the little old men—in which boys and young men dress as old men, walk around crouched over, and then suddenly jump up and whirl. La Danza de los Tecuanes—the dance of the jaguars—depicts farm workers hunting the big cat.
To commemorate lost loved ones, an altar, or ofrenda, is often built in private homes, cemeteries, and, in San Jose del Cabo, on the sidewalks of the town’s historic quarter. Not for worshipping, these altars welcome spirits back to the realm of the living. As such, they’re adorned with offerings—a favorite meal, family photos, and a candle for each deceased relative. Flowers (especially marigolds) and monarch butterflies are common symbols; orange and purple are typical colors.
To complement the traditional Día de los Muertos celebrations, vibrant parades and festive cemetery remembrances are held throughout towns across the country and provide an excellent opportunity to immerse in authentic Mexican culture.
Seven Pueblo Bonito Resorts, including five in Los Cabos and two in Mazatlan, will offer special meals and themed festivities on November 1 and 2 to commemorate Day of the Dead.
- In Los Cabos, Montecristo Estates Luxury Villas (Cibola restaurant), Pueblo Sunset Beach (LaFrida restaurant), Pueblo Bonito Rosé (Mare Nostrum restaurant), Pueblo Bonito Pacifica (beach area), and Quivira Steakhouse will offer a range of Mexican buffets and themed tasting menus. These resort properties will also feature live regional music, traditional altar displays, and pre-Hispanic ceremonies.
- In Mazatlán, La Cordeliere at Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan Beach Resort will offer a Mexican buffet, fireworks, a piñata, and live music. At Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay, Palomas restaurant has scheduled a Mexican buffet.
