Mexican holiday "Day of the Dead"- one of the most shocking, and at the same time, exciting and original holidays in the world. “Dia de los Muertos,” as it is literally called in Mexico, is a time when thousands of the dead come to life and take to the streets of cities, celebrating and having fun with the living. At this time, in Mexico, everything seems to be turned upside down: night turns into day, the cemetery becomes the most popular vacation spot in the city, the living put on the guise of the dead, the dead come to life. We will tell you about this authentic Mexican holiday dedicated to the dead in our article.

It is worth noting right away that in Mexico they practice a completely different attitude towards death than here and in Europe. For Mexicans, death is not the end of everything, but only a continuation of life, but in a different, better world. Therefore, it is customary here not to remember the dead, as with us, but to greet them with joy and fun. After all, the Mexican “Day of the Dead” is truly a holiday, since only at this time do beloved dead relatives have the opportunity to visit their loved ones left in this world.

The history of this holiday goes back to the pagan beliefs of the indigenous peoples of Mexico, and is associated with the traditions of the ancient Aztecs and Mayans, who practiced various rituals of death and resurrection of the dead. Before the Spaniards conquered Mexico, it was customary for the Aztecs to keep the skulls of their relatives in their house and use them in various ceremonies. During one summer month, they held bloody sacrifices in order to pay tribute to their dead ancestors, the entire afterlife and the patroness of that world, the goddess Mictlancihuatl. The first conquerors of Mexico, seeing such rituals, were shocked, because by performing them, the Aztecs seemed to laugh at death; Indian rituals were, in the eyes of enlightened Europeans, a real blasphemy. The Spaniards began urgently converting the indigenous population of Central America to the Catholic faith, although it was very difficult to eradicate the traditions that had taken root here for centuries. They managed to abolish blood sacrifices, and also reduce this holiday to a couple of days a year. However, replacing joy with sorrow and the skull - the main symbol of the Mexican holiday "Dia de los Muertos" with a cross - did not succeed.

Until now, for tourists who come to this holiday for the first time, it seems very extravagant, and this is probably a mild definition of feelings about this. Traditionally, the Day of the Dead holiday is celebrated on the first and second of November. Moreover, the celebration takes place throughout Mexico. Mexicans claim that in those days the afterlife comes to life, and souls wait in their earthly homes, decorating them with photographs of deceased relatives and friends, preparing their favorite sweets, and placing symbols of the holiday - bright skulls - everywhere. Another symbol of the “Day of the Dead” is “Katrina” - this is a female skeleton dressed in a bright dress and a wide hat. It represents the Aztec goddess of death, Mictlancihuatl.

What is most interesting is that now only the name of the holiday remains ominous, but the holiday itself evokes only positive emotions. Thousands of people dressed and made up as dead people walk along the streets, there are fairs everywhere where holiday attributes on this theme are sold: skeletal figurines, ceramic skulls, candles, various sweets in the shape of coffins, skeletons, skulls. In all large squares and main streets of cities, huge skulls are installed, as well as bright installations on the theme of the afterlife. It is very interesting these days to find yourself in the main square of the capital of Mexico - Mexico City, which is called Zoccalo Square or Constitution Square. On this square, which occupies two hundred and forty square meters, and is a symbol of the city, there are ancient buildings left over from the time when the ancient Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, was located here, as well as incredibly beautiful buildings in the colonial style, built by Europeans. Not far from the square there is a pyramid; on its top, centuries ago, there was a Temple of the Sun God and the Rain God. And it is in this square, on the “Day of the Dead”, that the traditions of the Mexicans emerge very clearly. But it is worth saying that in different parts of Mexico, during the celebration of the “Day of the Dead”, there are some differences: if in the Valley of Mexico, the main focus is on decorating altars and houses of deceased people, then in the city of Oaxaca de Juarez, the holiday “Dia de los Muertos” is on a grand scale: a real carnival starts here and the city is filled with “dancing skeletons” who are having fun to the music of brass bands and mariachi songs. Deserted streets during the day, towards night are filled with crowds of dancers, orchestras, followed by mummers and onlookers. Such processions arise completely spontaneously, without a route or schedule. Any person from the outside has the opportunity to join this raging crowd and wander the streets of the city behind it. The carnival mood covers everyone, and it lasts until the first rays of the sun on the third of November. But in the Mexican town of Pomuch, they still honor the traditions of the Indians that existed even before the Europeans entered this continent: on the “Day of the Dead,” the remains of loved ones are removed from the ground, they are cleaned of rotten flesh, or the bones that have already been cleaned in past years are carefully polished. Therefore, we do not recommend that faint-hearted tourists go to that city and go to the cemetery in those days. That is, as you already understand, in the traditions of celebrating the “Day of the Dead” in Mexico, there are some regional differences. But everywhere, the festive scope of these days in Mexico overshadows the celebration of Christmas. Sometimes, Mexicans are so eager for the Day of the Dead that they begin to celebrate it, even a little earlier - from the thirty-first of October. “Dia de los Muertos” is an official national holiday in Mexico, the days of which are days off; during this period, neither schools nor businesses are open.

