{"id":11513,"date":"2014-11-01T03:32:38","date_gmt":"2014-11-01T07:32:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/?p=11513"},"modified":"2017-01-08T18:22:50","modified_gmt":"2017-01-08T23:22:50","slug":"day-dead-photos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/day-dead-photos\/","title":{"rendered":"Day of the Dead in photos"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Every year starting on October 31 through November 2, Mexico celebrates El Dia de los Muertos &#8211; The Day of the Dead.\u00a0 Based on ancient traditions, the Maya people believed that the spirits of the dead are permitted to come back and visit with their relatives during these three days.<\/p>\n<p>Graves at the cemetery are decorated as families visit to honor their deceased relatives. The family will usually bring bowls of the deceased member\u2019s favorite foods and party into the wee hours of the evening. Marigolds are used to decorate the graves, incense is burned and candles are lit for the deceased.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6775.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-11514 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6775-400x600.jpg?resize=400%2C600\" alt=\"Xcaret-6775\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6775.jpg?resize=400%2C600&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6775.jpg?resize=100%2C150&amp;ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6775.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6775.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a>In the Yucatan peninsula, \u201caltars\u201d are created by those who cannot visit their relative\u2019s gravesites. Typically a photo of the deceased is place there along with items favorited by the deceased.\u00a0 For an adult, it might be his favorite whiskey or a deck of cards, while for a child, typically toys would be placed on the altar. Flowers, candles, fruits and foods complete the decoration. All this is left out for the departed to enjoy during the night.\u00a0 The following day, the family will consume the food, believing they have once again \u201cshared\u201d a meal with the deceased.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6816.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-11517 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6816-600x399.jpg?resize=600%2C399\" alt=\"Celebration of Life and Death Festival at Xcaret\" width=\"600\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6816.jpg?resize=600%2C399&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6816.jpg?resize=150%2C99&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6816.jpg?resize=300%2C199&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6816.jpg?resize=140%2C94&amp;ssl=1 140w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6816.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a>In Xcaret Park, on the Riviera Maya, the Festival of Life and Death Traditions has now been observed for the last nine years. Gravesites have been faithfully reproduced by local artisans, and are decorated during the festival, just as families would do in the actual cemeteries. Dozens of activities also occur throughout the park, enabling families to share these past traditions with children of today. All the activities are free and everyone is invited to join the festivities.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6779.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11515\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6779-400x600.jpg?resize=400%2C600\" alt=\"Xcaret-6779\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6779.jpg?resize=400%2C600&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6779.jpg?resize=100%2C150&amp;ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6779.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6779.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a>While people outside Mexico might be put off by the skeletons, skulls, and painted faces; Mexicans laugh at death, not fearing it at all. \u00a0It is all part of the cycle of life, death being necessary before a person can come back to life once again.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6829.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11518\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6829-400x600.jpg?resize=400%2C600\" alt=\"Celebration of Life and Death Festival at Xcaret\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6829.jpg?resize=400%2C600&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6829.jpg?resize=100%2C150&amp;ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6829.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6829.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6811.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11516\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6811-400x600.jpg?resize=400%2C600\" alt=\"Celebration of Life and Death Festival at Xcaret\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6811.jpg?resize=400%2C600&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6811.jpg?resize=100%2C150&amp;ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6811.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6811.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6832.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11519\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6832-600x399.jpg?resize=600%2C399\" alt=\"Sunset during the Celebration of Life and Death Festival at Xcaret\" width=\"600\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6832.jpg?resize=600%2C399&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6832.jpg?resize=150%2C99&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6832.jpg?resize=300%2C199&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6832.jpg?resize=140%2C94&amp;ssl=1 140w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6832.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6847.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11520\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6847-400x600.jpg?resize=400%2C600\" alt=\"Celebration of Life and Death Festival at Xcaret\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6847.jpg?resize=400%2C600&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6847.jpg?resize=100%2C150&amp;ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6847.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6847.