Day of the dead
Each year, from October 31 to November 2, the Riviera Maya transforms into a vibrant tapestry of color, music, and remembrance for Día de Muertos — Mexico’s most iconic celebration of life and death. This ancient tradition, rooted in Maya and Aztec heritage, honors loved ones who have passed away while celebrating the beauty of life itself.
And this year, 2025, the Riviera Maya is expecting one of its most spectacular Day of the Dead celebrations yet.
🌺 The Spirit of the Riviera Maya
Unlike anywhere else in Mexico, the Riviera Maya fuses its Mayan roots with the country’s national Día de Muertos customs, creating a deeply spiritual yet joyful experience. Locals and visitors alike gather to build colorful ofrendas(altars), decorated with marigolds, candles, and photos of departed souls.
You’ll smell copal incense drifting through the air, hear the soft strumming of guitars, and see people painted as elegant skeletons known as Catrinas — symbols of life beyond death.
Record Visitors for Día de Muertos 2025
The region is expecting a record-breaking 1.6 million hotel stays this holiday week. Cancun and the Riviera Maya are set to receive the highest flow of visitors in Mexico, thanks to cultural tourism and new festival experiences.
Hotels, resorts, and local tourism boards have organized special Day of the Dead events, including themed dinners, beachfront altars, and guided tours to Mayan archaeological sites with night shows.
Where to Experience Día de Muertos in the Riviera Maya
1. Xcaret Park – Festival de Tradiciones de Vida y Muerte
This world-famous festival at Xcaret Park (Playa del Carmen) is one of the most authentic ways to celebrate. Expect traditional music, dances, theater performances, and local artisans showcasing handmade crafts and regional cuisine. Each year, a different Mexican state is honored — bringing new flavors and stories to life.
2. Playa del Carmen – Fifth Avenue Altars & Parades
In Playa del Carmen, the famous Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) becomes a living gallery. Streets glow with candlelight, skull makeup fills the crowds, and businesses compete to build the most creative ofrendas. Don’t miss the parade of Catrinas and live music by local mariachi bands.
3. Tulum – Bohemian Vibes and Jungle Rituals
Tulum celebrates Día de Muertos in its own soulful way — with beachfront ceremonies, fire dances, and wellness-inspired rituals that blend ancient Maya spirituality with modern holistic practices. Expect cacao ceremonies, yoga under the moonlight, and candlelit gatherings in boutique hotels and cenotes.
4. Cozumel – Island of Traditions
Just a short ferry from Playa del Carmen, Cozumel embraces the holiday with quiet, heartfelt community events, cemetery vigils, and family-friendly activities. It’s a perfect escape if you want an authentic, small-town experience.
What to Eat and Try
During Día de Muertos, food becomes an offering — a bridge between the living and the departed. In the Riviera Maya, don’t miss:
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Pan de muerto (sweet bread topped with sugar “bones”)
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Atole and champurrado (warm corn-based drinks)
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Mucbil pollo, a traditional Mayan “buried tamale” baked underground — unique to the Yucatán Peninsula.
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Local twists like tropical fruit tamales or seafood panuchos, often featured in resort buffets and street markets.
Tips for Travelers
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Book early: Hotels fill fast during this holiday week — over 80% occupancy is expected across the Riviera Maya.
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Respect traditions: When visiting cemeteries or local altars, be mindful — it’s a time of celebration, but also remembrance.
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Capture the moment: The visual beauty of Día de Muertos — candlelight, face paint, and marigold petals — makes for unforgettable photos.
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Join local events: Don’t just watch — participate! Paint your face as a Catrina, light a candle, or leave a flower on an altar.
Celebrate Life in the Riviera Maya
Día de Muertos isn’t about mourning — it’s about connection. It’s a reminder that love transcends time, and that every sunset, every wave, and every memory we hold keeps the spirit of our loved ones alive.
So if you’re visiting the Riviera Maya this season, prepare for a journey of culture, color, and heart — a celebration that will stay with you long after the candles have burned out.