Want to know more about Xcaret? (includes part of the interview of Mary J. Andrade)

Xcaret is a majestic archaeological park located in Riviera Maya, Cancun on the Mexican Caribbean sea. Enjoy a show at night, with more than 300 actors on stage, resulting in a musical journey through the history of Mexico from pre-Columbian times to the present day, with all the colorful costumes, folklore and dances. The recreation of a pre-Hispanic ball game, a party Charro, Mexican cemetery a coral reef aquarium,  Butterfly and underground rivers, as well as beaches and natural pools, optional activities such as swimming with dolphins and a myriad of attractions that will will live magical experiences. Come to the park Xcaret, one of the best attractions in Cancun, and have fun discovering the natural and cultural wealth of Mexico.

Generating magical experiences 365 days a year!


xcaret , in Mayan language means " small inlet or cove " . Xcaret is an eco archaeological theme park , which is located six miles from Playa del Carmen , Caribbean Sea in Riviera Maya , Cancun . Enjoy Mexico's history in this place, is a real treat, with over three hundred actors, dancers , musicians , dances , shows, costumes, games, pre-Hispanic dances , charros , underground rivers , dolphins , butterflies , attractions of all kinds , water activities , nature trails , festivals every place memoranda of Mexico ...

It is my honor today to Mary Andrade bring to MAGIC OF MEXICO , she is a great journalist , photographer , editor , publisher , devoted body and soul to the festival and investigation of Day of the Dead in Mexico  , interest in Night of the Dead ,knowledge in many aspects of Mexico ,  itinerary for this great country . Mary today, from California,Send a very interesting interview for readers who qieran visit Xcaret during Day of the Dead festival . Hope you enjoy 
Socially Responsible Company

Interview and photos by Mary J. Andrade

     One place that is a magnet for recreational space Xcaret Ecological Park in Quintana Roo is " Bridge to Paradise " , a pantheon opened for Day of the Dead celebrations in 2004 , where " the living and the souls roam there, some dead and others full taste of life " , as told in the book" Bridge to Paradise , Pantheon Location Xcaret " . In it , through its architecture and design , manifests Mexican folk art , which highlights the style of the south of the Yucatan Peninsula .

      In this cemetery are brought together the concepts of astronomical calendar of 365 days , with the Mayan ritual , of 260 days. Based on the conceptions of both calendars were grouped graves, 260 of them are formed in an upward spiral in a small mountain of seven terraces , on the ground where he built the Pantheon . The 105 remaining to complete the number of days in the solar year , were placed on the outside wall that surrounds the mountain

      Each of the tombs is a work of art in which the Mexican humor is manifested by placing epitaphs . Humorous and poignant , some are replicas of several cemeteries that are read in the area and others who also stand as an artistic expression of the creativity of those involved in its creation.

In Xcaret Park includes six Festivals of Death and Life Traditions, three have focused in Yucatan, Chiapas and Tabasco states as guests. And although there are many similarities in the way of doing the altars, there are also marked differences in the Maya world as Aguerrebere Leticia, who emphasizes the importance of the festival lies in being a cultural and artistic encounter where you can share the tradition , focusing both on contemporary perspectives.

       As a spectator and participant of the sixth Festival of Life and Death Traditions held in 2011 and which had the slogan "What dies and what lives with Water Live and Die" and the theme "Death Girl" was a great pleasure to witness the spectacle poetic musical "Mexican Voices" by the peerless actress Ofelia Medina, which filled to capacity theater Xcaret.

      Xcaret is recognized as a Socially Responsible Company ( ESR ) for work with communities Festival . He has also received the " Earth Check " , a type of quality that is allocated under the categories of copper, silver and gold , according to the hygiene aspects .

      " Earth Check focuses on how the planet is affected by our actions , with our ecological footprints . We have developed procedures for sustainability in waste management , animal , in recycling. This year we got the recognition of silver and two consecutive years is needed sustaining this category for recognition of gold. It has been established in this way , that the advances that are occurring them forming habits. "

      With respect to financial support , the festival runs most of the costs of both the state and communities invited Carrillo Puerto and some that are removed in Yucatan. In some cases communities are organized transport and festival organizers will provide accommodation, food and supplies to participants. The culinary will provide the raw material , because one of the aims of the festival is to show the processes in the preparation of traditional holiday dishes that are placed on altars and offered both to the audience . What is collected from them is left to the groups participating in the festival , benefiting their communities with such income.

special Projects

      In Xcaret will perform three special projects during the year: The Sacred Mayan Journey , in May , The Festival of Life and Death Traditions in October-November and Flor y Canto Mananitas , in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe , December 12 . Besides regular operations unfold Park that deal with temporary exhibitions , permanent and entertainment.

     Although Xcaret Park is already a tourist destination known internationally , with 21 years of operations , organizers of the festival, in particular its director , Leticia Aguerrebere feel the responsibility and aim to achieve that projects internationally. " A person who does not have the opportunity to go to different places to know the tradition in its many forms , can come to this festival and realize how they celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico , obtaining knowledge here about the meaning of Altar , the music played in homes and in the pantheon , and even participate in the development of the Mass is officiated at the foot of the " Bridge to Paradise " , the first of November. All these elements offered in this place. "

       In 2012 , between 30 October and 2 November, the " Festival of Life and Death Traditions " will play host to the State of Campeche , providing a new opportunity to enjoy the traditional expression and contemporary , while religious and ritual of pre-Hispanic tradition of Day of the Dead , which crossed the borders and seas becoming internationally as part of Mexico 's cultural identity .

       For more information on the "Festival of Life and Death Traditions " interested parties can obtain by visiting the website at : http://www.festivaldevidaymuerte.com/ For general information about Xcaret Ecological Park , visit : http:// www.xcaret.com/

       Mary J. Andrade is Travel Editor of the newspaper " The Offer " , published in San Jose , California. She can be contacted by writing to your email: mary@laoferta.com or mary@dayofthedead.com