Holy Week in Tulum
Holy Week in Tulum

March 29, 2024
Today´s Paper

March 29, 2024

Holy Week in Tulum

Spending Easter vacations in Tulum is a multifaceted experience. The three areas that make up this Quintana Roo community offer three different ways to experience the magic of this Riviera Maya tourist destination. Holy Week vacations should be taken advantage of to the fullest, since they are likely to be longer than they really are. Therefore, choosing an interesting tourist destination, but also close to other travel alternatives, is essential. Tulum perfectly meets this requirement and for this reason it is one of the best places to enjoy Easter vacations.

Holy Week in Tulum

First we must mention the importance of the archaeological site of Tulum. It is a very relevant pre-Hispanic site, due to its historical and architectural particularities. It is the third most visited destination of its kind in our country, only below Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza. It stands out mainly because it is the only city of the ancient Mayas, built by the sea. For those who plan to visit this magical site during Easter Week, it is interesting to know that Tulum, in Mayan, means “wall” and that the original name of this city was Zamá, which means “dawn” or “morning”.

Holy Week in Tulum

But we also have the hotel zone of Tulum, which is characterized by bohemian style lodging establishments, oriented to the protection of the environment. During the Easter vacations, it is a pleasure to get to know the most famous hotels in Tulum and stay in one of them. These are hotels that, although small in size, offer an enormous tourist satisfaction to those who book them.

Holy Week in Tulum

Finally, we should comment on the third facet of Tulum, the town that has emerged from the tourist promotion of the archaeological zone. It has a main avenue, around which the main commercial activities of the community are developed. The town of Tulum, although small, is perfect to be enjoyed during Holy Week, because it has many restaurants, handicraft stores and other attractive businesses.

Holy Week in Tulum

It is worth mentioning the fact that Tulum is so close to other first class tourist destinations in the Riviera Maya, such as Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Likewise, Tulum’s beaches are perfect for scuba diving and the abundant cenotes nearby are excellent for ecotourism.

Easter vacations in Mexico

When is Easter Week in 2023?

Do you want to know how many days the Easter vacations are? Easter this 2023 takes place between Sunday, April 2 through Sunday, April 9. Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon following the March equinox, so Easter is not always celebrated on the same dates.

How is Holy Week or Easter celebrated in Mexico? Typical traditions or customs in the Riviera Maya
Easter is a very important time in Mexico, since it is an opportunity to remember and honor the death and resurrection of Jesus. So, choosing Riviera Maya as your destination for Easter vacations this 2023 can be an unforgettable adventure.

Holy Week in Tulum

Celebrations vary from region to region, but some common traditions include religious processions and ceremonies, as well as cultural events and festivals. In Mexico, Christian and pagan customs and traditions coexist during Holy Week.

Among the typical customs of the Riviera Maya during these dates are religious representations and masks. One of the most important acts is the “burning of Judas”, in which figures of Judas Iscariot, the devil or other “evil” figures of society are burned. In addition, the Palm Sunday and Stations of the Cross processions are grandiose and eye-catching events in the Mexican country. It is also a tradition for Mexicans to dress up as the devil and scare people through the main areas of the cities while chasing the Cristo-Sol, a representation of Jesus as a child.

What places can you visit during Holy Week in Mexico?

One of the most popular places to visit on your trip to the Riviera Maya during Easter Week is the Yucatan Peninsula, where the famous city of Merida is located. Here you can enjoy the natural beauty of the region, such as the Sian Ka’an reserve, one of the most important areas of the peninsula for biodiversity conservation. You can also visit the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, one of the seven wonders of the modern world, and learn more about Maya history and culture.

Another option is Mexico City, where you can visit museums and art galleries, such as the National Museum of Anthropology and History and the Museum of Modern Art. You can also walk through the historic center of the city and admire the colonial architecture, or climb Cerro de la Estrella and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

Holy Week in Tulum

For those who prefer to relax on the beach, Mexico has many options. One of the most popular is Cancun, with its turquoise waters and white sand beaches. You can also visit Playa del Carmen, with its boutiques and restaurants, or Tulum, with its more relaxed atmosphere and nearby Mayan ruins.

Holy Week in Tulum

Tips for traveling to the Riviera Maya during Semana Santa (Easter Week)

If you are planning a trip during Semana Santa, it is important to book your flights and hotels in advance, as this is a very busy time of the year to travel to Mexico. We advise you to check what requirements and documents you need to fly to the Riviera Maya as soon as possible.

It is also advisable to wear light and comfortable clothes, and bring sunscreen and insect repellent. Regarding transportation, you can choose to rent a car to move around the country or use transportation services such as our transfers or shuttle services in Riviera Maya. You can also use public transportation, such as the metro or bus, which are cheaper options but perhaps a little less comfortable.

Holy Week in Tulum

As for its gastronomy, Mexico has a wide variety of culinary options, from traditional dishes such as tacos and enchiladas to more innovative dishes. Don’t miss the opportunity to try mole, a typical sauce made with a mixture of chiles and spices, or tejuino, a drink made with fermented corn and sweetened with piloncillo.

In short, Easter is an excellent time to take a trip to Mexico and enjoy its beaches, historic cities and culinary delights. Don’t wait any longer and start planning your trip with Xplora Riviera today!

Have you already visited Mexico during Semana Santa? What was your experience? Share it with us in the comments!