Celebrated annually on November 1st and 2nd, Día de Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is a deeply cherished Mexican holiday that honors the memories of loved ones who have passed, blending Mesoamerican indigenous beliefs and Spanish culture and religion. In Mexico, we mark the occasion with ofrendas, altars set up at loved one’s gravesites and at home, decorated with marigolds, incense, candles and favorite food and drink offerings to welcome their souls back.
These traditions have reached an international following, fascinating people around the world. Iconic symbols such as Catrina and Catrines, the elegantly dressed skeletons imagined by Mexican artist Jose Guadalupe Posada, are as representative of the Day of the Dead as the beloved culinary offerings that the season brings such as tamales, pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and sugar skulls.
While there is talk of cultural appropriation and colonialism, my view is that the more, the merrier when it comes to sharing the traditions and customs of my country. These hotels and resorts are offering ways for visitors to experience the beloved holiday in a respectful, festive way, while gaining a deeper understanding of the tradition.
Mexico City
The St. Regis Mexico City
One of the best spots to watch the massive parades on Paseo de la Reforma Avenue and a recent recipient of one Michelin Key, the St. Regis Mexico City hotel will host various events starting on October 26. The iconic property will celebrate for a whole week until November 3, with a wide variety of events for the whole family. The hotel is offering special packages for the occasion on their website.
Executive chef Diego Niño will lead various cooking classes, and the hotel’s sommeliers will participate in tequila, mezcal and Mexican wine tastings, including a Mezcal Siete Misterios event with guest bartenders. King Cole Bar will also host nightly parties with Day of the Dead inspired cocktails and a live DJ.
On both weekends, a lavish brunch at Diana Restaurant will kick things off, featuring a station with Oaxaca’s seven moles and traditional pastries, culminating with the now famous Day of the Dead Parade Brunch on November 2 and a closing brunch the next day.
Andaz Mexico City Condesa
Just two miles from the Dia de los Muertos Parade on Reforma Avenue, the Condesa neighborhood is one of the most emblematic and sought-after areas to stay in the city. At Andaz Mexico City Condesa the holiday will be observed with complimentary Catrina face painting sessions on November 1st and 2nd, followed by a rooftop party at the seaside-inspired Cabuyá restaurant – which boasts one of the best city views around – on November 2nd.
The festive evening will feature Catrina costumes, a DJ, and a la carte dining from a new menu by executive chef Davide Preziuso and Cabuya chef Mario Correa. The food matches the vibe of the property with a heavy selection of fresh, sustainably sourced seafood, unique plant-based options and family-style selections, plus exceptional craft cocktails.
Don’t miss the seasonal pan de muerto at Derba Matcha Café, best paired with the traditional Mexican hot chocolate.
Yucatán
Chablé Yucatán
This incredible two Michelin Keys property in the small rural town of Chocholá, just 40 minutes outside of Mérida, embraces the roots of the region like no other, with utmost respect for local customs and traditions of Hanal Pixán, as the Day of the Dead tradition is known in the Yucatan region.
The celebrations begin at Chablé Yucatán with a light ceremony on the evening of October 31 and continue until the morning of November 3.The resort’s employees, most of them from Maya ancestry, come from nearby small towns and municipalities. They are at the center of the festivities, taking charge of all activities following the local traditions. For instance, each service department – from reception to maintenance, gardening, and rooms – builds an altar on a trail that runs along the property, incorporating their own items and beliefs.
These will be on display starting on the evening of November 1, followed by a Catrinas parade. On November 2, stories about these candle-lit altars will be shared with visitors.
Traditional Maya cooks, known at the property as the Tias (aunts) will lead preparations of the traditional mucbil pollo – huge tamales filled with chicken and spices and cooked in an underground oven known as pib. These are especially prepared for the observance of Hanal Pixán -which means “food for the souls” – on November 2. Guests are encouraged to participate in making them and witnessing the burial and unearthing ceremonies, which are crucial to the festivities, before enjoying the iconic dish.
