The Real Cancun

Xcaret Tombstones
and why they don't all look alike?



MAYAN VILLAGE CEMETERY

The Mexican tradition combines the belief in ancient cultures with those of the Catholic religion. The cemetery in the Yucatan coastal village of Xcaret (ISH-ca-ret)--- a re-creation built by hundreds of Mexican craftsmen, architects, designers and painters ---is a good example of the melding of Mayan and Spanish influences. 

Built on a terraced hill with 365 tombstones, this cemetery combines Mayan symbols such as sacred ceiba trees, water (origin of life) and conch shells (for communicating with the gods) with Catholic shrines, crucifixes and rosaries. The inclusion of personal references such as boats, bottles, pipes, horns, etc. along with bright splashes of color give this resting ground a very distinct personality.

Mexico has always had its own approach to the concept of death. On the Day of the Dead, the souls of the ancestors are invited to join in festivities including food and dancing. Candy skulls are given to loved ones and funny poems about death are shared.   ---   FG

   

   

   



   

   

   

   

   



   

   



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