Comments on: Celebrating Life on Day of the Dead in Mexico

By: Arlene

Arlene — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 05:45:49 +0000

I will be arriving in Puerto Vallarta (my 5th year!) on Nov. 2nd, in the evening. Can anyone recommend a Day of Dead finale event I can attend?

By: Lamar

Lamar — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 23:57:36 +0000

As an American, I attended a local cemetery with a local friend for the first time in 2011, really had no idea what to expect. Wow, what an experience, it was festive, touching to see all of the people remembering their loved one who had passed with food and drink. Not at all solemn, but a true celebration of the lives that had been lived, and have now passed, by their loved ones still here. I have been back a couple times more and try to time my visits around Nov. 1 and 2nd. I did this in Huatulco, Oaxaca, a truly unique and wonderful experience.

By: Bonnie Bridges

Bonnie Bridges — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 14:57:41 +0000

I think dedicating a joyous celebration to deceased loved ones is lovely tradition; it seems so life-affirming!

By: David Haun

David Haun — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 14:24:46 +0000

When I was in Oaxaca a decade ago, Day of the Dead was not celebrated that much. Our hotel had a tour that night, but the cemeteries were not only empty, but locked. There were no public celebrations anywhere besides a few hotels trying to commercialize the event.
Since then, Oaxaca is trying to gain importance for Dia de Muertos, but it is no where near the history and tradition of the Lake Patzcuaro region of Michoacan.
Plus, Lake Patzcuaro is one of the few places celebrating Noche de Muertos, Night of the Dead, happening right now. If you want history and tradition, come to Lake Patzcuaro.

By: Don Johnson

Don Johnson — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 15:37:42 +0000

Here in Austin, TX, our Mexic-Arte Museum has sponsored Viva la Vida festival and parade, the city’s longest running (34th year) and largest Day of the Dead event. Last year there were over 10,000 attendees. This year held on 28 October. In fact, our mayor has proclaimed Austin Dia de los Muertos from this Saturday, 28 October, through 4 November, trying to make this a Latino-themed citywide celebration.

By: Susan Carlson

Susan Carlson — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 14:53:05 +0000

What a unique and beautiful celebration this is… and I think worth considering in our own families, no matter where we are. In our state of Arizona, we find Day of the Dead celebrations everywhere, from the parade through the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix, to the displays at Mesa Arts Center, to the great celebrations and parade in Tucson ~ an event that’s growing in popularity every year. In fact, we’ll learn about Day of the Dead in the classroom just next week!

We’ve not yet seen this celebration up close in Mexico, but hope to eventually.

By: Miriam

Miriam — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 16:15:10 +0000

Go see the ofrendas!

Every year, at CU-Ciudad Universitaria-, main campus of the UNAM, there’s an exposition of ofrendas made for Día de Muertos. They are shown for about a week on the main gardens of the campus. These gardens are called “islas” (islands) and everybody knows where they are so you will get good directions about getting there.

It is a public, free and fun event. You can go see them by day or also at night, which makes it much more fun. Although I recommend getting there while there’s still more light so you can admire all of the details in the ofrendas and, then, staying there until it gets dark.

There are stands with food and beverages and, of course, they sell pan de muerto and hot chocolate.

It’s safe, though keep in mind that there will be lots and lots of people. And it is chilly, so bring a jacket with you.

The experience is amazing, so I recommend it to everybody. Hope you enjoy it!