Last but not least, Ixi’im restaurant will host special dinners with traditional dishes prepared by chef Luis Ronzon, available via reservation only.
San Miguel de Allende
Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel
This Two Michelin Key property, comprised by a group of former colonial mansions in the historic heart of San Miguel, seamlessly blends the opulence of colonial Spain with the artistic spirit of Mexico for a unique experience, the perfect setting for Dia de Muertos celebrations.
Casa de Sierra Nevada’s itinerary spans three days, starting with a grand feast on November 1st at Andanza and The Blue Bar, where guests will enjoy traditional Mexican dishes like squash blossom cream soup, duck mixiote, suckling pig tapataxtle and mushroom pozole.
On the second evening, the festivities move to Tunki Rooftop by Handshake, curated by the team behind the number one bar in North America according to 50 Best, for handcrafted cocktails and live DJ performances with stunning views of the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. The celebration wraps up with a leisurely rooftop brunch on November 3rd, with antojitos and Mexican classics accompanying the unparalleled vista of San Miguel de Allende.
NUMU Boutique Hotel
NUMU Boutique Hotel is one of the newest hotels in the historic center. It comfortably combines a modern luxury aesthetic with traditional crafts and cultural experiences.
For Dia de Los Muertos, executive chef Omar Tovar will collaborate with Consuelito, an Otomí woman from the nearby town of Comonfort, which is known for the traditional craft of volcanic stone molcajetes (Mexican mortar and pestles). Together, they will showcase a ceremonial tortilla, made using a family seal passed down through generations. Consuelito has entrusted chef Omar with this ceremonial seal, allowing him to respectfully share this tradition in a special “seal delivery ceremony.”
Tovar has also prepared a special Dia de Muertos tasting menu, with dishes inspired by different regions of Mexico, to be served at NŌIA, the rooftop restaurant. A highlight is the “sea and clay” taco, made from fresh nixtamal tortillas topped with roasted nopales, wild mushrooms, and a zarandeado (grilled) fish fillet paired with shrimp.
The menu also includes fried pumpkin flowers stuffed with escamoles (the rare, expensive ant larvae known as Mexican caviar), a grilled octopus dish inspired by Hanal Pixán traditions, and a red tetela oaxaqueña filled with short rib barbacoa served over yellow plum mole.
The experience concludes with a classic pan de muerto stuffed with cajeta and paired with tumbagones and chocolate infused with tequila.
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende
This beautiful property, set along a quiet street off the bustling town center and right across the street from NUMU, hosts a lively party featuring culinary experiences, altars, live entertainment, and a DJ. During the festivities, one of the property’s meeting spaces will transform into a beauty salon where professional artists will provide traditional makeup services for the guests who want to partake in the festivities.
A few weeks prior to the celebrations, the property will debut Pirules Garden Kitchen, a new dining experience led by acclaimed chef Odín Rocha. Pirules will lean heavily on global ancestral cooking techniques and showcase the finest locally sourced ingredients within a 50-mile radius of the hotel.
Riviera Maya
Mayakoba
Mayakoba, a stunning luxury resort destination on the Riviera Maya comprised of the Andaz, Banyan Tree, Fairmont, and Rosewood resorts, will be hosting the inaugural year of a four-day celebration of Day of the Dead featuring guest programming from October 31 to November 3.
Each of the four resorts will host unique experiences, including a chef’s dinner with special guest chef Erick Bautista at Rosewood Mayakoba, and a Hanal Pixan celebration dinner at Fairmont on November 1. There will be altar decorating contests and sunset boat tours through the Mayakoba canals, visiting unique altars. Each altar will showcase an immersive experience for guests, with small bites and drinks, entertainment, and a special opportunity to honor and connect with passed loved ones.
