Are you ready to have the time of your life celebrating the dead?
We’re transforming all of our resorts this October into another realm far beyond the scope of the living—where color and flavor take on another life of their own. Where imagination runs rampant and the living can peer into another kingdom. When you vacation anytime during October, you’ll get to experience Fiesta de los Muertos—a world we’ve crafted specifically for celebrating Day of the Dead and Halloween! The veil between our two dominions will be withdrawn and the traditions of Día de los Muertos—the Mexican holiday that honors the dead and celebrates their memory will be in full force at all the Vidanta resorts.
Through numerous parades, activities, calavera face painting, Catrina fashion shows, and remembrance ofrendas (altars) we’ll honor the spirit of pure fun with a twist to every activity and meal that transports you completely. You’ll also be able to participate in Halloween activities like costume contests, trick or treating, or spooky scavenger hunts! In preparation for Fiesta de los Muertos, we’re taking you through some of the important traditions of the holiday that you’ll see around the resort during your October stay.
Ofrendas
The spirits want to party too, so we’ll be resurrecting beautiful places for them to gather! These bright altars are called ofrendas, which mean “offering” in Spanish. When talking about Day of the Dead celebrations, ofrendas are erected to call out to spirits so they know where the merrymaking is. Guests at the Vidanta Resorts this October can experience these colorful altars of remembrance throughout their stay and participate in some of the time-honored traditions, including leaving notes and Mexican marigolds for loved ones, celebrities, or pets who have passed. Each resort will have vibrantly decorated ofrendas including a huge one at Santuario in Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta. It may sound like a somber celebration, but it’s actually a very colorful holiday, meant to encourage the living to remember the good times and funny memories of those that have passed on.
Calaveras
These beloved Mexican traditions are meant to inspire you to think beyond the empire of the living—that’s why you’ll see vivacious skeletons and dazzling skulls decorating the resort. It’s a pleasant reminder that spirits indeed do inhabit the invisible and fantastical space around us. And more than just beautiful decorations, they’re also full of deep meaning, a way to connect with those who have passed.
Here’s some skull vocab you might need while visiting: a calavera is a skull, a calaverita is a little skull, and a calavera de azucar is a sugar skull. These are placed on an altar and often have the name of a deceased person inscribed on the forehead—or as a playful gesture, the name of a person who is still alive. These call out to a specific loved one, like an otherworldly game of telephone. When you’re at the Vidanta Resorts, you’ll see many resort staff with calavera masks on for the full effect, and there will be many opportunities to craft your own Day of the Dead masks and fanfare.
Catrinas
Ever seen a skeleton fashion show? What about a skeleton pageant? We’ve dreamed up activities, parades and events that would make Tim Burton think he’s in a heaven of his own making. One of the most famous skeleton ladies you’ll see everywhere is the gorgeous La Catrina; a female skeleton dressed in the style of upper-class women of the past. Guests will have many chances to dress up like La Catrina with face painting and abundant flower crowns as they get swept up in the magic of it all.
Have a sweet tooth? You’re in luck! The food during this special time is really something worth traveling for. From special feasts to refined treats, during our Day of the Dead festivities, you’ll be able to find gourmet sugar skulls in certain restaurants or take a special pan de muerto baking class.
Fiesta de los Muertos is a once in a lifetime opportunity where the living and the dead can come together to celebrate all the good things in life. For us, this festival is an opportunity to delight and let your imagination run wild—so you can create new memories to be cherished forever more, and perhaps even beyond into the afterlife. Book your vacation now for your October stay so you can experience it all!
