Day of the dead in chignahuapan: how is it celebrated?

The Day of the Dead is one of the most emblematic festivities in Mexico, being a strong representative of Mexican culture in the world.

In Chignahuapan, a picturesque town located in the Sierra Norte of Puebla, this tradition acquires a special meaning and beauty.

Known for its hot springs, this place also stands out for its Day of the Dead celebration, with an event that blends ancestral rituals with modern elements, creating a unique experience to experience. Learn more about this incomparable event in this Hertz Mexico article.

Origin of the ceremony

The Day of the Dead in Chignahuapan has its roots in the ancient pre-Hispanic traditions of the Nahua cultures, which inhabited the region long before the arrival of the Spanish. These cultures believed that death was not the end of life, but a transition to another existence. This concept of death as a continuation of life has endured throughout the centuries and has been integrated with elements of Catholicism, giving rise to the celebration we know today.

In Chignahuapan, this celebration has evolved to include not only traditional rituals, such as creating altars and visiting the graves of loved ones, but also contemporary cultural manifestations that seek to highlight the importance of keeping the memory of the deceased alive.

When, where and how is it celebrated?

The celebration of the Day of the Dead in Chignahuapan takes place every year between November 1 and 2, coinciding with the traditional dates of the Day of the Dead in Mexico. To get there, you can opt for car rental in Puebla and drive approximately two hours to the town. Another option is to rent a car in Mexico City, which is about 100 miles away by highway.

The Day of the Dead event in Chignahuapan takes place in the center of town, particularly in the Plaza de la Constitución, and extends to other emblematic points such as the zócalo, the local cemetery, and the famous lagoon.

The celebration is characterized by a combination of traditional activities and modern events. Among the most common rituals is the installation of altars in homes and public places, where offerings decorated with cempasúchil flowers, papel picado, candles, photographs of the deceased and their favorite dishes are placed.

The cempasúchil, a bright orange flower, is used to guide the souls of the deceased to the ofrendas, thanks to its bright color and distinctive fragrance. These offerings symbolize the return of the souls of loved ones to the world of the living to live with them during the holiday.

One of the most anticipated activities is the night procession that takes place on November 1, in which residents and visitors walk through the streets of the town carrying lighted candles, accompanied by music and traditional songs. This procession ends at the Chignahuapan lagoon, where the Festival of Light and Life is celebrated.

Festival of Light and Life

The Festival of Light and Life is, without a doubt, the highlight of the celebration in Chignahuapan. This event, which takes place at dusk, is a multimedia show that combines music, dance, lights and pyrotechnics to tell the story of the journey of souls from the world of the living to the Mictlan, the underworld of Mexica mythology.

The festival takes place in the Chignahuapan lagoon, a natural setting that, at nightfall, becomes the stage for this performance. During the event, lights and shadows are reflected in the waters of the lagoon, creating a mystical atmosphere that transports you to a world where life and death coexist harmoniously.

The Festival of Light and Life is a tribute to the deceased and also a celebration of life itself, highlighting the importance of remembering and honoring those who are no longer with us, but whose memory lives on in our hearts.

Who can attend?

The Day of the Dead celebration in Chignahuapan is open to everyone. Both villagers and visitors from other parts of Mexico and the world are welcome to participate in the activities. The atmosphere is family-like and the hospitality of the locals makes everyone feel part of this tradition, regardless of their origin or beliefs.

In addition, Chignahuapan offers a wide variety of lodging and gastronomic options, which makes it an accessible and attractive destination for those who wish to live an authentic experience of the Day of the Dead in Mexico.

What you should keep in mind is that the holiday attracts a large number of tourists, so we recommend planning your trip in advance. You can rent a car with Hertz Mexico from the website in simple steps and make sure you have the car category of your choice. In addition, Chignahuapan has lodging options ranging from small family-run hotels to cabins on the outskirts of town.

The Day of the Dead in Chignahuapan is a manifestation of the cultural identity of a town that, through light, music and art, keeps alive the memory of their ancestors. This event is an invitation to reflect on life and death, and to celebrate both as inseparable parts of our existence. For those looking for a unique and deeply moving experience, Chignahuapan becomes the ideal place to experience the Day of the Dead at its best.

Come on, rent a car with Hertz Mexico and visit this magical town to enjoy the Day of the Dead and take the opportunity to explore its surroundings.