The holiday is so important to Mexican culture, Dia de Los Muertos is noted by UNESCO as a marker of intangible cultural heritage.

When planning leisure travel this fall, consider the following destinations for the lively Dia de Los Muertos festivities.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Throughout Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town and Romantic Zone, visitors will find a few days of celebrations around Dia de Los Muertos. The waterfront Malecon usually has a variety of altars to observe, while an abundance of candles and flowers can be found in the city’s oldest cemetery, the 5 de Diciembre Cemetery.

Before Dia de Los Muertos, local shops and restaurants will feature marigold petals and paper flowers, window decorations, and candles. Then, on November 4, the city center will host the Vino del Otro Mundo, a gastronomic and oenological feast.

Visitors don’t need to stray away from their hotel for the festivities when staying at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa. The hotel will once again host its annual celebration of life on the property’s grounds with the outdoor event space transformed into a colorful display of altars created by hotel staff and management.

In the evening, this same event space hosts a special four-course dinner with a traditional menu accompanied by live music and costumed artists. On-site face paintings are also available upon reservation. To book the dinner and stay package, use promo code P51.

San diego, california

Old San Diego is home to one of the most beloved Day of the Dead celebrations in the United States, and while this year changes a bit, the 2021 celebration promises to be spectacular.

The holidays begin with an art market on October 30, followed by two weeks of altars on display in the old town. The traditional evening candlelight procession, a goal for visitors and locals alike, will take place on November 2, starting at the Immaculate Conception Church and heading towards El Campo Santo cemetery. Throughout Old San Diego Historic Park, visitors will find traditional face painting and mask making.

Other family activities will take place nearby at the 20th annual Oceanside Dia de los Muertos Festival on October 24. Daytime festivities include shows, family altars, a vintage car display, and an assortment of children’s activities.

For families looking to stay in the heart of Old San Diego, the Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town and the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Old Town are each within walking distance of area attractions and dining, as well as of the Day of the Dead festivities.

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio has the largest Día de Muertos in the country, with celebrations taking place from October 23 to November 2 this year.

Visitors are invited to take part in 10 unique events ranging from a floating procession down the river to live music. This year there are even a few virtual events for those who cannot travel.

A free two-day festival in Hemisfair features a wide variety of live cultural performances, an arts market, procession and altar exhibit. The event includes children’s programming and cultural workshops. Then, on October 29, a Day of the Dead parade invaded the San Antonio River Walk.

Further festivities will take place from November 2-5, when the Centro Cultural Aztlan invites guests to view the Día de los Muertos, Altares y Ofrendas exhibition.

The San Antonio River Walk offers an incredible assortment of family-friendly accommodations, ranging from the Holiday Inn San Antonio-Riverwalk to the Hilton Palacio del Rio.

Seattle, Washington

It is certainly possible to participate in the Day of the Dead celebrations without ever leaving Washington. For 2021, the Dia de Muertos Festival Seattle is free and open to the public with in-person and virtual events.

In-person activities include face painting and sugar skull workshops, cultural performances, and elaborate altars on display.

Until November 2, the A / NT gallery is hosting a day of the day exhibition created by Ana Aguirre. From October 30 to November 7, Fisher Pavilion is offering free admission to browse the community altars. On October 31, a virtual festival program includes traditional dance and music, as well as cultural demonstrations and a lecture.

Family-friendly accommodations near Seattle Center events include Hyatt House Seattle / Downtown and Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Seattle Center.

Mexican riviera

Head out into town on a Mexican Riviera cruise the last week of October to see Day of the Dead exhibits and celebrations at multiple destinations.

Carnival Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises each sail the Mexican Riviera with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.

In addition to the aforementioned Puerto Vallarta celebrations, visitors will find Mazatlán’s Old Town plaza alive with colorful decor and kids’ face painting activities. Sightings of La Catrina, a female skeleton symbolizing death and the afterlife, will also be spotted around the Old Town.

In Cabo, face painting and sugar skulls will be plentiful along the waterfront and harbor markets, while the San José del Cabo Gallery District has additional art and altar exhibits.

Traditionally, cruises straddling Dia de Los Muertos have tended to offer onboard entertainment and special meals to celebrate the holidays. Guests can look forward to cultural performances on the pool terrace and in other common areas.

October is the “Cruise Booking Month,” so there is still time to make the most of a last minute cruise booking with price incentives and onboard perks. Save up to 40% and earn up to 10,000 bonus miles when you book a cruise through Cruises Only, a partner of Alaska Airlines. Cruises during this year’s Dia de Los Muertos festivities start at $ 136 per person, per night.