Holidays can be divided according to their meaning. On November 1, Mexico celebrates “Little Angels Day” - “Día de Angelitos”, which is dedicated to honoring the memory of deceased children or infants. On the second of November, “Día de los Muertos” begins - honoring the adult dead. But this is preceded by many months of preparation, when the production of masks, costumes, and life-size puppets begins in schools, institutes, and other communities, daily rehearsals of musicians take place, and designs for ceremonial altars are created. Immediately before the holiday, these altars are created and decorated with flowers - yellow marigolds. It is believed that in this way a symbolic door between worlds can be created through which souls can return home. It is not for nothing that marigolds are called “the flower of the dead” - “flor del muerto”. Such an altar should be in every Mexican home, and they are also created in squares, local schools, shops, restaurants, hospitals, hotels, and airports. Not only flowers, but also other offerings are laid at the altars: candles, tamales - a Mexican dish made from corn flour, fruits, toys - for small deceased children, alcohol - for adult deceased. The obligatory attributes of each altar on the “Day of the Dead” is water, because Mexicans believe that spirits suffer from thirst after traveling between worlds and from hunger, which can only be satisfied by special sweet bread - “pan de muertos”, literally “bread for the dead” " Mexican women prepare dishes that the dead loved very much during their lifetime; in each house they specially make a bed on which the dead could rest. It is customary for relatives and friends to gather in homes to joyfully greet the deceased.

In the days before the holiday, on all store shelves and benches they sell symbols of the holiday - coffins, skulls, skeletons - they can be made of chocolate, clay, cardboard. In general, skulls and skeletons can be seen everywhere at this time: they are painted on the doors and windows of houses, on asphalt and walls, and these symbols should also be on clothes. But it is desirable that the skulls be painted in bright colors and smiling, because the “Day of the Dead” in Mexico is a holiday of joy and fun, not sorrow and melancholy. Therefore, if these days you are presented with a symbolic skull or a coffin with your name written on it, then do not be shocked: it was done with all your heart, because this is how it is done in Mexico. Such gifts are given to all relatives and friends, as well as friends. In addition, in store windows you can often see pyramids - Aztec “tzompantli”, which the Indians erected from the skulls of defeated enemies. This is a Mexican symbol of the inextricable connection between life and death.

