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Día de los muertos activities and attractions in Morelia (Michoacán), a gastronomic capital
The Día de los muertos is celebrated nationwide, and features many local variations. For those who enjoy travelling off the beaten path, one of the most fascinating experiences to be found is to join in the celebration in a traditional Native community in Michoacán.
Halfway between Mexico City and the beaches of Zihuatanejo (Guerrero), the villages on the shores and on the islands of Lake Pátzcuaro (Michoacán) offer a completely different image of Mexico, where the mix of Native and European cultures is present at every turn.
On the Día de los muertos, the Purépecha Natives who live in the lake Pátzcuaro region put on was is considered one of the most authentic festival in Mexico, and have greatly contributed to the recognition of this holiday as Intangible World Heritage by the UNESCO. |
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The Pátzcuaro area is well serviced by the nearby Morelia International Airport (just 60 km away), which receives major airlines such as Continental, Mexicana and Aeroméxico. Thanks to the growing demand of tourists, there are now many quality hotels, inns and villas ready to welcome visitors. Furthermore, over 200 travel agencies and tour operators are present in the area, and can organize tours with professional guides who will take you to the heart of the fascinating culture of Michoacán.
You can contact them through the following link:
http://www.turismomichoacan.gob.mx/p_agencia.php
Finally, the Native communities of the area recently joined together, in association with the Secretariat of Tourism of the state of Michoacán, to form the Ruta Don Vasco de Quiroga. It comprises 15 municipalities and 40 communities, where 63% of the Native population of the state of Michoacán resides. This network of tourism infrastructure and services makes the locals able to introduce visitors to genuine aspects of their traditional culture without trading in quality standards. Their office of tourism is based in Santa Fe de la Laguna. |
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On the shores of Lake Pátzcuaro you can find the Ihuatzio archaeological site, Tzintzuntzan, once the capital of the Purépecha Empire and now a major handicraft center with vegetable fiber weaving and carved wood. It is also the site of a sixteenth century Franciscan convent.
Ever since the region was Christianized in the 16th century by Don Vasco de Quiroga, every village in the region has been perfecting a craft of its own, integrating European and Native techniques. Discover them all, by following the Ruta Don Vasco de Quiroga, and find wonderful gifts and unique souvenirs in the local markets of Pátzcuaro, Janitzio, Tzintzuntzan, Cuanaco, Santa Fe de la Laguna.
The traditions of the Día de los muertos in Pátzcuaro
Some of the highlights of the celebration include the weakening at the cemetery, the giving of offerings and the creation of an ark, a symbolic support for flower and food offerings. |
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The Día de los muertos is a celebration of the memory, aiming to honour as many deceased as possible. One ceremony, the Velación de los angélitos, is especially dedicated to the souls of the dead children or bachelors, and involves holding a special wake, generally held on November 1st. Other important aspects celebrated by the Purépecha people are the Teruscan and Campaneri, in which young villagers gather a collective offering dedicated to the deceased who no longer have anyone to hold a wake for them.
The ketzitakua is a special offering to the people who died in the course of the year. This ceremony is done at the homes where the dead one used to live, where the offerings are usually placed on a special altar set up for the occasion. The souls of the lost ones are given personal attentions, and relatives may cook them their favourite meals and offer them drinks of tequila or pulque. According to the creed, the offerings remain untouched because only the aroma suffices to feed the souls of the dead. Some of the most representative places where people practice the ketzitzkua are Santa Fe de la Laguna and Cuanajo.
The main wake lasts from the dusk of November 2nd to the dawn of November 3rd. Whole families visit the graves of their lost friends and relatives, and accompany them at candlelight and bring them offerings and flowers during this special night when they are said to come back among the living.
You can see a video showing some of the celebrations of the Día de los muertos in Janitzio on the following website:
http://www.inside-mexico.com |
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Here is the list of the local villages where celebrations can be observed:
| Erongarícuaro: |
From 9:00 pm on Nov. 1st to 3:00 on Nov. 2nd |
| Jarácuaro: |
From 11:00 am on Nov. 2nd |
| Arócutin: |
From 11:00 pm on Nov. 1st |
| Puácuaro: |
From 11:00 pm on Nov. 1st to 8:00am on Nov. 2nd |
| Janitzio (isla): |
From 8:00 to 12:00 on Nov. 1st, and from 12:00am to 8:00 am on Nov. 2nd |
| San Pedro Cucuchucho: |
From 9:00 pm on Nov. 1st |
| Ihuatzio: |
From 9:00 pm on Nov. 1st until Nov. 2nd |
| Tzintzuntzan: |
From 9:00 pm on Oct. 31st, and from 9:00 pm on Nov. 1st |
| Yunuén (isla): |
From 11:00 pm on Nov. 1st |
| Tzurumútaro: |
From 10:00 pm on Nov. 1st |
| Santa Clara del Cobre: |
From 10:00 pm on Nov. 1st |
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Accomodation in the Pátzcuaro Lake area
La Mansión de los Sueños
Welcome to La Mansión de los Sueños. A 17th century home, restored and renovated under a special design to become the best hotel in Pátzcuaro. Enjoy the best experience of your life, staying at this beautiful boutique-hotel located nearby some of the most picturesque sites in Mexico.
http://www.prismas.com.mx
Hotel Posada de Don Vasco
In the beautiful Mexican State of Michoacan, only 37 miles from its capital Morelia, between views and important tourist attractions like the Janitzio Island, Zirahuen lake and Santa Clara del Cobre, you'll find Pátzcuaro, one of the jewel cities of this country. Best Western Posada de Don Vasco and convention hall, offers National and foreign visitors its traditional hospitality.
http://www.bwposadadonvasco.com.mx
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La Siranda Casa-Hotel
La Siranda is a traditional colonial house in the heart of Pátzcuaro´s historic centre, recently transformed into a beautiful "Casa-Hotel" with 5 suites and breathtaking exteriors. Its combines tradition, refinement and tranquility, with a sense of exclusivity. Located a few meters from the "Plaza Grande", the Plaza don Vasco de Quiroga, wich its main town square exceptional in its dimensions and its elegance.
http://www.lasiranda-casahotel.com/
Along the villages covered by the Ruta Don Vasco de Quiroga, you can also opt for the most traditional and typical accommodation, by staying at a hostel owned by local inhabitants. On the island of Janitzio and in the surroundings, Sipekua, Echeri, Purhepecha, Iurhixeo are part of this program.
For more information about Pátzcuaro and the Lake Pátzcuaro area, please visit the following websites:
http://www.patzcuaro.com/
http://www.patzcuaromexico.com/
http://www.turismomichoacan.gob.mx |
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