ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORIA, MEXICO—On the evening of Saturday, Nov. 2, the Rosarito Beach Hotel & Spa will offer a dinner/dance and Catrina costume contest as part of Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebration.
On the Noche de Catrinas from 6pm to 11:30pm in its Mexicano Ballroom and Museum, the historic hotel will host an expansive dinner buffet and dance along with a Catrina costume contest with first, second and third prizes.
Catrina, a fictional skeletal figure in a fancy hat, is the best known symbol of Day of Dead celebrations, observed each year in Mexico on Nov. 1 and 2. The hotel will offer free Catrina makeup sessions for those attending.
The night will include live dance music and a folkloric ballet performance. Tickets are 550 pesos for adults and 330 pesos for children ages 12 and under. Advance tickets are available at eventbrite.com.mx, or by calling or visiting the resort.
Similar to Halloween (Hallows Eve) in the United States, modern Day of the Dead celebrations were originally linked to All Hallows Day on Nov. 1, on which Catholics and some other religions honor their saints. November 2, All Souls Day, honored all the faithful departed.
Depending on the country, ancient Irish and Aztec rituals also have been linked to the various celebrations. In Baja, Mexico, with its proximity to the U.S. and large number of expatriates from the U.S., both the Day of the Dead and Halloween (Oct. 31) are celebrated.
In Mexico, the Day of the Dead has evolved into more of a joyous than a somber occasion for remembering those who have passed. Families often erect altars containing favorite foods and treasured items of the departed.
The iconic hotel is marking its centennial this year. Further information on the Rosarito Beach Hotel & Spa, including a virtual tour of the self-enclosed resort, is available at www.rosaritobeachhotel.com
MEDIA CONTACT: Ron Raposa