Pátzcuaro Mexico, 2015
Before the end of October, I decided to spend the first days of November in Mexico. I skipped the Halloween parade and parties in Manhattan, to instead spend quality time with my family, and to experience the biggest celebration of Dia de Muertos in Pátzcuaro, a small town located in the state of Michoacán.
Some hours after arriving to Mexico City, we drove directly to Pátzcuaro, and checked in to a cozy hotel, in a room with a balcony facing the main square of the town. During these days, there is a market of artisanal and handmade products sold by all of the locals, so getting unique and beautiful Mexican crafts becomes a part of the festivities.
When November 1 arrives, there is a dramatic decoration shift in all houses and cemeteries around the town: thousands of yellow, orange and dark pink colored flowers cover façades and shrines. Along with good memories from the close relatives that have passed away, everyone prays and starts the celebration of Dia de Muertos.
I can personally understand and relate to the importance of this tradition, because as a born mexican, one of the most valued aspects in our lives is the family. This is why this event has such a big magnitude.
The first two days of November (and sometimes since October 31), the families gather to remember those beloved friends and family members that have died. The yellow flowers, called cempasúchil flowers, are the most caracteristic ornaments used to decorate altars and shrines in houses and cemeteries. This bright color, together with candles and the favorite goods of the deceased “attract their souls”, and this way the families can guide their beloved ones in their spiritual journey.
The most famous cemeteries around Pátzcuaro are the ones from Janitzio, Tzintzuntzan, Yunuen, and other islands around the lake. It is outstanding to see grey cemeteries turn into such beautiful and vibrant places, and to observe all families remember with love and meaning everything they cherished about their family members.
Hope you enjoy the feeling of this beautiful mexican tradition through these pictures. I look forward to share with you the next diary of my trip there.
Denni
The post Dia de Muertos, Pátzcuaro is a new article from chicmuse by Denni Elias.