The Day of the Dead is one of my favorite holidays in México. No matter where you happen to be, the key is to head to the main plaza at dark to see what is going on. Usually there will be lots of altars, generally for local business, church, and government people who have died in the past year.
If you walk around the neighborhood, many families will have altars to their loved ones either in a doorway, garage, or visible through the window protections on a front room. They are usually nearby and you are welcome to appreciate their remembrance.
Many of the celebrations we experienced when we lived in Mazatlán were as part of a callejoneada – a parade/walk through Centro behind a horse drawn wagon with barrels of beer – which of course was being given out free to those walking along. Lots of people dressed as catrinas and the atmosphere was festive and fun. Click on the image below if you’d like to read a post from one of the fun evenings in Mazatlán.
One year we spent November 1 in Tepoztlán with family. November 1 is Dia de los Inocentes and is the night when children who died are remembered. It was one of my favorite Muertos ever, and I hope you revisit the post I did about it by clicking on the image below.
Here in the little town of San Antonio Tlayacapan the experience is different to both of those shown above. It is a bit quieter, which is always surprising as cohetes (rockets) and loud music go with all celebrations, usually. Below are pictures from the plaza and the church, just as it was getting dark. The taco people and the cake and pie lady were all set up but there weren’t many people buying yet. And in contrast to the parade and lighting of the Wall of Skulls in Ajijic, we seemed to have been the only gringos out and about.
This morning when I passed through the plaza all evidence of last night had been erased… I hope you enjoy the photos.
judith bond
November 3, 2021What wonderful photos! El Dia de Los Muertos is my favorite Mexican holiday, too. It is at once solemn, loving, joyful and magical. It is great that you are able to have a different experience of the holiday in your new home. You must feel so close to the people there.
Nancy
November 3, 2021Hi Judith, Love the sentiment of muertos and also getting to know our new home. Love to you and Ken. xo
Anne Murphy
November 3, 2021I felt a wave of nostalgia when I saw your great photos Nancy. I always felt that this day reflected the heart of the Mexican people so well. Wonderful memories.
Nancy
November 3, 2021Hi Anne, Thanks so much for your comment, waves of nostalgia hit us all – I get it sometimes about the PNW. Miss you guys. xo
Contessa Jewall
November 3, 2021I love your photos. So much more toned down from Mazatlan but realistic for a smaller community.
Nancy
November 3, 2021Hi Contessa, I bet you are excited about getting down to Maz, what a time it has been! Thanks for commenting. xoxo
Nadine Raber
November 4, 2021Thanks for sharing your thoughts and pictures of Day of the Dead. Congratulations for getting out and about for this fun special celebration.
Nancy
November 4, 2021Hi Nadine, Hope you had a nice Muertos too. Hope too see you again soon. xoxo
Mary Ruzich
November 4, 2021Loved your photos! We visited the church plaza right below our house in the afternoon…there were about 4 or 5 altars from families in our barrio…very nice. Later, when dark, we went to 5 de Mayo to check out the many altars that I’ve heard are on that street, and I wasn’t disappointed. Mostly Mexicans were out and the altars were beautiful! Such a lovely event!
Nancy
November 4, 2021Hi Mary! Sounds like you guys had a good night too! I love the small town aspect of this special holiday. xoxo