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