Festival of Life and Death at Xcaret 2026: Dates & How to Get There
Festival of Life and Death at Xcaret: What It Is, Dates, and How to Experience It
If you're visiting the Riviera Maya in late October, the Festival of Life and Death at Xcaret is one of the experiences you can add to your trip to experience Day of the Dead through Mexico's culture, gastronomy, and traditions. In 2026, the festival celebrates its 20th edition from October 30 to November 2, with Guanajuato as the guest state.
For four days, Xcaret comes alive with altars, performances, music, gastronomy, workshops, and cultural expressions that bring different Mexican traditions together in one place.
What Is the Festival of Life and Death at Xcaret?
The Festival of Life and Death at Xcaret began as a celebration to keep Day of the Dead traditions alive and introduce visitors to the different cultural expressions that are part of Mexico's heritage. Over its 20 years, the festival has brought together more than 15,000 artists, presented more than 6,400 performances, and welcomed over 800,000 visitors.
The event combines the pre-Hispanic traditions of the region with the cultural expressions of the guest state. In 2026, Guanajuato will bring its gastronomy, music, dance, folk art, and other cultural traditions to Xcaret, joining the southeastern traditions that are part of the celebration.
Alongside the traditions brought each year from different states across Mexico, the festival takes place in a region with a deep Maya cultural heritage. Learning about who the Maya were helps you better understand the history and cultural roots of the area surrounding Xcaret.
2026 Dates, Hours, and Guest State
The 20th edition of the Festival of Life and Death will take place over four days at Xcaret Park.
| Date | October 30 to November 2, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours | 4:00 pm to 10:30 pm |
| Location | Parque Xcaret, Playa del Carmen |
| Edition | 20.ª edición |
| Gues state | Guanajuato |
| Ideal for | The whole family |
The program includes activities throughout the afternoon and evening, so you can arrive from 4:00 PM and enjoy several experiences before closing time. The festival's official hours are 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM, and it is open to visitors of all ages.
What to See and Do at the Festival
One of the best things about the festival is that it offers more than just a single show. During your visit, you'll find different activities throughout the park.
Altars and Offerings
The Day of the Dead altars are an experience you won't want to miss. During the festival, you'll find offerings featuring photographs, candles, flowers, food, and other elements associated with remembering loved ones who have passed away.
For 2026, the program includes more than 35 altars, including monumental altars dedicated to Guanajuato. Walking among them allows you to discover different ways of honoring memories and celebrating Day of the Dead traditions.
Theater, Dance, and Concerts
The program features theater, dance, music, and live performances showcasing artists and cultural traditions from Guanajuato, Quintana Roo, and other guests. You can find everything from legends and regional theater to folkloric ballet, traditional Mexican dance, and music. Some activities are designed especially for families and children.
Guest State Gastronomy
Food is another major highlight of the festival. In 2026, you can discover flavors from Guanajuato and Quintana Roo, along with traditional dishes associated with this time of year. The culinary showcase brings together traditional cooks and offers a chance to discover recipes, ingredients, and techniques that are part of both states' culinary heritage.
Xcaret Cemetery
One of Xcaret's most distinctive spaces during this time of year is its cemetery, which becomes part of the park's nighttime experience. The atmosphere, lighting, and decorations make exploring this space very different from a typical visit to Xcaret and offer insight into how remembrance and celebration shape the Mexican relationship with death.
México Espectacular: An Experience to Add to Your Visit
If you want to make the most of your visit to Xcaret, you can also enjoy México Espectacular, the nighttime show featuring music, dance, and different moments from Mexico's history. Although it isn't an activity exclusive to the Festival of Life and Death, it can complement your visit to the park and round out your day with a cultural experience.
Is the Festival of Life and Death Included in Your Xcaret Admission?
Yes, when you purchase a regular admission ticket to Xcaret Park for a date during the festival, you can enjoy the Festival of Life and Death activities included with your ticket, according to the conditions of the admission purchased.
For visitors from the rest of Mexico and abroad, regular admission may also include Xcaret México Espectacular, depending on the ticket's conditions. There is one important exception: the Gala Concert featuring Pandora and Flans, scheduled for October 31 at 10:00 PM, requires an additional ticket or an admission option that specifically includes the concert. It is not included in general park admission or regular festival admission.
If you want to visit Xcaret and enjoy the festival, check out our Xcaret Park admission tickets and choose the option that best suits your trip.
How to Get to the Festival of Life and Death from Cancun
If you're staying in Cancun, Xcaret is located south of the Riviera Maya, near Playa del Carmen. Since the festival ends at 10:30 PM, it's important to plan your return trip before booking. One of the most convenient options is to book Xcaret Plus with private transportation, especially if you're traveling with family or a group and want to avoid worrying about return transportation schedules.
With this option, you can enjoy the park during the day and return to Cancun after the festival without having to arrange transportation separately.
FAQs
When Is the 2026 Festival of Life and Death at Xcaret?
It will take place from October 30 to November 2, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM at Xcaret Park in Playa del Carmen. It is the festival's 20th edition, with Guanajuato as the guest state.
Is the Festival of Life and Death Included in Xcaret Admission?
Yes, the festival activities are included with park admission. However, the Gala Concert featuring Pandora and Flans requires an additional ticket and is not included in general admission.
How Do You Get to the Festival of Life and Death from Cancun?
Xcaret is about 75 km (approximately 47 miles) from the Hotel Zone, and the drive takes around one hour. Since the festival ends at night, the most convenient option is to book admission with transportation included or arrange a private round-trip transfer.
Can You Attend the Festival with Children?
Yes. It is a family-friendly event with workshops, altars, and performances for visitors of all ages. Wear comfortable clothing and plan your return trip in advance, as activities end late.
