Mexico

Celebrate Day of the Dead in Cancun

by Michele Peterson

No doubt you’ve seen the colorful skeletons, decorative altars and skulls (calaveras) in myriad forms in Mexican markets and souvenir shops, and maybe you might have wondered why this preoccupation with death is so popular and prevalent in the culture. And for those not in the know, the ‘walking dead’ costumes and the thought of spending time in cemeteries might appear macabre, even a tad scary. But this time-honored tradition of communicating with the departed when it’s believed that the portals open between the worlds is not intended to be morbid. In fact, quite the opposite. It is a time of celebrating not death, so much as life, and the lives that have been, and the connection between families that continue to exist even after their physical entity has expired. The tradition of celebrating the dead and trying to connect with them dates back to the ancient Mayans.

To learn more about these rituals and the symbolism of these traditions, and taste the delicious authentic food involved in the ceremonies, why not celebrate Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and Hanal Pixan (Mayan Food of Souls) at Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun this year? Participating in this traditional holiday which takes place November 1st and 2nd each year, will help you understand why Mexican families, friends and communities create altars and decorate cemeteries to welcome the return of the souls of their ancestors.

Set beachfront in Cancun’s Zona Hotelera, the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun offers several ways for visitors to participate in these important cultural celebrations. Guests can sample traditional Day of the Dead foods, witness the creation of altars and enjoy special tours to authentic Mayan ceremonies. Some of these experiences are available through Alltournative, a tour company that features sustainable tours to the Tres Reyes community near Cancun. Participants can tour a variety of decorated family altars, witness traditional Mayan dance performances and experience an authentic Hanal Pixan ceremony performed by shamans in a sacred cenote.
And of course, you’ll be staying in high style on a beautiful private beach. Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun is set on one of region’s most swimmable white sand beaches and features an expansive outdoor swimming pool, a newly expanded KidZ Club and a full-service spa complete with a Hydrotherapy Circuit complete with aromatherapy steam room, multi-jet showers, ice room, polar pools and several Mayan-themed spa treatments. For memorable fine-dining, opt for an evening of Mexican cuisine at their stylish La Joya restaurant where traditional mariachi players serenade along with a spectacular light and sound show. The high-tech show draws on Mexican motifs, traditions and history for inspiration. Upgrade to the Grand Club Unlimited Experience for VIP butler service, access to the exclusive lounge as well as all-inclusive meals and beverages and Grand Club Junior or Master Suite accommodation with premium ocean front views.

www.grandfiestamericana.com