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>This gravesite has a crucifix fashioned from iron pipe and commemorates a plumber.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6862.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11521\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6862-600x399.jpg?resize=600%2C399\" alt=\"Xcaret-6862\" width=\"600\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6862.jpg?resize=600%2C399&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6862.jpg?resize=150%2C99&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6862.jpg?resize=300%2C199&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6862.jpg?resize=140%2C94&amp;ssl=1 140w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6862.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Votive lights are lit by people as they enter the park in memory of their departed loved ones.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6863.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11522\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6863-600x399.jpg?resize=600%2C399\" alt=\"Xcaret-6863\" width=\"600\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6863.jpg?resize=600%2C399&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6863.jpg?resize=150%2C99&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6863.jpg?resize=300%2C199&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6863.jpg?resize=140%2C94&amp;ssl=1 140w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6863.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Free makeup and mirrors are provided for park attendees to get in the spirit of the event.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6876.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11523\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6876-400x600.jpg?resize=400%2C600\" alt=\"Xcaret-6876\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6876.jpg?resize=400%2C600&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6876.jpg?resize=100%2C150&amp;ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6876.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6876.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6881.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11524\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6881-600x399.jpg?resize=600%2C399\" alt=\"Xcaret-6881\" width=\"600\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6881.jpg?resize=600%2C399&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6881.jpg?resize=150%2C99&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6881.jpg?resize=300%2C199&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6881.jpg?resize=140%2C94&amp;ssl=1 140w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6881.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Students learn about the legends of the Monarch Butterfly and its significance in the Day of the Dead celebration.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6885.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11525\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6885-600x399.jpg?resize=600%2C399\" alt=\"Xcaret-6885\" width=\"600\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6885.jpg?resize=600%2C399&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6885.jpg?resize=150%2C99&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6885.jpg?resize=300%2C199&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6885.jpg?resize=140%2C94&amp;ssl=1 140w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6885.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<section name=\"e034\" class=\"section section--body section--first\">\n<div class=\"section-content\">\n<div class=\"section-inner sectionLayout--insetColumn\">\n<p name=\"337d\" id=\"337d\" class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\"><a href=\"http:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/2014\/11\/21\/gran-velas-riviera-maya-inclusive-fantastic\/\" data-href=\"http:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/2014\/11\/21\/gran-velas-riviera-maya-inclusive-fantastic\/\" class=\"markup--anchor markup--p-anchor\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Grand Velas Riviera Maya\u200a\u2014\u200aall inclusive, all fantastic<\/a><\/p>\n<p name=\"5661\" id=\"5661\" class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\"><a href=\"http:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/2014\/11\/21\/beautiful-animals-xcaret\/\">The beautiful animals of Xcaret<\/a><\/p>\n<p name=\"b1d8\" id=\"b1d8\" class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p graf--last\"><a href=\"http:\/\/wp.me\/p21Ejy-3id\" data-href=\"http:\/\/wp.me\/p21Ejy-3id\" class=\"markup--anchor markup--p-anchor\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Xcaret\u200a\u2014\u200aan all inclusive park for all-encompassing enjoyment<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section name=\"9293\" class=\"section section--body section--last\">\n<div class=\"section-divider\">\n<hr class=\"section-divider\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section-content\">\n<div class=\"section-inner sectionLayout--insetColumn\">\n<p name=\"5e17\" id=\"5e17\" class=\"graf graf--p graf--leading graf--last\"><em class=\"markup--em markup--p-em\">Originally published at <\/em><a href=\"http:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/2014\/11\/21\/beautiful-animals-xcaret\/\" data-href=\"http:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/2014\/11\/21\/beautiful-animals-xcaret\/\" class=\"markup--anchor markup--p-anchor\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><em class=\"markup--em markup--p-em\">Doug Bardwell<\/em><\/a><em class=\"markup--em markup--p-em\">.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every year starting on October 31 through November 2, Mexico celebrates El Dia de los Muertos &#8211; The Day of the Dead.