If you’re planning a Riviera Maya vacation this autumn, Day of the Dead at Xcaret offers a memorable way to experience one of Mexico’s most important cultural traditions. Rather than simply visiting a theme park, travelers can discover Mexican heritage through music, food, performances, nature and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
The 2026 Festival of Life and Death takes place at Xcaret from October 30 to November 2, marking its 20th edition. This year’s celebration welcomes Guanajuato as the guest state, bringing its gastronomy, music, folk art, history and cultural traditions to the Riviera Maya.
And because Xcaret is surrounded by some of the Riviera Maya’s most impressive natural attractions, you can turn a Day of the Dead trip into a much bigger Mexican adventure.
Celebrate Day of the Dead at Xcaret
Experience Mexico’s Day of the Dead Traditions
Day of the Dead is celebrated across Mexico on November 1 and 2 as a time to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away. Altars, candles, marigolds, photographs, traditional foods and personal belongings all form part of the celebration, with each element carrying its own meaning. The tradition is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
At Xcaret, these traditions become part of a larger cultural experience. Visitors can walk through spaces decorated with marigolds and discover altars, offerings, traditional cuisine, handicrafts, exhibitions, workshops, theater, music and dance. The official Xcaret site lists the Festival of Life and Death from 4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., making it an evening experience as well as a cultural celebration.
The 2026 programme adds even more variety, including folkloric ballet, regional theater, traditional music, exhibitions and family activities inspired by Guanajuato.
Step Into the Festival of Life and Death
Make Xcaret Part of Your Day of the Dead Adventure
Xcaret offers more than the festival itself. During the day, visitors can explore the park’s natural and cultural attractions before the Day of the Dead celebrations begin.
The park includes underground rivers, a Coral Reef Aquarium, Butterfly Pavilion, Aviary, beaches and natural pools, along with the Xcaret México Espectacular evening show. This makes it easy to combine nature, entertainment and Mexican culture in a single visit.
For this campaign, travelers can enjoy 10% off eligible Xcaret experiences with promo code XCAFF10. Promotion availability and terms can change, so confirm the discount at checkout before completing your booking.
Discover Ancient Cenotes with Xenotes
For travelers who want to add adventure to their cultural getaway, Xenotes offers a completely different side of the Riviera Maya.
The Xenotes Tour takes visitors into the jungle to explore four different types of cenotes, with activities including kayaking, zip-lining, swimming, cliff jumping and assisted rappelling. The experience also includes transportation and a jungle picnic.
It is an ideal addition to a Day of the Dead itinerary because it lets you experience another part of Mexico’s natural heritage while still keeping the trip focused on local culture and traditions.
The current promotional details for this campaign offer 15% off Xenotes with promo code XNAFF15. Check the applicable booking conditions and enter the code during checkout to confirm the discount.
Use Code XNAFF15 & Save 15% on Xenotes
Combine Culture, Nature and Mexican Tradition
One of the easiest ways to build a varied Riviera Maya trip is to combine different Xcaret experiences instead of spending your entire vacation at one attraction.
You could spend a day exploring Xcaret’s natural attractions, return for the Festival of Life and Death in the evening, and then dedicate another day to the Xenotes Tour. Xcaret also offers combination packages that pair Xenotes with other parks and tours, with additional savings available on selected packages.
The result is a vacation that brings together Mexican culture, Day of the Dead traditions, jungle adventures, cenotes, local cuisine and outdoor experiences without having to arrange every activity separately.
For families, the 2026 Festival also includes a dedicated children’s area with interactive activities inspired by Day of the Dead traditions and Guanajuato.
Plan Your Day of the Dead Visit
The 2026 Festival of Life and Death runs from October 30 through November 2 at Xcaret, with the main festival taking place in the evening. The park is located on the Chetumal–Puerto Juárez Highway near Playa del Carmen, and the official festival website also provides transportation information from Cancún and Playa del Carmen.
The celebration also extends beyond the main park. Hotel Xcaret México, Hotel Xcaret Arte and La Casa de la Playa are scheduled to host additional cultural and artistic activities from October 29 to November 2, although the detailed hotel programme is released separately.
Because ticket availability, promotional codes and schedules can change, check the official Xcaret and Festival of Life and Death websites before booking.
Check Dates & Book Your Xcaret Experience
Celebrate Day of the Dead the Xcaret Way
A Riviera Maya vacation during Day of the Dead can be much more than a beach escape. At Xcaret, the season becomes an opportunity to experience Mexican traditions through food, music, art, nature and live performances.
With the Festival of Life and Death running October 30–November 2, 2026, plus the opportunity to explore Xcaret Park and take a separate adventure through the cenotes at Xenotes, travelers can create a trip that feels both culturally meaningful and genuinely fun.
The promotional codes make the experience even more appealing: XCAFF10 for 10% off Xcaret experiences and XNAFF15 for 15% off Xenotes, subject to applicable terms and availability.
