Last Updated on March 11, 2024
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is an important Mexican holiday celebrated from October 31st through November 2nd. This age-old tradition allows the living to accompany the souls of their deceased loved ones on a temporary journey back to Earth.
And where better to experience this beloved celebration than in Mexico? Each year, Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos hosts a memorable festival that attracting locals and hotel guests to this delightful resort in Baja California.
Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos Resort overlooks a private beach on the sparkling Gulf of California. The sprawling 19th-century hacienda-inspired resort is reminiscent of an exclusive Baja California seaside village. Six restaurants, five bars, lush tropical gardens, five swimming pools with bubbling waterfalls, an onsite spa and a wide selection of outdoor activities offer guests plenty of choices to immerse themselves in a pampered, indulgent vacation.
The opportunity to participate in and witness the resort’s over-the-top Dia de los Muertos celebration drew us to this luxurious sun-drenched resort in October 2023.
Dia de los Muertos
Hacienda del Mar takes its guest experience to the next level with over-the-top parties, fiestas and holiday celebrations. Many of these special events celebrate Mexican culture and traditions. The resort is famous for its Dia de los Muertos celebration, which includes a parade, altars to the dead, and vibrant fiesta costumes.
At the end of the parade, guests are invited to enjoy various gastronomical delights from all corners of the country. The menu includes appetizers and Mexican food stations. Local aquas frescas, Mezcalitas, beer and margaritas are served.
Dia de los Muertos is more than just a party. It’s a personalized invitation from families to their lost loved ones to visit and reunite with the living. It’s a special day for the dead to return in spirit. This respectful ritual includes an alter erected for them, with special salts and water provided for purification, marigolds to offer a pathway, candle lights to guide the way, a favorite food or fruit and drink offered to sustain them on their journey, and a picture of the dead loved one to let them know this altar is for them.
Building Altars to the Dead
Staff began preparations for the festivities ahead of time by building altars (ofrendas) for their deceased loved ones. When we arrived on October 29th, several altars around the motor lobby had already sprung up. On the parade day, each altar will be judged for creativity and authenticity. Each day, teams added more items to their memorial, including photos of the deceased, some of their favorite foods and drinks, candles and other elements necessary to guide the way.
Some teams outlined their altars in an arc of balloons, while others used papel picado – colorful Mexican banners made of intricately designed tissue paper. With love, respect, and a little bit of competition, creativity flowed, and the altars came to life.
Painted Faces
The other tradition included in the Dia de los Muertos is face painting. A mixture of Aztec and European symbolism influences the designs. However, the most common design is a skull or skeleton. On the parade day, the resort converted the chapel just off the motor lobby into a face-painting hub. Artists set up stations in the back of the church while soothing spiritual music played softly in the background.
The artists set to work earnestly, methodically and painstakingly painting face after face all morning long. Parade participants, staff and even hotel guests joined the fun. Many were created in the most meticulous designs and then decorated with sequins or faux jewelry.
Altar Judging and Costume Contests
Later in the day, two more events occurred: the altar judging and a costume contest. Judges moved from altar to altar during the altar contest, clipboard in hand, scoring each creation. They paused at each while a spokesperson for the altar’s team described who they were honoring and what went into making the altar.
Next, a crowd gathered to watch the costume contest. Participants with painted faces strolled along the runway one by one to show off their colorful or creative regalia. Many wore clothing influenced by Mexican heritage or Aztec culture. Each one reflected a work of art.
The Parade
With the sun about to set, the parade began, so we headed to a pre-party on the other side of the resort. We gathered for margaritas and small bites while staff distributed candles to guide the way during the coming parade. Women adorned their heads with colorful crowns of paper flowers.
The Day of the Dead parade – one of the most symbolic processions known throughout the world – allows all living participants to accompany the souls of their deceased family and friends on a temporary way back to their earthly homes.
The parade route circulated through the Hacienda’s stone-paved street from the center of the grounds up and around villas and back down to the motor lobby, the central meeting place of the hotel, to the altars. Live Mariachi music played throughout the procession, accompanied by costume-contest-winning Catrinas and Catrines. Fire dancers, jugglers and symbolic characters on stilts entertained the crowd at parade stops.
We followed the parade while carrying lighted candles to guide souls on their journey with us. Several staff members, dressed in colorful Aztec and traditional Mexican attire, including headdresses, tunics, face paint, and beads joined the festivities.
At the end of the parade, in keeping with this age-old custom, the hotel served the traditional bread of the dead along with hot chocolate. Then, it was on to the feast served under the stars on the hotel plaza. With festive music playing in the background, we moved from station to station, sampling authentic Mexican cuisine with drink in hand.
What a night it was!
The tradition, love, joy, reverence and effort that goes into this extraordinary celebration left us with a deep appreciation for the Mexican people and the Dia de los Muertos heritage.
Other Special Events and Holidays
Can’t make it to Cabo for the Dia de los Muertos this year? Then, experience authentic local tradition at the September Viva México 2024 Mexican Independence Day celebration or the resort’s famous Cheese and Wine Festival in the spring.
No matter which event you attend, you’ll appreciate the celebration of Mexican heritage at Hacienda del Mar.
Visit Los Cabos for Dia de los Muertos
Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos Resort’s celebration of Mexico’s UNESCO-recognized Dia de los Muertos engages, transforms, educates and delights guests and tourists with a unique mix of Mexican custom, lore and traditions, all associated with a festive respect for the dead.
If you’re planning a trip to Los Cabos sometime this year, consider scheduling your visit to coincide with the remarkable Dia de los Muertos holiday. You’ll love the Hacienda del Mar resort, and your deep appreciation for this Mexican tradition will leave you with lasting memories.
