Where To Celebrate Día de Muertos
Mexico is one of the main tourist destinations in the world, since it has a vibrant culture, flavorful foods, and beautiful places with unique scenery and landscapes.
It is also rich in traditions and each region expresses them in its own way. The “Dia de Muertos” (or Day of the Dead) is one of the most important traditions in Mexico. This tradition dates back to pre-Hispanic times and is still celebrated today.
If you come to Mexico during this season there are places you must visit if you want to see this tradition in action.
Mixquic (Mexico State)
Located in the Tláhuac Town in Mexico City, the famous “Alumbrada” takes place November 1st and 2nd. This event begins the day before the Day of the Dead, which is on November 2. All the lights are turned off and the cemeteries are filled with candles, and decorations of cempasuchil flowers. People spend the night praying and singing to their families and relatives. Mariachi groups, or small bands enrich a night full of music and color.
Janitzio (Michoacan)
This island is located in the middle of Pátzcuaro Lake, in the state of Michoacán. This celebration is an emblem for the people. On this small island, a traditional parade of canoes with butterfly nets, illuminated by candles passes by while people sing and pray.
The procession ends at the Pantheon where relatives sit around the tomb of their ancestors and celebrate their visit with an offering in their honor.
Xochimilco (Mexico State)
This part of Mexico is a tourist place year round. At this time, many people come to see the shows and attractions. The southern part of Mexico City draws many visitors because of its water canals and chinampas which are beautifully decorated. Night tours are available and they lead visitors to different altars where they can attend the different attractions that take place there.
Huaquechula (Puebla)
This town, 2 hours away from the state capital, is filled every year with hundreds of offerings that its people make for their deceased family members and relatives. If you choose a tour of the town, you can visit different altars. The main days of the celebration are November 1st and 2nd, and each house presents an offering up to 4 meters high, full of flowers, food, and decorations.
Oaxaca (Oaxaca)
This is a state with the greatest culture and traditions and during the Day of the Dead festivities, Oaxaca is filled with color and music. People decorate the front of their houses with decorations of skulls and catrinas. On the main day, a parade is held and dancers who are painted of “calaveras” carry offerings of flowers and food. The entire city becomes a party, where the offerings and tombs are visited, and the different foods of season are eaten.
Mexico City
Coming to Mexico during this season is synonymous with having one of the best cultural experiences that the country offers. The Day of the Dead celebration is unique and there is nothing like it in the world. Be sure to enjoy yourself and get to know the Mexican culture better. Without a doubt, this experience will give you a different perspective of death because there is not absence or sadness. It is celebration of joy and life.
Coming to Mexico during this season is synonymous with having one of the best cultural experiences that the country offers. The Day of the Dead celebration is unique and there is nothing like it in the world. Be sure to enjoy yourself and get to know the Mexican culture better. Without a doubt, this experience will give you a different perspective of death because there is not absence or sadness. It is celebration of joy and life.
