How is the day of the dead celebrated in san andrés mixquic?
The Day of the Dead in San Andrés Mixquic is known for the celebration of the 'Alumbrada', where thousands of people congregate in the local cemetery to pay homage to their deceased loved ones. On this date, the town is filled with music, dance, theater, legends and delicious gastronomy, creating a festive atmosphere.
If you happen to be in Mexico City, you will have the opportunity to be part of the Day of the Dead celebration in San Andrés Mixquic. The car rental in CDMX is ideal to visit this town and learn about its traditions.
What is the origin of the Day of the Dead in Mexico and when is it celebrated?
In the indigenous vision of the Day of the Dead, the holiday celebrates the temporary return of the souls of the departed, who return to the world of the living to reunite with their loved ones and enjoy the essence of the food offered on the altars in their honor.
The origin of the Day of the Dead is found in the integration of Catholic religious practices introduced by the Spaniards with ancient indigenous commemorations dating back to pre-Hispanic times. The Mexica, Mixtec, Zapotec and other native peoples adapted their veneration of the dead to the Christian calendar, coinciding with the end of the agricultural cycle of corn, the country's main food crop.
The celebration of the Day of the Dead in Mexico takes place on November 1 and 2, divided into two parts according to the Catholic calendar: November 1 is dedicated to All Saints, focusing on children, and November 2 is dedicated to the Faithful Departed or adults.
Every year, Mexican families prepare altars for the Day of the Dead decorated with flowers, papel picado, sugar skulls, pan de muerto, mole and other favorite dishes of their loved ones.
What are the Day of the Dead traditions?
The Day of the Dead altar is the essential element of this celebration. Offerings such as candy skulls, pan de muerto, flowers, portraits of the deceased, twelve candles, a cross, papel picado (chopped paper), calabaza en tacha (pumpkin), tejocote (tejocote), cane bow and flowers, incense and copal, water, food, beverages and corn are left here. The altar and the Day of the Dead offerings are central pieces of this Mexican festivity. In this way, families honor the deceased and offer a welcome to their souls.
Day of the Dead in San Andrés Mixquic: how is it celebrated and what are its traditions?
Every year, the town of San Andrés Mixquic opens its doors to receive its faithful departed. November 2 marks the climax of the Day of the Dead, when the town dresses up with colorful offerings, floral carpets and the illumination of the cemetery, waiting for the return of the souls of those who, although they are no longer here, are still alive in the memories and hearts of their loved ones.
San Andrés Mixquic stands out in Mexico City for its deep tradition around the Day of the Dead. Upon entering the town, local and foreign visitors are greeted by cartonería catrines, which mark the beginning of the celebration. Music, dance, theater, legends and gastronomy envelop the surroundings of the cemetery, creating a unique atmosphere.
November 2 is the great night of the Day of the Dead in San Andrés Mixquic, when the cemetery is filled with light and color with candles and flowers that honor the dead. This tradition, known as the alumbrada, is an evening dedicated to remembering the departed with songs, stories and special foods. Starting at noon, families dedicate themselves to cleaning and decorating the graves of their loved ones, awaiting the arrival of the souls.
La alumbrada de San Andrés Mixquic: what is it?
The Mixquic cemetery hosts a multitude of visitors who pay homage to their loved ones. People of all ages gather around the graves, decorating them with flowers. Candlelight guides the souls on their way to the afterlife.
Despite the colorful altars and the warmth that envelops the atmosphere, the mourning on the faces of those carrying piles of flowers reveals the essence of the moment. The ceremony is deeply personal and solemn. The cemetery paths become almost impassable, and visitors must respect the time and space of this very special Day of the Dead rite.
Outside the Mixquic cemetery, the atmosphere changes radically. Lively music, lively dancing and a variety of food fill the streets with a unique energy. What used to be a sacred ceremony seems to be transformed more and more into a tourist attraction. It should be noted that the villagers deeply value their tradition and are open to share it with the world, as long as they understand that it is not a spectacle, but a ceremony charged with respect.
Every year more than 100 thousand visitors congregate to learn about the traditions and experience the festive atmosphere around the cemetery. Undoubtedly, Mixquic is one of the must-see destinations in Mexico to experience the authentic Day of the Dead celebration. With car rental you can take the opportunity to visit this town and also get to know the best tourist places near CDMX.