DAY OF THE DEAD SPECIAL CULTURAL TOUR RIVIERA MAYA

A Journey into the traditions of Mexico and a celebration of life. Starting in the afternoon and stretching through the evening and into the twilight, we explore the history and customs of the Dia de Muertos in a rural Mayan village, where the Day of the Dead festivities can be enjoyed in their original context. The traditional decoration, with streets strewn with flowers and garlands above doorways, all lit up by candlelight as night falls, is something very special indeed.

Called Hanal Pixan in the Mayan language of Yucatan, which literally means ‘Food of the Souls’, visitors are welcome to observe the Altars built by each family and descend into the Cenote de la Vida for a special ceremony led by a Mayan elder or H-men (similar to a shaman). This is a traditional blessing for both the living and the dead, welcoming those who have passed away to the fiesta prepared in their honour. The Hanal Pixan is a day not only to commemorate those who have passed, but to enjoy an evening with family and friends as if our loved ones were present too. It makes for a joyous and touching occasion that is both very personal but also a public event, as each family decorates not only their house and the family tombs, but also collectively the village and the cenote, where they celebrate all together out of doors.

The cenote plays a central part in the life of Tres Reyes, placed as it is in the centre of the village and representing the source of life. This particular cenote was also used as a place of refuge during dangerous hurricanes, safeguarding the inhabitants against disaster. It is now central to the community as a place of worship, as many of the traditional rituals still practiced take place at the heart of the cenote. To be down among the people of this pueblo in a space that represents a portal between the worlds of the dead and the living, is a truly magical experience. 

We will of course also visit the cemetery, where the families come to clean and decorate the tombs in honour of the evening’s guests. You will notice many personal touches and particularities based on each family’s particular customs, skills or trade. The community welcomes visitors for this special celebration into their sacred spaces, which is a great honour for us. Afterwards we are treated to a delicious candlelit dinner, prepared with the traditional elements and dishes of the Hanal Pixan. A real treat and not the kind of food you can find in a Mexican restaurant, anywhere.

This tour is a must if you are looking to understand & experience the Day of the Dead celebrations in an authentic environment, full of local customs and family tradition.

TOUR PROGRAMM :

• 2:30 - 3pm : Pick Up at your accomodation

• Welcome Ceremony

• Village Altars & offerings

• Cemetery

• Cenote de la Vida

• Ceremony & Music

• 8pm : Dinner

• 10.30 – 11.00pm : Return to Tulum / Riviera Maya
  

INCLUDED : 

• Transportation in Air-conditioned Van

• Mexico Kan Tours Guide to guide you through the culture & customs of the celebration

• All entrance fees 

• All activities described in description

• Dinner, water, snacks

IMPORTANT TO KNOW : 

Minimum Participants:

Most of our group tours require a minimum of 4 people to run the tour. If we do not hit this minimum, we reserve the right to cancel the tour, in which case we will contact you to offer an alternative tour or send a refund.

Pick Up Time:

Please be aware that we will communicate your pick up time via a personalized email and it will vary from the automatic pick up time sent by the booking platform as we have to calculate it manually depending on your hotel/airbnb location.

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Drop Off Time:

Please be aware that drop off time vary depending on hotel/villas locations and the rythm of each group.

Cancellation Policy:

Each tour should be booked by paying a deposit.

• In case of cancellation more than 24 hrs before the pickup, we do not charge you any cost and will give you back your deposit.

• In case of cancellation between 24 and 12 hrs before the pickup México Kan Tours will take your deposit in order to pay for the costs already made.

• In case of cancellation less than 12 hrs before the pick up or in case of no show we will charge you 100% of the total amount of your tour.

Payments:

Credit card payments have a fee up to 7% depending on Credit Cards. We recommend bringing cash.
Our prices are in USD. Please be aware that we work with a monthly based exchange rate for Payments in Pesos or Euros.
When you book your tour, you will receive a confirmation email with all the details