During the celebration of the “Day of the Dead”, it is customary to visit cemeteries at night, but this, again, is not a sad event, but the real culmination of the holiday and a long-awaited meeting with relatives who have gone to another world, the opportunity to spend time with them, drink and eat in a circle family and friends. It is worth warning if you also decide to go to the cemetery these days to look at the Mexican celebration traditions, that the parking lot will be busy, and the cars of local residents will fill several blocks around. People flock here in a dense stream. They clean the graves, sprinkle them with flower petals, place wreaths and bouquets of yellow marigolds, decorate them with candles, bring here the most favorite food and drinks of their deceased, as well as his photographs. Then they have picnics and dances at the grave, to the cheerful music of mariachi musicians. Europeans are stunned by this and seem blasphemous, but for Mexicans it is an opportunity to create a family idyll at every grave. Everything here is like at our family holidays: women fuss about setting the table, men chat and tell interesting stories about the life of the deceased, dressed-up children play and run around, and babies sleep peacefully in strollers. But it is worth saying that most often, the traditions of intimate gatherings at the cemetery are now supported in small towns and villages, and residents of large cities prefer to organize fun carnivals.

In any case, for Europeans, familiarity with the traditions of celebrating the “Day of the Dead” in Mexico will be a blow to the usual stereotypes and will reveal a completely different and opposite point of view on death. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to attend this Mexican holiday, we highly recommend that you do so.

The culture of each country has been formed over centuries, and sometimes in a cheerful holiday you can see a reflection of historical events that happened several centuries ago. So Mexico, one of the most unusual Catholic countries, is able to amaze tourists with exotic traditions inherited from the Indians, borrowed from the Spaniards or copied from the USA.

Traditions

A distinctive feature of Mexico is that the traditions of the Mayans, Aztecs, Toltecs, Spaniards and Americans are intertwined here. Time layer by layer applied the customs of the foreigners who arrived in the camp to the primitive culture of the Indians, creating a unique, inimitable philosophy.

As in other Catholic countries, in Mexico it is customary to widely celebrate the days of the patron saints of a city or village, which even the smallest settlements have. The holiday is celebrated with a large-scale feast and, of course, general dancing. Every village necessarily has its own “mariachi” - a musical orchestra consisting of several violinists, a couple of guitarists and sometimes trumpeters. Historically, mariachis were traveling bands who made their living by traveling around the country and playing at weddings and fairs.

Absolutely everyone loves and knows how to dance in Mexico, because not a single holiday is complete without mass dancing in the main square. The most anticipated moment of such an evening is the “jarabe tapatio” - a complex rhythmic couple dance that appeared in Mexico back in the 17th century. By the way, in some parts of the country you can still see Indian ritual dances performed by local residents on special occasions, for example at weddings or funerals.

As for songs, in addition to standard genres, “corridos” are also developed here - ballads on political topics.

The fundamental feature of modern Mexicans is considered to be a light-hearted attitude towards issues of life and death, which came from the Aztecs.

The most widely celebrated holidays in Mexico are Christmas, Independence Day, Day of the Dead and Carnival Week.

Christmas in Mexico

Christmas celebrations here begin two weeks before the official date. All this time, ritual processions are held in every city, led by Joseph and the Virgin Mary, accompanied by children. The purpose of the procession is to find a place for the biblical couple to spend the night. People coming out join the crowd, and they all move towards the temple, where the mass becomes the end of the evening. In addition, local residents stage theatrical performances depicting scenes with the Magi or the journey of Mary and Joseph, and everyone can take part in them. On December 24, the family gathers at a common table to taste the national Mexican Christmas dishes “atoll” and “tamale”, as well as sort through the gifts that appear under the Christmas tree, despite the absence of Santa or his deputy in the national culture.

Mexican Independence Day

On September 15, Mexicans celebrate their liberation two hundred years ago. When Napoleon captured Spain, Mexico, which had been a Spanish colony, automatically became French property. The Mexicans, outraged by this humiliating status, rebelled and fought for their independence for eleven years. Now, annually gathering with flags in the squares and shouting the battle cry of the rebels “Viva!”, Mexicans pay tribute to their ancestors who returned their freedom, and listen to the ringing of the bell that once heralded the beginning of the uprising.

Day of the Dead in Mexico

The most famous Mexican holiday is, of course, Day of the Dead.

