Special guest:  the State of Puebla

* During the 3rd Life and Death Traditions Festival,

** Participating with offerings and a exhibition of photographs and handcrafts

By Alejandra Flores

The state of Puebla will be a special guest of the 3rd Life and Death Traditions Festival, Xcaret 2008, with offerings, handcrafts and a spectacular exhibit of photographs that will allow Quintana Roo to experience the festivities for the faithful in the center of Mexico, said Festival director, Leticia Aguerrebere. She added that one of the goals of this grand event is to feature another each year, not only as a way to present the many and varied ways we have in Mexico of celebrating the Day of the Dead, but also in recognition of the continued vitality  of the traditions that comprise our cultural diversity.

Xcaret Park`s Main Entrance and Cemetery Esplanade will host the Day of the Dead offerings that best represent the state of Puebla, featuring those from Huaquechula, where Mexico`s enormous Day of the Dead altars were born.

These unique and awe-inspiring altars are presented as a court, "some of them measuring almost 10 feet tall, covering the wall of a modest home", say researchers Mario Vargas and Jorge Sarmiento. "A table is reserved for the altar, where the next of kin invite visitors o partake of traditional fare, like chicken with rich green pumpkin seed sauce or a thick red mole sauce".

And, since a large part of Puebla`s offerings include lovely folk art, the State of Puebla has also involved its artisans to participate.  They will exhibit and sell some of the most beautiful creations inspired by the Day of the Dead celebrations.

The final touch to Puebla`s participation is a fascinating exhibit of photographs featuring the Day of the Dead, which will be installed in the passageways of the Ball Game Court at Xcaret Park.