Opportunities to connect with the local culture will abound, such as interactive cooking classes; traditional spa experiences, such as guided Mayan meditations with Andaz Mayakoba’s Resident Shaman and Rosewood’s Lost Remedies; and standout regional tours to explore the ancient ruins at Chichén Itzá and the impressive Aktun Chen cenote.
Pacific Coast
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
The award-winning, two Michelin Key Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita will celebrate the traditions of Día de los Muertos on November 1-3 with its annual Catrinas Fest, featuring culinary events, cocktails, cooking classes, music, arts and crafts, cultural workshops and activities for children.
On the culinary front, executive chef Jorge González of Dos Catrinas restaurant, alongside guest chefs, will showcase Mexican cuisine through multi-course dinners and brunches, cocktail parties, a Mez Bar takeover from Casa Dragones, cooking demonstrations, a barbacoa demonstration, and more. Visiting chefs include Richard Sandoval, James Beard Semi-Finalist Carlos Galán (of Michelin-recognized Guzina Oaxaca in Mexico City), and Jose Miguel García (of Espantapájaros and La Barraca in Mexico City).
Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort
This family-friendly Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort will be adorned with altars, marigold flowers and colorful decorations through the weekend, and on November 2nd it will come alive with the spirit of the holiday. Children can participate in traditional activities like decorating altars, wearing themed costumes, and watching the movie Coco to learn about the significance of the celebration.
A special dinner will feature traditional Dias de Muertos elements, including pan de muerto and decorated sugar skulls, along with traditional alcoholic beverages like tequila, pulque, and raicilla, as well as themed cocktails. A live mariachi and a band performing at the adults-only after-party will add a festive touch to the evening.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
The all-inclusive Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit resort will host its second iteration of Mexology Fest, which combines Día de los Muertos traditions with innovative mixology, from October 31 to November 2. The event features immersive workshops and exclusive tastings led by top mixologists and bars. Highlights include a takeover by one of the top 50 Best Bars in North America, a sensorial tasting experience with ingredients not often used in drinks followed by a cocktail workshop, an agave sound bath, and a trip to Tequila.
Other activities will include art workshops, beachfront celebrations, and a parade. The celebration culminates with a party at El Pueblito, Mayakoba’s traditional Mexican town square shared by all four properties, featuring live music, dancing, performances, and local cuisine and drinks.
Baja California Sur
Todos Santos
In Mexico, November 1 is known as Dia de Todos los Santos (All Saints’ Day), and the quaint town of Todos Santos was named after it, reflecting the town’s historical and cultural connection to the Catholic traditions of honoring saints and the deceased.
Here, the entire town celebrates over four days with unique events and contests. The main event takes place in the town plaza, where comunal ‘ofrendas’ and local food vendors line the cobblestone streets that all meet in the center of the city.
One such standout contest is the “Concurso de los Tapetes” (Carpet Contest), where participants transform the town’s streets into intricate carpets made from dyed sawdust, illuminated by paper lanterns. There are also Catrina and Catrin costumes contests, altar and photography contests, and even one for dressed up pets.
The festival wraps up with a traditional gathering in the town cemetery, adorned with lights and vibrant colors, where the living and the departed share a sacred space, celebrating the spirit of Dia de los Muertos with reverence and joy.
An admirable aspect of this festival is its unwavering commitment to eco-friendliness. Contest participants are required to incorporate at least one recycled element into their creations, and all paper decorations used in the town must be crafted from recycled materials, which are subsequently recycled once more.
Grand Velas Los Cabos
The all-inclusive Grand Velas Los Cabos resort will offer a poolside Catrinas Parade on November 2, mixology classes where guests will learn the preparation of ancestral beverages such as mezcalate, taxcalate, and pozol, and a special Tribute to the Dead menu at the resort’s gourmet Mexican restaurant, Frida.
At sister property Mar del Cabo, the centerpiece of the celebration is a themed Day of the Dead feast accompanied by live music, traditional decor, celebratory drinks and a guided walk up to a thematic altar built for the occasion.
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