Perhaps nowhere else is death viewed so positively. This holiday also has historical roots: even before the arrival of the Spaniards, it was believed in these places that after death a person’s soul goes to the gods. With the adoption of Catholicism, attitudes towards death changed, but in the 18th century, cultures mixed, and a secular holiday of the dead appeared. According to tradition, on this day you need to visit the graves of loved ones, inviting them to visit, bake special coffee bread, cookies in the shape of skulls and decorate the graves.

Carnival week in Mexico

Before Lent, the country celebrates Carnival Week - a bright and colorful period that all tourists remember with delight. Dancing, fireworks, mandatory masks to ward off evil spirits, and many competitions fill the five days of carnival with non-stop fun. And the most interesting tradition is the “Holiday of Oppressed Husbands,” during which all husbands who are dissatisfied with their other half can indulge in the joys of life without fear of subsequent punishment.

Culture of the ancient peoples of Mexico

Historically, Mexico was inhabited by several Indian tribes: Mayans, Aztecs and Toltecs. The traditions of the first two have reached our days as fully as possible.

Thus, the Mayan culture originates in the 20th century BC, and fades away in the 9th century AD. Today, only 6 million descendants of this tribe remain. The Mayans living in Mexico largely follow the traditions of their ancestors: in the communities you can see examples of ancient religious cults, sacrifices, music, dances, and writing. All Mayan rituals are closely related to astronomical cycles, and even modern scientists are amazed at the accuracy of their calculations. Of course, the failed end of the world caused considerable damage to the reputation of the Mayans, however, most likely, the issue was not the inaccuracy of the prediction, but the incorrect decoding of the calendar.

In the 10th century, with the onset of the decline of the Mayans, another strong tribe appeared - the Aztecs. On the site of modern Mexico City, they built the city-state of Tenochtitlan and a luxurious palace in it, where ritual ceremonies were performed.

It is interesting that the Aztecs, unlike the Mayans, had human sacrifices in the order of things, and the victim was most often proud of the role prepared for her. Tenochtitlan was destroyed by the conquistadors at the beginning of the 16th century, and this was the beginning of the end for the Aztecs.

In general, this North American country, its nation, is an incredibly rich history that can surprise anyone with its traditions and customs. Therefore, Mexico is truly a place that is better to see once.

Tue 6 January
This holiday is also known as Epiphany or the Day of the Holy Kings. The day when three wise men - Melchior, Gaspard and Balthazar - following the guiding star, came to Bethlehem with gifts for the newborn Jesus. January 6th for Mexican...

Thu 5 February
Mexico had three main laws. Constitution of 1824 established a federal system, the model for which was the federal system of the United States. Constitution of 1857 provided many political and civil rights. The current constitution...

Thu 19 February
Carnival week in Mexico is an event about which to say “wonderful” means to say nothing. Starting a week before Lent (Catholic), carnival days take place in an atmosphere of colorful and noisy street parades, incessant music,...

Tue 24 February
“Flag Day” is celebrated in Mexico annually on February 24 and is one of the main national holidays. This commemorative day was established in 1937 by the President of Mexico, General Lazaro Cardenas. The Mexican flag represents...

Sat 21 March
Benito Juarez is a national hero, one of the most beloved and revered leaders in Mexico. And if you have no idea who this is, look, don’t spill the beans. Otherwise, Mexicans will simply stop talking to you. Benito Juarez has done a lot...

Thu 30 April
On this day it is customary to congratulate all children. In restaurants and commercial centers they are given sweets, and parents usually take their children out for a walk or organize for them at home...

Sun 10 May
Every year on May 10, Mexico celebrates Mother's Day. This is an international holiday dedicated to mothers around the world. Mother's Day was first declared by the governor of West Virginia (USA) in 1910. By 1911, other countries celebrating Mother's Day...

Mon 6 July
After the film “Frida,” in which Salma Hayek played the main role, the name of the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo became known to a large number of ordinary people. This film is an autobiography squeezed into the artistic framework of cinema. But her life is, in a sense,...