\u00a0 Based on ancient traditions, the Maya people believed that the spirits of the dead are permitted to come back and visit with their relatives during these three days. Graves at the cemetery are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11526,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","cos_headline_score":0,"cos_seo_score":0,"cos_headline_text":"","cos_headline_has_been_analyzed":false,"cos_last_analyzed_headline":[],"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":{"twitter_15245835_15245835":""},"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":true,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[2971,1071,3024,3025],"class_list":["post-11513","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-day-of-the-dead","tag-festival","tag-mexico","tag-riviera-maya"],"featured_image_urls_v2":{"full":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?fit=1280%2C1068&ssl=1",1280,1068,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?fit=150%2C125&ssl=1",150,125,true],"medium":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?fit=300%2C250&ssl=1",300,250,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?fit=768%2C641&ssl=1",768,641,true],"large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?fit=600%2C500&ssl=1",600,500,true],"rpg_gallery_admin_thumb":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1",150,150,true],"rpg_gallery_thumb":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1",150,150,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?fit=1280%2C1068&ssl=1",1280,1068,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?fit=1280%2C1068&ssl=1",1280,1068,true],"gb-block-post-grid-landscape":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1",600,400,true],"gb-block-post-grid-square":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1",600,600,true],"et-pb-post-main-image":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?resize=400%2C250&ssl=1",400,250,true],"et-pb-post-main-image-fullwidth":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1",1080,675,true],"et-pb-portfolio-image":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?resize=400%2C284&ssl=1",400,284,true],"et-pb-portfolio-module-image":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?resize=510%2C382&ssl=1",510,382,true],"et-pb-portfolio-image-single":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?fit=1080%2C901&ssl=1",1080,901,true],"et-pb-gallery-module-image-portrait":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?resize=400%2C516&ssl=1",400,516,true],"et-pb-post-main-image-fullwidth-large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?resize=1280%2C1068&ssl=1",1280,1068,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--desktop":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?resize=1280%2C720&ssl=1",1280,720,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--tablet":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?resize=980%2C551&ssl=1",980,551,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--phone":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?resize=480%2C270&ssl=1",480,270,true]},"post_excerpt_stackable_v2":"<p>Every year starting on October 31 through November 2, Mexico celebrates El Dia de los Muertos &#8211; The Day of the Dead.\u00a0 Based on ancient traditions, the Maya people believed that the spirits of the dead are permitted to come back and visit with their relatives during these three days. Graves at the cemetery are decorated as families visit to honor their deceased relatives. The family will usually bring bowls of the deceased member\u2019s favorite foods and party into the wee hours of the evening. Marigolds are used to decorate the graves, incense is burned and candles are lit for&hellip;<\/p>\n","category_list_v2":"<a href=\"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Travel<\/a>","author_info_v2":{"name":"Doug","url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/author\/admindoug\/"},"comments_num_v2":"0 comments","author_meta":{"display_name":"Doug","author_link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/author\/admindoug\/"},"featured_img":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?fit=300%2C250&ssl=1","featured_image_src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1","author_info":{"display_name":"Doug","author_link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/author\/admindoug\/"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/Xcaret-6902.jpg?fit=1280%2C1068&ssl=1","coauthors":[],"tax_additional":{"categories":{"linked":["<a href=\"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Travel<\/a>"],"unlinked":["<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Travel<\/span>"]},"tags":{"linked":["<a href=\"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Day of the Dead<\/a>","<a href=\"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">festival<\/a>","<a href=\"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Mexico<\/a>","<a href=\"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/\" class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Riviera Maya<\/a>"],"unlinked":["<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Day of the Dead<\/span>","<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">festival<\/span>","<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Mexico<\/span>","<span class=\"advgb-post-tax-term\">Riviera Maya<\/span>"]}},"comment_count":0,"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 11 years ago","modified":"Updated 9 years ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on November 1, 2014","modified":"Updated on January 8, 2017"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on November 1, 2014 3:32 am","modified":"Updated on January 8, 2017 6:22 pm"},"featured_img_caption":"","series_order":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p21Ejy-2ZH","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12100,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/beautiful-animals-xcaret\/","url_meta":{"origin":11513,"position":0},"title":"The beautiful animals of Xcaret","author":"Doug","date":"November 21, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Playa del Carmen is a popular vacation destination on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico with a number of cruise ships stopping here each year. Ferries also make routine crossings from here to Cozumel. One of the most popular tourist attractions just south of town is Xcaret, an eco-archaeological park. Originally\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Travel&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Xcaret-1.jpg?fit=889%2C500&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Xcaret-1.jpg?fit=889%2C500&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Xcaret-1.jpg?fit=889%2C500&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Xcaret-1.jpg?fit=889%2C500&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12661,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/xcaret-inclusive-park-encompassing-enjoyment\/","url_meta":{"origin":11513,"position":1},"title":"Xcaret \u2013 an all-inclusive park for all-encompassing enjoyment","author":"Doug","date":"January 30, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Heading to the Riviera Maya in Mexico, is always a winning decision, but to really appreciate all it has to offer, you need to experience Xcaret. Good news \u2013 there are actually seven Experiencias Xcaret parks to enjoy.