Remembrance of the deceased and world traditions in the hotel industry

08. 10. 2025

In many cultures of the world, remembrance of the deceased is one of the most important moments of the year. People commemorate their ancestors in various ways, through meal, light, music or silent meditation. In some places, this festive occasion has a joyful character full of colours and celebrations, in other places it is calm and meditative.

Hotels in particular can draw inspiration from various worldwide traditions and offer guests experiences that are aesthetic, worthy, and insightful.

Let´s have a look how hotels can be inspired by other countries:

Mexico – Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) as celebration of life

In Mexico, remembrance of the deceased takes the form of a colourful, musical, and family celebration. Altars filled with photographs, favourite meals of the dead, and orange flowers welcome the souls home, and the energy is more festive rather than mournful. Hotels can take advantage of this dynamic in creating an evening program that combines elegance with pleasure: themed ofrendas (small altars for the deceased) in the lobby, small azure or orange colour table decorations, desserts decorated with motifs of sugar skulls, and a workshop where guests can make their own paper cutouts (papel picado) or sugar decorations. It is essential to sensitively reflect the symbolism and offer guests the opportunity to participate in the creation of the altar or add a personal note while maintaining a respectful tone, not carnival frivolity.

Japan – Obon: lanterns, dances and the return of ancestors

Obon is a holiday during which Japanese families believe that the souls of ancestors return home. At night, lit lanterns are released onto water and bon odori dances are held. For hotels, this is an opportunity to create a calm, aesthetic experience with a strong visual element: soft lantern lighting by the water (if the hotel has a pond or pool), origami and calligraphy workshops, or a traditional dance performance in the evening. Wellness packages that combine silent meditation, a tea ritual, and aromatherapy can offer guests space for introspection and remembrance.

The Philippines – Undás, a family day spent together

In the Philippines, remembrance traditionally turns into days spent at graves; families bring meals, sit, sing, and the cemetery turns into a large gathering place. For hotels, this presents an opportunity to prepare family packages and meals that are suitable for a “picnic” – baskets filled with local delicacies that families can take with them, or a brunch format that encourages shared dining. Hotels can also offer spaces where families can stop for a moment and place their memorabilia; have lanterns or small gifts for children ready at the reception desk that can help turn the remembrance into a family moment.

Anglo-Saxon countries (the USA, UK, Canada) – Halloween

The holiday on 31 October in the USA, United Kingdom, and Canada has a different vibe; it is more playful, focused on costumes, pumpkins, and fun. Hotels have room for organizing family programs: pumpkin carving, themed brunch menus with pumpkin desserts, children’s programs with face painting and photo corners. For adult guests, they can prepare themed cocktails or evening parties with a slightly “spooky” touch or mysterious dinners.

A candlelit dinner can additionally enhance the symbolism of light. When serving, the atmosphere can also be enhanced by the setting of tables, as, for instance, elegantly folded napkins in candle or rose shape, which provide the table a symbolic and aesthetic dimension.

China – Qingming: cleanliness, order and respect

Unlike in most countries, where the deceased are remembered in autumn, in China, a similar holiday is held in spring, at the beginning of April. It is called the Qingming Festival or the “grave cleaning festival.” During this time, families visit their ancestors´graves, make them tidy, clean them, and decorate them with flowers, bring food, tea, and symbolic paper offerings that should serve the deceased in the afterlife.

In addition to remembrance, Qingming is also an occasion when people spend time in nature, go for walks, fly kites, or organize picnics. In this way, the holiday is connected to the cycle of nature: while autumn is associated with decline and calmness in our culture, in China, spring brings purification, a new beginning, and commemoration of ancestors.

For hotels, Qingming can be an inspiration to create programs combining remembrance with nature, from tea rituals to walks in the countryside and up to picnic baskets prepared for guests. It is an utterly different mood, but with the same message: to pause and honour those who were here before us.

Slovakia – All Saints´Day and an empty place at the table

Also in Slovakia, the remembrance of the deceased was associated with rich symbolism a long time ago. People believed that on these days, souls were returning home, so they were preparing feasts for them. Bread, cakes, and a glass of wine were always present on the tables and “for the soul”, an empty place was left at the table. The light of candles was supposed to show the way for it and remembrance formed a bridge between the generations. For hotels, this custom can be an inspiration to create an intimate, peaceful atmosphere – from candlelit dining to small symbolic gestures that remind guests of the value of traditions.

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