To many, Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead in English, is known for the colorful decorations and painted skulls seen around the holiday’s celebrations – but the holiday is much richer than that.

Every November 1 and 2, people throughout Mexico celebrate the memory of their ancestors and deceased family members. While that may sound like a sorrowful holiday, it is actually a very lively and colorful affair. It is believed that for those two days, the borders between the living and spirit worlds are at their weakest and the dead are able to celebrate and feast with their relatives.

People will set up ofrendas – or altars – decorated with pictures, mementos and other keepsakes of their deceased loved ones, along with marigolds, candles, sugar skulls, a corn liquor called atole, and pan de muerto, a sweet bread baked for the holiday. Festivals will include people with skull face paint, costumes resembling skeletons as well as singing, dancing and feasting. 

There are events all throughout Los Cabos to experience the holiday, including many at the hotels, resorts and restaurants around Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo and the tourist corridor. Also in San José del Cabo is the Secrets of La Catrina Festival, where visitors can learn all about the holiday and experience the celebrations along with locals. The three-day celebration includes entertainment, costume and ofrenda contests, and even workshops where you can learn how to make pan de muerto. At the Cabo San Lucas marina, the Altares en el Mar festival, or “Altars on the Sea,” combines Día de los Muertos celebrations with the nautical culture of Los Cabos.

There’s nothing like taking in the local culture while on a getaway, especially when you can experience a holiday as exciting and unique as Día de los Muertos. And better yet – you get to celebrate in the warm sun of Los Cabos.