Mon 27 July
Guelaguetza, or Monday on the Hill (Lunes del Cerro) is a holiday that takes place on the last two Mondays of July. Like many other holidays in Mexico, Guelaguetza is not complete without alcohol. The state of Oaxaca is the only place in Mexico...

September

Wed 16 September
Mexico's Independence Day is always celebrated very magnificently, on a large scale. But this holiday has its own little secret: no one will tell you why the official part of congratulations and public festivities begin on the evening of September 15, although...
Mon 2 November
“For a resident of New York, Paris or London, “death” is a word that he never utters because it burns his lips. The Mexican makes fun of death, caresses and entertains it; this is one of his favorite toys. In relation to her, he...

Thu 12 November
Juana Ines de Asbaje y Ramirez was born on November 12, 1651 near Mexico City, in the village of San Miguel de Nepantla. Her parents are not supposed to have been married, and so Juana and her two older sisters are recorded in the parish registers as "children...

Fri 20 November
The holiday is dedicated to the Day of the Revolution - November 20, 1910, when, after magnificent celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Mexican independence, an armed uprising began against the Diaz regime led by Francisco Madero. For many...

Sun 22 November
This is a celebration of Mexican musicians - mariachi - now famous all over the world thanks to the film by R. Rodriguez “Desperado”, the famous song from which, by the way, belongs not to the composer, but to the Mexican people. In real...

Sat 12 December
On this day, pilgrims from all over Mexico gather at the gates of the country's religious center - the Basilica (in other words, the temple) of the Virgin of Guadalupe, located in the northern part of the capital - Mexico City. They pray to the Virgin of Guadalupe (whom Mexicans respect...

Fri 25 December
If you're dreaming of a snow-white Christmas, then you should head somewhere to Scandinavia. But if you are ready for a rainbow of colorful outfits and endless dancing on Christmas night, then go ahead to Mexico! In the last two weeks of December...

Mon 28 December
Holy Innocents Day. This holiday is based on the biblical story of the killing of infants by King Herod. However, in Mexico this day is considered a day of jokes. The whole world celebrates April Fool's Day on April 1, and Mexico, no matter how...

Christmas season in Mexico
It is celebrated for almost a month, from the beginning of December to January 6, and the day of February 2 is also “grabbed.” At the beginning of December, all of Mexico is decorated with nativity scenes, Christmas trees and markets. The Christmas season begins with celebrations related to Our Lady of Guadalupe, who is the patroness of Mexico.

During the month, all religious Catholic holidays are celebrated, which are mixed with local traditions of the pre-Columbian era. The most important of them are Christmas itself, which is celebrated on December 25, Epiphany or the Day of the Holy Kings - on January 6 and Candles Day, which falls on February 2.

But during the entire Christmas season, something happens every day: either religious processions, or parades of musicians, or days of national songs and dances. And, of course, markets... and excellent Mexican cuisine!
Celebrated throughout Mexico.

February

Mexican carnival. Festival de Mexico
Starts at the beginning of February. The date of the holiday is not fixed, because the beginning of the week is associated with the date of Great Catholic Lent - it takes place a week before it begins. The carnival covers 50 locations throughout Mexico. Includes performances and musical programs from both national groups and participants from abroad. Local residents wear masks on the streets for five days to ward off evil spirits. Musical processions take place in the cities, fireworks and fireworks thunder in the evenings, and the queen of the carnival is chosen. For five days the music does not stop.

Candlemas in Tlacotalpan
Thousands of people flock to the colonial coastal city of Tlacotalpan in early February to celebrate the Catholic holiday of Candlemas. An interesting event takes place in this city when the figure of the Virgin Mary is floated on water. But a religious holiday is only a reason to get together to have fun from the heart. At this time, numerous festivals, processions and musical programs are held, where music in the Veracruz style is played.

