Given that current cancer+chemo have pretty much knocked the stuffin’ out of DH, while I myself have a lifelong cardiac disability, we’re definitely not going to be the spryest golden agers in PV during this year’s celebrations (our first visit during DdM). Neither of us can stand for long periods for parade viewing, concerts in the park, etc., and walking the full length of the Malecón to view all the ofrendas and Catrinas is not realistically in the cards. We can maybe manage a hundred yards or so… In short, this trip is mostly going to be laid back R&R for us, and we plan to take lots of taxis.
I know that with Covid no one knows yet what all is going to happen during the celebration, and I know from YouTube that after no public events in 2020, 2021 was considerably scaled down. But we’re hoping there’s at least as much this year as last.
So assuming that’s the case, fingers crossed, any suggestions for how to enjoy the celebration as much as possible given our circumstances? I’ve seen video showing DdM crowds sitting in Lázaro Cárdenas park during concerts, but what’s the story on that? We’ll be moving from Mismaloya to V399 during that time to make participation easier, but even so, I don’t think we can schlep our own chairs to the park. I know you can rent power wheelchairs and other mobility devices in PV, but DH is so determined to think positive and be over this that he is resisting the idea. If he continues to do so, or even if I can convince him to rent or bring a rollator (wheeled walker you can sit on) but I’m still on foot, can you suggest where best to watch the parade with minimal exhaustion? Where to look for the best ofrendas and Catrinas near our condo? Or how to nab seating in the park if there is any?
(Of course we’re quadruple vaxxed and will be masked, as we have been nonstop whenever out of the house since the US’s first Covid cases hit here in Seattle. And we dine outdoors only. If it seems a little crazy to make trip plans under current conditions, you should know we’ve been weighing it very carefully and will continue to do so. But we’ve had to cancel two trips down this year, and the prospect of actually making it down to our favorite places this time is a huge morale booster for both of us.)
You need to drive yourself, or get a taxi You need to view these events from the comfort of a vehicle. Almost any taxi can help with that.
For Mexicans, Dia de los Muertos is about taking care of the graves of their relatives. But it is personal in that they celebrate with them, with their favourite music, food–whatever.
You would be welcome to join any one one of them I sure
My last Dia de los Muertos time in PV was 2018. I have not traveled within the pandemic so cannot speak to that. But in earlier years, yes the folding chairs were set up for anyone to use, go early. Between the stage and the bleacher seating. The shows typically happened on Friday nights, but with special performances during Day of the Dead celebrations. I believe the shows were usually 7pm.
The altars around the municipal building in Centro are the largest concentration of them I am aware of. The catrinas are along the Malecon.
{I’ve seen video showing DdM crowds sitting in Lázaro Cárdenas park during concerts, but what’s the story on that?}
Not sure the question… But there are (have been in years past until the pandemic hit) free performances by both the Folklorique Ballet and Youth Mariachi band, and the bread tasting event. You could taxi right to the plaza in the evening, arrive a little early and sit in the section where there are folding chairs up front near the stage (there are cement ‘bleachers’ behind for the audience). Then taxi back after.
You’re right — my Q about park seating was vague. What I meant was, were the folding chairs a regular occurrence pre-Covid? was that one of the things they omitted last year? are the chairs available for anyone to use? Basically anything you can tell me about seating helps. Or were the concerts and ballet folklorico some of the things that were skipped last time due to the pandemic?
Also, is there an area we could focus on where the ofrendas and Catrinas are particularly concentrated each year, or are they pretty much evenly scattered around Centro and the ZR?
I appreciate any input — thanks!
I have been many times, hosted a 100 plus wedding, sent hundreds of clients here and most are always happy. We love it for our family. It’s my kids favorite resort of anywhere in the Mayan (been to dozens our selves). You can;t please everyone.
Yes replacing the bracelet for a huge cost is a thing and it’s also a thing at most resorts. The Grand at Moon Palace was $200US, so that’s definitely a thing.
AC worked perfect for us everytime (we’ve been going since it first opened in 2000, we were there for their year anniversary. I think it’s not grand luxury, but amazing property with families. Beach is great, food, etc. Never had a problm.
The high price for replacement bracelets also serve as a deterrent for people giving their bracelet to someone so they can sneak them in for free.
People think twice about that if they know it’s going to cost then dearly to replace that bracelet.
It’s one of the most polarizing resorts you will see. There is some great things about it but I get why some people don’t enjoy it. It’s huge, food and drink are so so. I like the beach and pools and we certainly didn’t starve there. I’ve stayed at the regular colonial side and the Palace side and definitely thought the extra for the Palace was worth it.