Day of the Dead Celebrations at Quivira Los Cabos & Pueblo Bonito Resorts
Originated thousands of years ago by pre-Hispanic cultures, Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, venerates the departed in a joyful way. For indigenous groups of Mesoamerican people, 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.
If you see people dressed as skeletons on Nov. 1 and 2, understand that they’re observing a holiday added by UNESCO to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2008. In towns and cities throughout Mexico, revelers don makeup and costumes, join festive parades and dance in the streets. Mexicans from all ethnic and religious backgrounds celebrate Día de los Muertos, a holiday that has endured for centuries as a reaffirmation of life.
The Beach Club, the oceanfront enclave reserved for Quivira residents, will host a Day of the Dead event designed to be enjoyed by adults and children alike. A Mexican kermes (a colorful celebration of Latino culture) will features antojitos (literally “little cravings,” or tasty snacks); pan de muerto (bread of the dead, a sweet bread dotted with anise seeds and decorated with bones and skulls made from dough); and rich chocolate (Mexico is the birthplace of chocolate). In addition to live music by a saxophonist, there will be an appearance by El Catrin, the name of an elegant, well-dressed male figure who is the counterpart to the female Day of the Dead character, La Calavera Catrina.
Quivira Steakhouse will ramp up one of the most joyous holidays on the Mexican calendar by inviting owners to participate in the creation of a large altar of the dead. An altar, or ofrenda, is meant to welcome back spirits to the realm of the living. They’re adorned with offerings—food, refreshments, candles for the departed. Flowers (especially marigolds) and monarch butterflies are common symbols; orange and purple are typical colors.
Ofrendas represent the four elements: water, wind, earth and fire.
- A pitcher of water, so the spirits can quench their thirst after the long journey.
- Traditional paper banners, papel picado, represent the wind.
- Earth is symbolized by food, especially bread.
- Lighted candles are placed in the form of a cross to signify the cardinal directions so the spirits can find their way.
To further enhance the experience, Quivira Steakhouse Chef Oscar Quesada will create extraordinary dishes with seasonal ingredients such as figs, bananas, piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar) sauces, pumpkin blossoms and pomegranates, among other symbolic flavors of Dia de los Muertos.
More options? Pueblo Bonito Resorts is celebrating Day of the Dead at several of its restaurants. Here are two dining highlights:
Because Dia de Los Muertos is deeply rooted in Mexican culture, LaFrida Restaurant at Sunset Beach will honor it with special devotion. This year Chef Anaisa Guevara, recently named “Best New Chef 2024” by Forbes magazine, will host a vibrant evening accented by traditional themes, from marigold flowers and sugar skulls to gastronomy that pays tribute to legendary artist Frida Kahlo.
At Montecristo Estates, a three-course dinner comprised of beloved dishes will be served utilizing Mexican ingredients, including amaranth seeds, pumpkin seeds, mashed sweet potato and a traditional Mexican dessert accompanied by a special Day of the Dead drink based on cempasúchil (marigold ) flowers. Live musical accompaniment will be provided by Luna Itzel.