\u00a0 Bad news \u2013 where do you start? Experiencias Xcaret For seniors, this\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Travel&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/Xcaret-20.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/Xcaret-20.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/Xcaret-20.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/Xcaret-20.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/Xcaret-20.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12076,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/gran-velas-riviera-maya-inclusive-fantastic\/","url_meta":{"origin":11513,"position":2},"title":"Grand Velas Riviera Maya &#8211; all-inclusive, all fantastic","author":"Doug","date":"November 21, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"In all our travels, we\u2019d never done the \u201call-inclusive\u201d resort scene before.\u00a0 That changed with our latest trip to Mexico.\u00a0 We spent five luxurious days at Grand Velas Riviera Maya and couldn\u2019t have been more impressed. Grand Velas Riviera Maya Something tells you that you are in for a treat\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Travel&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Gran-Velas-Riviera-Maya-6954.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Gran-Velas-Riviera-Maya-6954.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Gran-Velas-Riviera-Maya-6954.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Gran-Velas-Riviera-Maya-6954.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12937,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/deerfield-inn-like-visiting-your-favorite-aunt\/","url_meta":{"origin":11513,"position":3},"title":"Deerfield Inn \u2013 like visiting your favorite aunt","author":"Maureen","date":"February 27, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Comfortably situated in Franklin County, Massachusetts, you\u2019ll find Historic Deerfield, an authentic 18th century village, lovingly restored and preserved. Just north of the town commons, you\u2019ll encounter the beautiful Deerfield Inn. Opened in 1884 and listed as a National Historical Landmark, the inn has been pampering guests for 130 years\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Medium&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Medium","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/medium\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Deerfield Inn in winter","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Deerfield-Inn-1324.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Deerfield-Inn-1324.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Deerfield-Inn-1324.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Deerfield-Inn-1324.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Deerfield-Inn-1324.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":30757,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wheelchair-friendly-tourist-attractions\/","url_meta":{"origin":11513,"position":4},"title":"Wheelchair-friendly tourist attractions","author":"Guest Post","date":"August 7, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Everybody loves a holiday or vacation, but for those in a wheelchair, it can be challenging. \u00a0Here then is a short list of\u00a0nine of the most wheelchair-friendly tourist attractions in the world, spanning the globe from USA and Mexico to Singapore and Australia. \u00a0You'll find that each offers a little\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Travel&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/sydney-opera-house-1169155_1280.jpg?fit=1200%2C674&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/sydney-opera-house-1169155_1280.jpg?fit=1200%2C674&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/sydney-opera-house-1169155_1280.jpg?fit=1200%2C674&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/sydney-opera-house-1169155_1280.jpg?fit=1200%2C674&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/sydney-opera-house-1169155_1280.jpg?fit=1200%2C674&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":107874,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/farmers-markets-worth-the-drive-in-2025\/","url_meta":{"origin":11513,"position":5},"title":"Farmer&#8217;s Markets worth the drive in 2025","author":"Guest Post","date":"March 3, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Keep it Fresh with these Must-Visit Farmers Markets in the Mid-Atlantic With summer around the corner, consider stories about the wide variety of fresh, in-season produce available at Mid-Atlantic farmers markets and roadside stands in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. To learn more about a featured destination, click\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Travel&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Farmers Market","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/shelley-pauls-farmers-market-1440.jpg?fit=1200%2C983&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/shelley-pauls-farmers-market-1440.jpg?fit=1200%2C983&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/shelley-pauls-farmers-market-1440.jpg?fit=1200%2C983&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/shelley-pauls-farmers-market-1440.jpg?fit=1200%2C983&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/shelley-pauls-farmers-market-1440.jpg?fit=1200%2C983&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11513","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11513"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11513\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11526"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11513"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11513"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11513"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}