Each year, from October 30 to November 2, Mexico bursts into color, music, and reverence for those who have passed on. Día de los Muertos–Day of the Dead–is not a somber occasion, but a luminous tribute to life and memory. Nowhere embodies this spirit more vividly than the Riviera Maya, where ancient Mayan roots and contemporary artistry intertwine. Here, amid turquoise waters and jungle canopies, tradition feels alive, pulsing through every ofrenda (altar), melody, and the scent of copal. Read on for where and how to celebrate this holiday.
Where to Stay
La Casa de La Playa
Hidden within the lush Mayan jungle and overlooking one of the world’s most iconic coastlines, La Casa de La Playa redefines boutique luxury. Each of the 63 suites features private pools. Traditional mosaics and textiles echo the spirit of Mexico’s artisans, while around-the-clock butler service ensures every moment feels personal and effortless. Beyond the exquisite design, guests are invited to partake in cultural and gastronomic experiences that provide authenticity to every stay.
Where to Dine
Pintado de Negro - Martha Ortiz x Casa Dragones at Tuch de Luna - Saturday, November 1
Chef Martha Ortiz and Casa Dragones present Pintado de Negro at Tuch de Luna–a sensuous ode to Día de los Muertos. Expect a menu cloaked in dark mysticism, with a color palette that is quite literally black, laced with spices, ashes, and flowers that evoke ancestral nostalgia through both taste and symbolism.
Tierra y Brasa - Hermanos Rivera Río & Adrián Peregrina x Patrón - Sunday, November 2
Tierra y Brasa brings together the esteemed Rivera Ríos brothers, Adrián Peregrina, and Patrón for a soulful feast inspired by the ethereal journey of the Monarch butterfly–a symbol of eternal return. Chefs Rivera-Río and Adrián Peregrina weave this theme into a multisensory meal that traverses Mexico’s diverse landscapes. Each flame-kissed course grapples with migration, renewal, and rebirth. Guided by sommelier Patricia Rivero-Río, the pairings will illuminate the menu’s delicate balance of earth and ember.
What to Do
Festival of Life & Death Traditions at Xcaret
Guests of La Casa de La Playa enjoy VIP access to the Festival of Life & Death Traditions at Xcaret, the Riviera Maya’s most iconic Día de los Muertos celebration. This year, the festival pays homage to Michoacán, the spiritual heart of the holiday, through vibrant altars, artisan markets, workshops, and awe-inspiring performances–including a gala concert by Los Ángeles Azules.
