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Celebrate Halloween Riviera Maya-StyleAncient Traditions of Mexico Bring a Unique Flavor to HalloweenIf one day of Halloween just doesn’t seem like enough, why not travel to the Riviera Maya region of Mexico in Playa del Carmen for 3 full days of spooky fun, where spirits and ghosts and dearly departed souls preside over this uniquely eerie Halloween celebration from October 31 through November 2, 2004.
The eighty-one mile stretch known as the Riviera Maya is situated in the Mexican Caribbean on the coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Beginning eleven miles south of the Cancun International Airport in Puerto Morelos, the Riviera Maya extends to Felipe Carrillo Puerto, a small town near the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. The region features the tranquility of uncrowded beaches, a vast network of underground rivers, over 100 cenotes, the action of eco-adventure sports including kayaking, mountain biking, scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, bird watching and deep sea fishing, proximity to many of Mexico's most significant Mayan archeological sites, the varied activities of the eco-archeological parks, plus golf courses, shopping, gourmet dining and a range of accommodations to suit every lifestyle and budget. For more information on the Riviera Maya call 1-866-6GO-MAYA or 011-52-984-85-92170, email at info@rivieramaya.com or visit www.rivieramaya.com. Edited by Marilyn Miller |
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Starting October 31, citizens of the Riviera Maya begin
to make preparations for All Saints Day or the Day of the Dead, celebrated
November 1, a day for fond remembrance of all those who have passed on. As
part of the traditional festivities, families construct elaborate altars in
their homes to honor the spirits and pay tribute to their late relatives.
Altar decorations include caramels, flowers, photographs, candles, incense
and the favorite food and beverage of the dearly departed as well as water
and a towel, to assist the spirit’s cleansing..jpg)
On November 1st, the real activities begin, with the
altars being lit in honor of the holiday. Cemeteries are given extra care,
with fresh paint as well as flowers often being added and the grass being
newly cut. Children entertain themselves with scary toys like skeletons and
witch dolls, often bought at the stores and markets that are filled with
attire, toys and knick-knacks for the Day of the Dead including macabre
skulls, skeletons, candles, crosses and funereal flowers. Before dinner,
the children go out to request their “calaverita” – a gift of money or a
skull-shaped chocolate or sugar – in much the same manner as U.S.
“trick-or-treating.” .jpg)
When the kids return home, dinner is prepared with
typical Mexican dishes for the holiday that offer a magnificent display of
regional cuisine. Among the most popular dishes are candies, apples, sweet
rice with frijoles, chicken or meat with pumpkins and sweet potatoes, beer
or tequila, cups of coffee or a local beverage made from cornflour and “dead
bread,” which is made with eggs, white flour and sugar in the shape of a
spooky skull. .jpg)
The following day, November 2, families congregate in
the cemeteries to follow tradition, reminiscing about their departed loved
ones and drinking tequila while a mariachi band plays cheerily in the
background and fireworks displays often top off the festivities. In the
evening, the holiday concludes with a stroll through the popular Pelican
shopping mall. The highlight of this traditional walk is approximately two
dozen local costumed artists spread out onto each street corner who sing,
dance and speak “satirical verses” to passerby who stop and listen, thus
spreading the local folklore and traditions of All Saints Day. The last
stop on the walk is Constituyentes Avenue and 5th Street, which features a
grand celebration in honor of the beloved dead – an authentic taste of
Mexican tradition that can be found flourishing in the Riviera Maya.