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Día de Muertos at Vidanta
September Edition -
Must Experience

Marigolds, candlelight, Catrinas, and mariachi. Every fall, our destinations celebrate Mexico's most meaningful tradition, and you're invited.

There is no better time to be in Mexico than Día de Muertos.

On November 1 and 2, families across the country welcome back the people they love. They build altars and cover them in cempasúchil, the bright orange marigold said to light the way home. They set out candles, photographs, sugar skulls, and pan de muerto. Then they eat, sing, and tell stories late into the night. It is a celebration of life, and one of the most joyful things you can witness as a traveler.

At Vidanta, we celebrate it for days. Altars glow across the resorts. Catrinas lead candlelit processions. Mariachi fills the evenings, and you are part of all of it.

Here is what's happening at each destination this year.

Marigolds and candles on a Día de Muertos altar Pan de muerto on a bed of cempasúchil Catrina figure in a red hat
October 19 – November 2, 2026

VidantaWorld Vallarta-Nuevo Nayarit

Fifteen days of celebration, with something for every age.

Catrina holding candles during the Día de Muertos procession

The Procession

The big moment the celebration comes alive.

DateTimeRoute
October 19 and 266:30 PMSea Tonic → Salum
October 20 and 276:45 PMSweet Paris → Santuario
October 23 and 30, November 26:45 PMThe Grand Mayan → Santuario
November 13:00 PMThe Grand Mayan → Santuario
Folkloric dancers and mariachi at the Día de Muertos Dinner

Día de Muertos Dinner

A five-course dinner with a domestic open bar, dancing, live mariachi, a fountain show, and more.

November 2, between 7 PM and 10 PM
La Cantina and Gong

Reservations are required. Contact your Concierge at Ext. 158.

Hand-painted Mexican sugar skulls

Paint a Calaverita

The Mexican skull is the heart of every Día de Muertos altar.

Daily at 10 AM

Skeleton sitting on a pumpkin bowl full of candy

Calavera Candy Quest

The ultimate candy hunt.

October 21, 28, and 31 at 4 PM

Halloween Pumpkin Showdown

A creative pumpkin-carving contest.

October 31 at 3 PM

Children are welcome to come dressed in costume to any event. For details on any activity, contact the Joy Squad (Ext. 51312) or Jungle Bay Club (Ext. 51812), or check the VidantaWorld App.

October 26 – November 2, 2026

Vidanta Riviera Maya

Nightly from 6 PM to 10:30 PM at Salum – Mercado Mexicano

Eight nights, one place. Every evening, Salum turns into a Día de Muertos festival.

Giant skull altar with candlelit steps and marigolds at Vidanta Riviera Maya
Woman in Catrina makeup and traditional dress holding candles
6:00 PM

Procession

The big moment the celebration comes alive.

Route: Havana Moon → Salum

Hands playing a wooden marimba
6:00 PM

Marimba Music

Warm, rhythmic sound to set a festive mood.

Performers in feathered headdresses and skeleton body paint
6:30 PM

Pre-Hispanic Blessing

A ritual dance with Mayan warriors, purification with copal and incense, and percussion and conch shell sounding to honor our ancestors and reconnect with Mexican heritage.

Guest having her face painted as a Catrina
6:45 PM

Face Painting

Your chance to transform into a Catrina.

Catrina sculpture dressed in flowers holding a fan
6:45 PM

Catrina Tour

An in-depth look at the iconic symbol of Día de Muertos.

Mariachi in skull makeup playing a guitarrón
6:00 – 10:30 PM

Live Mariachi Music

Mexican tradition, celebrated through the vibrant sounds of live mariachi.

Vidanta Ballet dancers on stage
6:00 – 10:30 PM

Performance by Vidanta Ballet

Mexican culture and tradition through a captivating dance performance.

Candles glowing among marigold petals
All evening

Kermés

A vibrant festival showcasing Mexican culture, with delicious appetizers and drinks, a Pan de Muerto station serving the traditional Día de Muertos treat, and a traditional game.

Children are welcome to come dressed in costume. For details, visit the Vidanta Gourmet Stand, contact your Concierge (Ext. 4075), or check the VidantaWorld App.

Staying at Another Vidanta Destination?

Your Concierge has all the details on how to join the Día de Muertos celebrations during your stay. Just ask.

Before You Go

  • Bring a costume for the kids. They are welcome to dress up at every event.
  • Reserve the dinner early. The November 2 Día de Muertos Dinner at Vallarta-Nuevo Nayarit requires a reservation.
  • Charge your phone. Between the Catrinas, the mariachi, and all that color, expect way too many photos to choose from.
  • Check the VidantaWorld App. Once you arrive, it has the latest times and locations.

Not booked yet? There is still time to choose your destination, pick your dates, and celebrate with us.

Have a question about an upcoming stay?

Call 1-800-292-9446

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