One of the Mexican celebrations that most intrigues foreigners is the tradition of the Day of the Dead. A party full of aromas, flavors, music, candles, decorations and colors to celebrate the links between life and death. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful traditions that extend throughout our country.
For this reason, we tell you how different magical towns live this date in a very special way.
Live the tradition of the Day of the Dead in a unique way
Pátzcuaro, in the heart of the Day of the Dead
To talk about the tradition of the Day of the Dead we have to mention, without exception, the Magical Town of Michoacán: Patzcuaro. This town has preserved its customs despite the large number of tourists who visit it annually. Without a doubt, during the celebrations of the Day of the Dead, Pátzcuaro is a national and international point of reference.
The surroundings of Pátzcuaro, Tzintzuntzan, San Pedro Cucuchucho, Ichupio, Santa Fe de la Laguna and Ihuatzio have the island of Janitzio as the epicenter of all the celebrations. In the center of Lake Pátzcuaro, the festivities begin on October 28 and end on November 2. Starting with the Noche de Ánimas, they are the first offerings dedicated to children and young people.
The preparations begin with the preparation of the food. The streets begin to fill with traditional music, songs and decorations. The fishermen’s dance stands out on these dates: dances that stage the feats of fishing and are offerings to ask for good fishing in the region. Likewise, the hunting of the sacred duck is carried out; This animal is only hunted with a spear and is used to feed those who wait for the arrival of their deceased during the early hours of November 2.
During the midnight of November 1, the processions towards the pantheon are observed where children, women and men walk silently towards the meeting of their loved ones.
Without a doubt, Pátzcuaro is one of the best places in Mexico to experience the tradition of the Day of the Dead. Here you will find altars, songs, delicious cuisine and hundreds of candles and cempasuchil flowers.
If you want to plan your getaway to Pátzcuaro, click here.
Malinalco, the monumental offerings
Two and a half hours from Mexico Citythis is found Magic Town of the State of Mexico that offers a true spectacle during the celebrations of the Day of the Dead.
Here you will find monumental offerings, seasonal cocktails, delicious cuisine and much more. The offerings are installed inside the houses of the inhabitants of the town and become a tribute for the new deceased, that is, the people who died during the year.
The friends and relatives of the deceased color candles in the monumental offerings, with the purpose of guiding the souls home and not getting lost along the way.
If you are looking for a place close to the capital to celebrate the Day of the Dead, Malinalco is an excellent option. Here all visitors are welcome and greeted with joy by the residents; happy to celebrate together the beautiful tradition and the bond between life and death.
If you want to plan your getaway to Malinalco, click here.
Xilitla, the Xantolo and the tradition of the Day of the Dead
Although the Magical Town of Xilitla is famous for its surreal beauty, during the Day of the Dead celebrations it becomes even more wonderful. Here the Xantolo is celebrated, one of the most emblematic celebrations of the Huasteca Potosina, where the approach to the ancestors and the gods of the Tének and Náhuatl communities is celebrated.
The Xantolo is a party, it is an opportunity to thank all the favors received during the year, that is why all the communities of the Huasteca become a great celebration where hospitality, gastronomy, music and joy abound.
Preparations begin on October 30, when the first offerings are installed. On the first of November, relations with prayers begin, the images of the altars are incensed and the coexistence lasts all night. In addition, in some indigenous communities the Malinche Dance is performed with typical pieces from the area.
On November 2 the offerings are taken to the pantheons to decorate the tombs. Here it is believed that the deceased remain throughout the month of November in our point, that is why the offerings are renewed on November 30.
If you are looking to live a totally surreal experience, surrounded by the nature of the Huasteca Potosina and with the charm of the entire tradition of the Day of the Dead, Xilitla is the ideal place.
If you want to plan your getaway to Xilitla, click here.
Huautla Jiménez, where the huehuentones dance
And if we talk about Day of the Dead, we cannot fail to mention Oaxaca. In the Magical Town of Huautla de Jiménez, located in the Sierra Mazateca, this tradition is lived in a unique way. The whole town becomes a party from October 27 to November 2; full of music, dance, delicious cuisine and much more.
The tradition begins on October 27, with the Huehuentones who come to the pantheon to ask the deceased for permission to begin the celebration. During the following six days, the Huehuentones visit the houses and the pantheon to offer dances and songs in Mazatec to represent the joy of welcoming the deceased.
The residents place a reed arch in their house, which indicates the welcome to the souls towards the altar. The offerings are decorated with typical foods of the region, sour atole, copal, candles, flowers and figures of the deceased made of bread.
First, the souls of children and young people are received, at dawn on November 1. An event with pyrotechnics is carried out and the graves are watched. The souls of the adults are also received with pyrotechnics later and the coexistence is maintained throughout the night.
Living the Day of the Dead in Huautla Jiménez is a unique experience, since the entire town is involved in a celebration that unites the living and the dead in a party full of dance, music and tradition.