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