Day of the Dead- Riviera Maya

Don't let the name fool you: the Days of the Dead ("Dias de los Muertos") are a lively Mexican tradition, and children’s favorite time of year next to Christmas.

You can think of it as the Mexican version of Halloween (Halloween being "All Hallows Eve", the night before All Saints Day): this colorful festival takes place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.

In popular vacation area Playa del Carmen-- in the Riviera Maya south of Cancun -- tourists can join some of the festivities. Many all-inclusives nearby welcome families, and if you visit during the Days of the Dead, you can enjoy fall rates.

Meanwhile, at Xcaret-- the excellent "eco-archeological" theme park south of Playa del Carmen-- a "Festival of Life and Death Traditions" takes place Nov. 1 and 2, showcasing traditions from different parts of Mexico, making these dates a fascinating time to visit. Read more, below.

Days of the Dead

For info on the "Festival of Life and Death Traditions" at Xcaret, scroll down

On October 31, Mexican families prepare for All Saints Day or the Day of the Dead, which is November 1: a day to fondly remember those who have passed on. To honor the spirits of their relatives, families make colorful altars in their homes using caramels, flowers, photographs, candles, and favorite food and drinks of the departed ones.

On November 1st the altars are lit; cemeteries are cleaned up, graves are given fresh paint and flowers. Kids play with scary toys like skeletons and witch dolls, bought at markets filled with spooky knick-knacks. Before dinner, much like "trick-or-treating", kids go out to request “calaveritas”: a gift of money or a skull-shaped candy. Special dinners include candies, apples, sweet rice with frijoles, sweet potatoes, and “dead bread” shaped like a skull.

On November 2, families congregate in the cemeteries to think about loved ones: not somber gatherings but more like a party, often with a mariachi band and fireworks.

In Playa del Carmen, the day finishes with an evening stroll in the shopping mall area. Local costumed artists on the street corners sing and dance. At Constitutiones Avenue and 5th Street, there's a grand celebration in honor of the beloved dead.

Could be one of your more interesting getaways-- and at fall promotion rates.

• for more information on the Riviera Maya call 1-866-6GO-MAYA or visit www.rivieramaya.com
• for more about this lively holiday, see About's site for Mexico for Visitors, on Day of the Dead Celebrations

Day of the Dead Celebrations at Xcaret

Xcaret is a popular "eco-archeological" theme park an hour south of Cancun; main features include an underground river swim, snorkeling lagoon, dolphin experience, Mayan village; great restaurants, and a dazzling night-time show. (Read more about Xcaret.)

Day of the Dead celebrations, 2007:
The second annual "Festival of Life and Death Traditions" comes to Xcaret from Oct. 30th to Nov. 2nd, with nearly 100 Mayan communities, plus artists, dancers, musicians, story-tellers, singers. Plenty for all ages; "Day of the Dead" alters in Xcaret's Mayan Village, with traditional dishes; much more. See the Xcaret site.

Photo above: parade at Playa del Carmen; photo courtesy of Riviera Maya Tourist Board.