Altars, Skulls and Fire: This is How Oasis Celebrates Day of the Dead

Oasis Hotels & Resorts, a leading all-inclusive vacation resort company located in the Mexican Caribbean is pulling out all the stops to commemorate Day of the Dead, a traditional Mexican holiday that pays homage to ancestors.

“Mexico’s annual celebration of the Day of the Dead is one of the most vibrant, colorful and culturally fascinating,” said Enrique Klein, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Oasis Hotels & Resorts. “To share these traditions with guests, and continue the rituals on property, makes the celebration even more meaningful for our staff and locals staying with us.”

At its core, the Day of the Dead, celebrated every year on Nov.1, is based upon the principle that that mourning offends the dead and that it is better to celebrate and honor the lives of those that have passed.

While each of Oasis’ eight properties will feature Day of the Dead activities, Oasis’ largest resort, Grand Oasis Cancun, is organizing a large variety of dedicated activities for adults and children during the two-day event. 

Among the activities planned by Grand Oasis Cancun, are:

Altar Assembly—One of the most symbolic Day of the Dead traditions is the building of altars that memorialize lost family members. Each altar is decorated with the honorees’ pictures, their favorite foods, as well as some of their favourite possessions. Guests at Grand Oasis Cancun will have the opportunity to help build an authentic altar, so if you’re traveling during this period be sure to bring along some photos of your loved ones.

Creating Marigold Ornaments—Although at its core Day of the Dead is a somber occasion, it is also a celebration. Among the more colourful traditions is the creating of marigolds, which are believed to help guide the spirits to their respective altars. Guests at Oasis can help make the elaborate marigold decorations that are used throughout the resort. 

Sugar Skull Decorating—Another iconic Day of the Dead tradition is the serving of colorful and elaborately decorated sugar skulls. So popular is this symbolic figure, it has even become a part of mainstream culture in the United States and Canada. Each candy skull represents a departed but happy soul. The skulls are used to decorate the altars and tombs, offering a sweet snack for visiting spirits. Guests can decorate their own sugar skulls with paint, feathers, colored beads, foil and other materials that are provided by the resort. If they like, they can include the name of a deceased relative along the skull’s forehead before placing it on one of the resort’s altars.

Kermesse Parade—This festive local gathering is a staple in communities throughout Mexico on Day of the Dead. Guests can participate in the Oasis Kermesse event which is adjoined by contests, games and other activities. Oasis will even serve the traditional pan de muerto, or bread of the dead, to parade participants.

Fire & Percussion Show–If most Day of the Dead celebrations are a little too sedate for your liking, watch out for Oasis’ lively performance that includes the manipulation of fire, dance routines and risky stunts, all accompanied by energetic music and percussion.

Kid’s Club Activities—The youngest travellers can also join the celebration with a variety of activities that are unfolding at the Kid’s Club at Grand Oasis Cancun. Kids can help create paper flowers, make their own altar, paint skull faces, craft skulls and many other related activities. Other standard Kid’s Club activities, like interactive games at the pool, board games and video games, will still be available during this time.

Grand Oasis Cancun, often called the “fun property” of the Oasis Hotels & Resort brand, offers regular entertainment and activities. Rates start from USD $121 per person, per night.

For more information, visit www.oasishotels.com.

Follow @MonicaPoling