Annual Carnival in Veracruz
The annual oldest carnival (since 1866), considered the second in importance and number of spectators present, after the carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Lasts nine days. More than 50 carnival dance groups from different countries in Latin and North America participate in the carnival. Carnival parades take place almost every day.
Held in the second half of February or early March.

March

Aztec New Year
Celebrated according to the Aztec calendar. This mainly happens on March 12th at sunrise. The descendants of the Aztecs put up a coniferous tree and light candles. Fireworks are set off on New Year's Day. Music sounds, drums thunder and ancient Aztec hymns are sung.
The main events take place in the following cities and provinces: Huauchinango, Naupan, Mexico City, Zongolica and Jicotepec.

July

Festival of Guelaguetza
Celebrated every year on two consecutive Mondays after July 16th. "Galageza" means "peace and solidarity" and is dedicated to corn. The city of Oaxaca is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Monuments from Mexico's colonial period have been preserved in excellent condition here. The city is famous for its beauty, museums, old traditions, and cuisine. The festival is believed to date back to pre-Columbian traditions. Descendants of Indian ethnic groups still live here, who have preserved their customs and traditions. During the holiday in Oaxaca, concerts, folk music and dance programs are held in a large amphitheater on the hill.

August

La Morisma
At the end of August, fighting takes place on the streets of the colonial city, which is famous for its majestic cathedral. This battle involves more than 2,000 people who reenact the battle between Christians and Moors that took place in old Spain. The holiday is actually an open-air performance. The entire battle is accompanied by musical groups.

October

Cervantino Festival in Gaunajuato
The festival takes place in October and lasts for three weeks. A large number of artists from all continents take part in it. There are dance competitions, concerts of modern and classical music, and theater performances. “Cervantino” is an international cultural event that surprises and delights every year! The picturesque scene of this festival is the most beautiful city in Mexico - Guanajuato.

International Film Festival in Morelia
Morelia is the pink city of Mexico. Many of the buildings here are built of pink stone. Due to the fact that more than 1,000 colonial buildings and churches have been preserved in the city, Morelia has been included in the list of World Heritage Sites. Most of the time the city lives a calm and measured life. But in mid-October it picks up significantly due to the International Film Festival. The basis of the film festival is documentary films. Visitors from all over the American continent come to Morelia and fill the bars and cafes, as well as the streets. In honor of the film festival, musical programs are held and famous musicians and singers visit the city.

October Fiesta in Guadalajara
Guadalajara is associated with tequila, Mexican cowboy culture and mariachi, one of the most widespread genres of Mexican folk music. The city is known for its vibrant musicality and artistic performances. It is in October that music festivals of modern music, alternative rock, Mexican folk music, jazz, etc. take place here for a whole month.

November

All Souls' Day
On November 1 and 2, Mexico celebrates the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) - a holiday dedicated to the memory of the dead. In accordance with ancient Indian traditions, Mexicans create altars these days and offer gifts (sweets in the form of skulls, figurines of dressed female skeletons) to the souls of deceased relatives and friends, who, according to legend, are visiting their home at this time. This festival is the main public holiday in Mexico. These days, all official institutions are closed, and people dressed as skeletons take to the streets of cities and towns. These days it is customary to set sumptuous tables, visit each other, joke, have fun and have fun.

Festival de Santa Cecilia
Cecilia of Rome is a Roman martyr saint who is the patroness of church music. In Mexico, she is considered the patroness of all musicians. But the main characters at this festival are the mariachis, who are an integral part of both traditional and modern Mexican culture. The mariachi style has become widespread throughout the world. Therefore, many musicians from all corners of our planet participate in the festival. But on November 22, in the mariachi quarter in Mexico City, musicians not only of the mariachi genre gather, as well as musicians of the Veracruz style and other representatives of folk Mexican styles. They pay homage to Saint Cecelia with their art. Music and songs are heard in the square, professional groups dance, drawing the audience into the whirlpool of musical compositions. And, of course, there are tents nearby selling traditional Mexican dishes and drinks.

