Day of the Dead at Princess Hotels Riviera Maya

Key points
- UNESCO-recognized tradition honored November 1 and 2 in Riviera Maya.
- Princess resorts feature altars, Catrina parade, mariachi, and workshops.
- Grand Riviera Princess presents property-wide ofrendas and performances.
- Platinum Yucatán Princess builds region-inspired altars.
- Marigolds and pan de muerto anchor the symbolism for guests.
Impact
- Audience
- Riviera Maya resort guests and cultural travelers
- Timing
- Events on November 1 and 2, with evening parades
- Location
- Princess Hotels Riviera Maya, near Playa del Carmen, via Cancun International Airport (CUN)
- Action
- Book stays and arrive early for on-site workshops and performances
The Day of the Dead stands among Mexico's most cherished traditions, blending Indigenous roots and Catholic observances into a joyful remembrance on November 1 and 2. At Princess Hotels Riviera Maya, travelers step into the festival's living symbols, from fragrant marigolds and glowing candles to music, dance, and storytelling. The resorts stage altars, Catrina parades, and interactive workshops that help guests understand why this UNESCO-recognized celebration endures, and how it honors life by welcoming memory, not mourning.
Princess Hotels Riviera Maya
Princess Hotels Riviera Maya sits just north of Playa del Carmen, the principal resort hub south of Cancún. The complex includes Grand Riviera Princess, which dresses common spaces with colorful ofrendas and themed performances, and Platinum Yucatán Princess, where staff build altars that represent different regions of Mexico, highlighting distinct symbols and customs. Evenings bring a spirited Catrina parade with mariachi, inviting guests to engage respectfully through photos, dance, and conversation with resort hosts who explain the meaning behind each element.
Analysis
Travelers should plan around the festival's peak on November 1 and 2, when resort programming intensifies and evening parades draw larger crowds. Build time for on-site workshops to learn altar anatomy, including marigolds that guide souls and pan de muerto, a sweet bread that symbolizes generosity and welcome. Consider arriving through Cancun International Airport (CUN), then transferring to the resort corridor south to Playa del Carmen. As you participate, ask staff about the legend of the Nagual, the spirit-protector concept that deepens the holiday's spiritual layer. Dress for warm evenings, be mindful with flash photography around altars, and use the opportunity to learn before you share.
Final thoughts
Experiencing the Day of the Dead at Princess Hotels Riviera Maya offers more than entertainment. It connects travelers to a living tradition through altars, music, food, and storytelling that celebrate continuity across generations. For a meaningful cultural stay, few settings rival the depth and color of Day of the Dead at Princess Hotels Riviera Maya.
Sources
- The magic of the Day of the Dead comes to Princess Riviera Maya, Princess Hotels
- Discover the Day of the Dead in Mexico with Princess Hotels, Princess Hotels
- Celebrating Day of the Dead at Princess Riviera Maya, TravelPulse
- Indigenous festivity dedicated to the dead, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage