Day of the Dead: A Venerable Mexican Holiday

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, originated thousands of years ago with several pre-Hispanic cultures for whom death was a natural phase in life’s continuum. For them, the dead were still members of the community, kept alive in memory and spirit. And during Día de los Muertos, the dearly departed temporarily returned to Earth.

Current Day of the Dead celebrations are a mash-up of pre-Hispanic religious rites and Christian feasts. They take place on November 1 and 2—All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on the Christian calendar—around the time of the fall maize harvest.

Day of the Dead is not a Mexican version of Halloween. The two annual events differ greatly in tradition and tone. Whereas Halloween is a frivolous night of trick-or-treating, Day of the Dead festivities unfold over two days in a celebration of life-affirming joy. While the theme is death (but not in a morbid way), the point is to demonstrate love and respect for deceased family members. In towns and cities throughout Mexico, including Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo and Mazatlán, revelers don makeup and costumes, march in parades, and party and dance in the streets.

Thanks in part to Coco, a computer-animated film released by Disney in 2017 that explores Day of the Dead themes, Día de los Muertos is more popular than ever. By venerating the departed in a joyful way, Day of the Dead has endured over the centuries as a cultural celebration. Mexicans from all religious and ethnic backgrounds observe Día de los Muertos, a holiday that endures as a reaffirmation of life.

Seven Pueblo Bonito Resorts, including five in Los Cabos and two in Mazatlán, have planned themed dinners and Day of the Dead festivities to commemorate the holiday.

On Thursday, Nov. 2 from 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Cibola restaurant at Montecristo Estates Luxury Villas will offer a special buffet as part of its Day of the Dead celebration. Live regional music by Luna Ixtel will start at 7:00 p.m. The event is included with all-inclusive plan. Price is $40 USD adults, $15 USD children. Reservations required. Ext.3568 

LaFrida, the signature restaurant at Sunset Beach, will feature a tasting menu and a la carte service on Wednesday, Nov. 1 and Thursday, Nov. 2 from 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. In addition to a live pianist, LaFrida will also showcase a traditional altar. Regular price: $120 USD; all-inclusive plan: $85 USD.  Reservations required. Ext. 8180. 

At Pueblo Bonito Rose, Mare Nostrum restaurant will present a Mexican buffet from 5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. on Nov. 2. Live music will be featured. This Day of the Dead celebration is included with all-inclusive plan. Cost is $40 USD for adults, $20 USD for children.

The beach area (Section A) at Pacifica will be the venue for “urban action stations” and a Mexican buffet on Nov. 2 from 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. This special evening will feature a pre-Hispanic ceremony, live music, a Catrinas (look-alike) contest and a traditional Day of the Dead altar. Regular Price: $55 USD. Included with all-inclusive plan. Reservations required. Ext. 645.

Quivira Steakhouse, attached to the Quivira Golf Club, will present a 4-course menu on Nov. 2 from 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. A traditional altar will be featured. Regular Price: 1,230 MXN. Included with all-inclusive plan. Reservations required. Ext. 5716. 

In Mazatlán, La Cordeliere at Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán Beach Resort is staging a Day of the Dead fiesta with a Mexican buffet on Nov. 2 from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The evening will also feature fireworks, a piñata and a live guitarist, Rafael Rodriguez. Price is $750 MXN for adults, $420 MXN for children. The fiesta is included with all-inclusive plan. Reservations required. Ext. 4048 & 4021.

At Emerald Bay, Pueblo Bonito’s sister property in Mazatlán, a Mexican buffet is scheduled for Nov. 2 from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. as part of the resort’s Day of the Dead celebration. Price is $750 MXN for adults, $420 MXN for children. The event is included with all-inclusive plan. Reservations required. Ext. 8675 & 8714.

Additionally, there will be Halloween celebrations at all resorts.