Traditions of Mexico's Día de los Muertos: Mexico Vacation

By Amanda Mesa | Published on March 22, 2022

Mexico's rich culture is filled with fascinating folktales, unique traditions, and vibrant festivities. One of the country's most popular celebrations is Día de los Muertos, or "Day of the Dead." Even if you aren't familiar with the holiday's origins, customs, and cultural significance, you've likely seen photos of this lively and colorful occasion. While different towns and regions have their own unique ways of celebrating the Day of the Dead, during your holiday travels you'll find that its main traditions remain largely unchanged across the country.

Planning a Mexico cruise vacation around this special time of year or just interested in learning more about the holiday itself? Here's everything you need to know about Day of the Dead celebrations and where best to experience them when you visit Mexico.

Local Dressed as Skeletons for Dia de los Muertos in Mexico
Local Dressed as Skeletons for Dia de los Muertos in Mexico

What And When Is The Day Of The Dead?

Day of the Dead is a two-day celebration honoring ancestors and the natural cycle of life and death. In Mexico, it takes place every year on Nov. 1 and 2. In its current form, the holiday has been celebrated for centuries — though its roots stretch back several thousand years.

For the ancient people of Mexico and Central America, life and death went hand in hand. They believed that, after death, souls had to journey through nine levels in the underworld in order to reach their final resting place. During the month of August, people used to leave offerings on altars and graves to help make this journey easier for their deceased relatives.

Public Altar Set Up for Day of the Dead in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Public Altar Set Up for Day of the Dead in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors came to Mexico and Central America. They brought Catholicism with its many holidays — including All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2. One of the customs for these holidays included setting offerings on graves to welcome back deceased loved ones visiting from the other side. The tradition so resembled the local practice of leaving offerings for the dead that the Aztec holiday and the Catholic holidays eventually merged to become the Day of the Dead. It's been practiced throughout Mexico ever since, and in 2008, the holiday was added to the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is now considered a defining aspect of the country's culture.

Book Now

Dive deeper into one of Mexico's most joyous and colorful traditions — Día de los Muertos — on a cruise to Mexico.

How Is Dia De Los Muertos Celebrated?

Traveler Painting her Face as a Catrina for Day of the Dead in Mexico
Traveler Painting her Face as a Catrina for Day of the Dead in Mexico

One of the oldest and most common practices during Día de los Muertos celebrations is to set up and decorate ofrendas, or altars, with the photos and keepsakes of loved ones who have passed away. Altars are erected in private homes, and many communities will also set up public altars in town squares and other open spaces. In addition to family mementos, the altars are decorated with sugar skulls, marigolds, a corn liquor called atole, and other symbolic offerings.

During Día de los Muertos, it's common for people to paint their faces like skulls. They'll also often dress up as skeletons or popular folk characters that have become a big part of this holiday over time. One notable figure locals like to impersonate is La Calavera Catrina, created in the early 20th century by the Mexican cartoon illustrator and printmaker, José Guadalupe Posada.

Dia de los Muertos Decorations Hanging in Mexico
Dia de los Muertos Decorations Hanging in Mexico

It's also popular for Mexican towns to string up banners of colorful, intricately cut paper — called papel picadoover the streets during Day of the Dead festivities. Though these pretty squares of paper are a fixture at most Mexican celebrations including weddings and birthdays, they've become especially symbolic of the Day of the Dead. During this time, they're usually cut with little skulls or marigolds.

While traveling on vacation to celebrate this holiday you may notice that its culture and traditions involve many symbols of death, though it isn't a time for grief. Mexico's Day of the Dead is a celebration that includes plenty of dancing, drinking, and feasting. Many believe the borders between the physical and spiritual worlds are at their weakest during this time of the year, creating a brief window for the dead to celebrate with their loved ones.

An Altar for Beloved Souls During the Day of the Dead in Mexico
An Altar for Beloved Souls During the Day of the Dead in Mexico
One of the holiday's most crave-worthy customs is the savoring of pan de muerto. This is a tasty sweetbread shaped like a bun and decorated with crossbones. Topped with sugar, it's sometimes flavored with anise seeds or orange flower water and zest. The dead are believed to absorb the bread's essence as a way of recharging after their long journey back to the land of the living for the Day of the Dead celebrations.
Day of the Dead Cemetery Decorations in Janitzio, Mexico
Day of the Dead Cemetery Decorations in Janitzio, Mexico
Mexico's Day of the Dead is a celebration that includes plenty of dancing, drinking and feasting. Many believe the borders between the physical and spiritual worlds are at their weakest during this time of the year, creating a brief window for the dead to celebrate with their loved ones.

Where In Mexico Is Day Of The Dead Celebrated?

This special two-day celebration takes place across the country, which means you can participate just about anywhere as long as you visit Mexico on Nov. 1 and 2. That said, some regions and cities are particularly known for their Day of the Dead festivities. On the island of Janitzio west of Mexico City, thousands gather in the cemetery to witness indigenous Purépecha people practicing holiday-specific rituals. The island also hosts folk dances and musical processions across both days, and when the sun goes down, local fishermen take to the lake in rowboats carrying torches.
Puppet of a Calavera Catrina in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
Puppet of a Calavera Catrina in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
In Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán Peninsula, locals refer to Day of the Dead as the "feast for the souls." Many people in this region are direct descendants of the Maya and whip up traditional dishes to welcome back their deceased ancestors. The city also sets up elaborate alters in the main square or zócalo.
Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City, Mexico
Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City, Mexico

However, few Day of the Dead celebrations can top Mexico City's version, which can sometimes last an entire week. Its parade, the Desfile de Dia de Muertos, is iconic. Visitors and locals alike will also come together in the city's Plaza del Zócalo, where performers dazzle the crowd dressed as mythical creatures and skeletons.

Now that you have some background on Mexico's Day of the Dead and where to experience it first-hand, it's time to start planning your Mexico cruise vacation. Whether you choose to participate in the costumes and pageantry or just observe the local traditions, being in Mexico around this holiday is a truly unforgettable experience. Whatever region you choose to visit, make sure to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and festivities of this joyous occasion.

Written By
AMANDA MESA

Amanda has written for Royal Caribbean since 2017. She also covers travel, lifestyle, food and beverage for Indulge Magazine, the Miami Herald and PureWow. She's traveled extensively around the world, enjoys building unforgettable itineraries and loves introducing readers to lesser-known destinations. 

Get Royal Deals, Sign Up Today

RELATED ARTICLES

The Best Destinations You Can Visit on A Mexican Riviera Cruise

READ MORE

Stepping Into the Lost City of The Gods

READ MORE

7 Best Cruises from Fort Lauderdale and The Best Places to Visit

READ MORE

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

code: