3 Places Where Mexico's Festival of Remembrance Outshines Any Halloween
Authors / Photo source: Unsplash, Fili Santillán.
Contents:
- On the Day of the Dead in Mexico City, Giant Skeletons March Down Reforma.
- Why Is a Night in an Oaxaca Cemetery Not Scary at All?
- Candlelit Boats Cross the Dark Waters of Lake Pátzcuaro to Janitzio Island.
In late October, half the world dresses up in scary costumes and carves pumpkins. In Mexico, people are getting ready for a very different celebration. The Day of the Dead, Día de los Muertos, falls on 1 and 2 November, and it's a celebration of memory. Tradition holds that on these nights the souls of loved ones come home, and families welcome them as honoured guests. Families build ofrenda altars with photos, favourite dishes and bright orange marigolds, while candles burn and music plays in the cemeteries until dawn. Since 2008, the tradition has been on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Here are three places where you can see the celebration in all its beauty.
On the Day of the Dead in Mexico City, Giant Skeletons March Down Reforma.
Authors / Photo source: Wikimedia Commons, Yobahi (CC BY-SA 4.0).
In the capital, the festivities run from 29 October to 2 November. The highlight, the Grand Day of the Dead Parade, takes place on Saturday 31 October. It sets off at 2 pm from the Diana the Huntress fountain, follows Paseo de la Reforma and Avenida Juárez and ends in the Zócalo, the main square. Giant skeletons, marching bands and dancers in calavera make-up take about four hours to pass, and watching is free. The parade first appeared in 2016, inspired by the James Bond film Spectre, and now the whole city looks forward to it. From 29 October, a 32-metre Catrina stands in the Zócalo. Bakeries sell pan de muerto, a sweet bread scented with orange blossom. On parade day, the centre is closed to traffic, so plan your ride from the airport to your hotel in advance.
Why Is a Night in an Oaxaca Cemetery Not Scary at All?
Authors / Photo source: Wikimedia Commons, BigCuyo (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Oaxaca is known as the heart of the Day of the Dead. The markets overflow with marigolds, and the stalls are piled with sugar skulls and bread decorated with painted faces. On the night of 31 October to 1 November, families in Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán decorate graves with flowers and candles, bring food and stay until morning. The air smells of copal resin, songs drift between the graves, and visitors are made welcome. The golden rule: ask before you take a photo. From 31 October, comparsas fill the streets. These cheerful costume processions march to brass bands and go on for several days. Oaxaca Airport sits right next to Xoxocotlán, 20 minutes from the historic centre. During the holidays, taxis at the terminal get snapped up fast. A private transfer booked in advance saves you the wait: your voucher includes the driver's contact details, so finding each other at the exit is easy.
Candlelit Boats Cross the Dark Waters of Lake Pátzcuaro to Janitzio Island.
Authors / Photo source: Wikimedia Commons, Randal Sheppard (CC BY-SA 2.0).
The best-known celebration in the state of Michoacán takes place on Lake Pátzcuaro. On the night of 1 to 2 November, Purépecha families row out to Janitzio Island in candlelit boats and keep watch by their loved ones' graves until dawn. From the water, the island looks like a scattering of tiny lights. Access to the cemetery may be limited at peak hours, but the vigil is easy to see from the water and from the lookout. During the day, visit the Pátzcuaro market and Santa Fe de la Laguna, where families open their home altars to visitors and the rooms smell of candle wax and marigolds. On 1 November, Morelia hosts its Parade of Catrinas.
Candlelight over the dark water of Pátzcuaro and the scent of marigolds in the streets of Oaxaca stay with you long after the trip. If you're in Mexico over the holiday, make time for at least one of these places. A private transfer with Intui takes a couple of minutes to book: your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a name sign, and the price is fixed at booking. All that's left is to watch and listen. Can't make it this year? Save the dates: on 1 and 2 November, Mexico will light its candles again.
More travel photos in our Telegram channel.
Read also: Cities That Flood with Light Once a Year
Planning festival trips for clients? Travel professionals and bloggers get special terms with Intui, so join the affiliate programme: https://partner.intui.travel/en/
Golovanov Alex & Intui travel