December

Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe
A religious holiday celebrated on December 12 throughout Mexico. But the main celebration site is the Temple of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Mexicans revere their lady Guadalupe as a patroness, protector and peacemaker. The holiday came with the Spanish and has become a national holiday since the mid-19th century. After the religious ceremonies, folk festivities begin: songs, dances and parades.

Photo: Maryam Ali and from the Internet. For questions regarding authorship, please contact the company office.
Material taken from English-language sites

Mexico: upcoming tours

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Departures 2019: September 16, October 19, December 27; Departures 2020: January 17, February 14, March 6, September 18, October 16, November 27, December 25; 9 days / 8 nights Mexico City – Teotihuacan – Puebla – Oaxaza – Monte Alban – Tehuantepec – San Cristobal de las Casas – Palenque – Campeche – Uxmal – Merida – Chichen Itza – Ek Balam – Cancun – Mexico City A tour from the center of Mexico to the Caribbean Gulf is a journey through time and space: contact with the cultures of vanished civilizations, visiting Indian villages. You will see pyramids, ancient cities buried in vines and multi-tiered jungles, take a boat trip through the canyon, and swim in a karst lake - a cenote. We offer to extend the tour with a vacation on the beaches of the Caribbean Gulf in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen. from 1970 USD for 2-seater size + air tickets.

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Departures 2019: October 20, November 11, November 17, November 25, December 8; Departures 2020: January 19, January 27, February 17, February 23, March 29, April 20, April 26; 6 days / 5 nights Mexico City – Xochimilco – Teotihuacan – Campeche – Uxmal – Merida – Chichen Itza – Cancun A guaranteed excursion tour to Mexico “Mysteries of the Aztecs and Mayans” will immerse you in the bright and colorful world of the ancient civilizations of the Mayans and Aztecs. To get closer to the origins of these cultures, you can visit the National Anthropological Museum, the historical center of Mexico City and ancient cities such as Teotihuacan, Uxmal, Chichen Itza, Campeche and Merida. Many of these places are under UNESCO protection. Finally, the trip ends with the natural beauty of an underground lake and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. from 1395 USD for double occupancy + a/b.

Departures 2019: November 3, November 24; 13 days / 12 nights Guatemala City – Antigua – lake. Atitlan – Flores – Tikal – Quirigua (Guatemala) – Copan (Honduras) – San Salvador (El Salvador) – San Jose (Costa Rica) – Poas – Arenal – Guanacaste – Granada (Nicaragua) – Rincon de la Vieja (Costa Rica) Rika) The program includes visits to the most famous historical places included in the golden fund of world historical and cultural heritage in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. The cities-centers of the Mayan civilization, ancient capitals, fortresses and cathedrals, fire-breathing and dormant volcanoes, mountains and tropical rivers, the beauty of the jungle and thermal springs. Group tour with Russian-speaking guides throughout the entire excursion program! from 3890 USD for 2-seater size All air tickets are included in the price!

Departures 2019: November 12; Departures 2020: February 18; 11 days / 10 nights Mexico City – Teotihuacan – Taxco – Xochicalco – Cacahuamilpa Caves – Xochimilco – Mexico City – Puebla – Veracruz – La Venta – Palenque – Yaxchilan – Campeche – Uxmal – Merida – Chichen Itza – Cancun On the excursion group tour of Mexico “Mystical Mexico” you will get acquainted with the heritage of the ancient cultures of Central and Eastern Mexico. A magnificent journey through the most important cultural and religious sites of the central and eastern parts of the country will give you unforgettable emotions from the sights you see: majestic archaeological monuments, colonial architecture, natural diversity and richness of traditions. Our tour is designed specifically for those who are attracted by the mysticism and secrets of ancient civilizations. Group tour with a Russian-speaking guide. from 2510 USD for double occupancy + a/b