This year, we surprised our guests at Secrets® Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort by celebrating Day of the Dead featuring the famous Catrina across the resort!

Day of the Dead is one of the most important traditions within the Mexican culture, celebrated on November 1 and 2.

Keep reading to see all the fun we had celebrating this festive day!

Staff members at Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort were traditionally dressed for the celebration!

The origin of “Día de los Muertos”, or Day of the Death, comes from the mixture of old pre-Hispanic traditions and the catholic celebration of All Saints Day, which was brought to the new world by the Spanish conquerors.

In present day, we honor the souls of those who’ve passed away who had been significant in our lives by creating an altar. It is not a time of mourning but a celebration for the Mexican culture.

Day of the Dead decor at Secrets Playa Mujeres.

During our celebration, we created bright and colorful altars honoring friends, family and even famous Mexican celebrities. A typical altar includes an archery of flowers, cut paper of different colors, representation of the forces of the nature (such as a glass of water and candles representing fire), different types of seasonal fruits, and seeds or peanuts as a representation of the gifts given by mother earth.

A representation of the altars created by the staff at Secrets Playa Mujeres, that memorialized those who have passed.

The altar is also decorated with sugar skulls, candies and the traditional “Pan de Muerto,” which is a special pastry baked for this celebration. In addition, the favorite liquors and foods of the deceased are added as well as religious images and beautiful Cempaxuchitl flowers are used as visuals.

Guests at Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort gather around an alter.

Do you celebrate Day of the Dead or were you at Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort during our celebration? Share with us!

Set along the famous white sand beaches of Playa Mujeres and a mere 10 minutes north of Cancun, the all-suite Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort raises the bar on adults-only luxury, offering an Unlimited-Luxury^® escape in a sublime tropical location.