Day of the Dead in Patzcuaro and the Lake Region
Pátzcuaro is a “Pueblo Mágico” (“Magic Village”) that
many people want to visit especially on Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead). This is a unique experience that shows off the culture of
Michoacán that makes us so proud.
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| Day of the Dead in Patzcuaro, Michoacan |
The Day of the Dead is an experience that you have to live and discover because this ritual so rooted among Mexicans has been included in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
In Michoacán, this festival also has a counter, the Night of the Dead, a ritual with enormous significance for the native people of Lake Pátzcuaro and the Lake Region. The Purépecha (indigenous) community
is intensely proud of the culture and traditions they have inherited from their
ancestors.
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| Day of the Dead in Michoacan |
The dates that this festivity is celebrated are November 1 and 2, but the celebration begins for the Purépechas from the afternoon of October 31, which is when the ofrendas are made for the “little angels,” which specifically references deceased children.
It is important to specify that it is the festival of the spirits of the
deceased, a celebration of great importance for the Purepechas. It
is the day that their loved ones momentarily return and, as such, it must be
observed with absolute respect, abiding by the established rules.
How is Day of the Dead Celebrated?
In the coasts of Lake Pátzcuaro, each community has its
peculiarities, celebrating the people who died in the course of the previous
year. Families prepare a lot of food for those who come to offer their comforts
and sympathies. An altar in honor of the deceased is placed in a certain
place in the house.
Family and friends come to honor the deceased; fruit, breads and candles
are placed as part of the altar. People arriving little by little throughout
the night in groups, settle around the altar.
In some communities, the “ofrenda” (offering) is made in the
graveyard. The time at which they perform the vigil varies with each
community. Some watch all night long, others remain a while either
at midnight or early morning.
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| Day of the Dead in Pátzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico |
The cemeteries are filled with aromatic flowers, the traditional orange-yellow marigold. The arches at the entrances to the cemeteries are covered with these marigolds, and sometimes with the lion's claw.
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| Day of the Dead in Michoacan at Tzintzuntzan at Lake Patzcuaro Region |
At the “ofrendas,” you can also see embroidered
tablecloths and napkins, cooked chayotes, fruits in handmade plates, etc. Also
hanging from the ofrendas are fruits such as bananas or oranges, “Muertos”
bread, and skulls made of sugar.
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| Day of the Dead in Patzcuaro, Michoacan |
The traditional food of this day is tamale and pozole.
Enjoy this unique experience that you will surely treasure and that will make your trip unforgettable.
*Text, pictures and video property of Hotel Mansión Iturbe.
We invite you to check more post in our blog , you will find information about Patzcuaro and its surroundings that we hope will be useful for your next visit to our colonial town in Mexico.
Here are some post that we suggest you:
A Trip around Lake Patzcuaro - A must do in your next visit!
Night of the Dead Patzcuaro Artisan Competition
Sustainable Gastronomy on Lake Patzcuaro, Michoacan
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