Xantolo in the huasteca potosina 2025: an ancestral tradition
Xantolo in Huasteca Potosina 2025: discover dances, altars, and offerings from October 30 to November 2
Day of the Dead in Mexico is one of the most recognized celebrations worldwide. But in the Huasteca Potosina region, the festivity takes on a special character: Xantolo, an ancestral tradition inherited from the Tenek, Nahua, and Otomi indigenous peoples. From October 30 to November 2, 2025, this region of San Luis Potosí fills with colors, aromas, and sounds that honor life and the memory of those who have passed.
If you arrive from cities such as San Luis Potosí capital, Tampico, or even Mexico City, car rental with Hertz Mexico becomes a practical alternative to explore. You can visit the different Xantolo altars, see the typical dances, and admire the plazas decorated with Mexican skulls and flowers.
What is Xantolo and what does it mean in the Huasteca Potosina?
Xantolo comes from the Latin sanctorum, which means “of all the saints.” The word transformed over time and in the Huasteca Potosina it became synonymous with the Day of the Dead festival. However, beyond its root, Xantolo stands out because it is not a solemn event but a joyful celebration, full of dance, song, and community.
The indigenous peoples of the region believe that during these dates the veil between the living and the dead becomes thinner, allowing souls to return to the earthly world. That’s why Xantolo altars are set up in every home and public square, traditional foods are prepared, special costumes are worn for the celebration’s dance, and the famous Xantolo arches are built, decorated with flowers, fruits, and bread.
What are the dates of Xantolo?
In 2025, Xantolo in the Huasteca Potosina is celebrated from October 30 to November 2, although in many communities preparations begin weeks in advance.
- October 30: the arrival of children’s souls is expected.
- October 31 and November 1: the souls of adults are welcomed.
- November 2: the main day, with masses, processions, and dances in honor of the departed.
Altars and offerings: the heart of Xantolo
One of the most powerful symbols of Xantolo in San Luis Potosí is the altar, representing the connection between the world of the living and the dead. These altars are usually placed in three levels:
- The first symbolizes the earth.
- The second, the sky.
- The third, the sacred space where souls gather.
Xantolo altars are decorated with candles, marigold flowers, fruits, tamales, bread, liquor, and photographs of the departed. Mexican skulls are also placed, representing the cycle of life and death.
A distinctive element of this region is the Xantolo arch, made of palm, marigold flowers, sugarcane, and fruits. This arch marks the entrance for souls to visit their families.
You’ll also find sugar or chocolate skulls for the altar, as well as Aztec skulls that recall the pre‑Hispanic heritage of the celebration.
Dances and traditional costumes
Music and dance are essential to Xantolo. In each community, the Xantolo dance is performed, where participants transform into skulls, little devils, death, and other symbolic characters evoking the cycle of life and death. The costumes include colorful outfits, ribbons, and decorated hats, creating an unforgettable visual spectacle. The celebration is enriched by brass bands whose vibrant sound accompanies each dance and fills the streets and squares with energy.
The dances of the Day of the Dead in the Huasteca Potosina are not mere shows but ritual acts intended to entertain the souls of the departed, inviting them to share once again with their families.
How to get to Xantolo in the Huasteca Potosina?
The Huasteca Potosina is located in northeastern San Luis Potosí, and to reach its towns and communities during Xantolo 2025, the best option is to travel by road. Car rental in different cities of the country is a comfortable and flexible alternative to move at your own pace and not miss any detail of this celebration.
- From San Luis Potosí capital: the trip to the Huasteca region takes about 5 hours by car. The most direct route is Highway 70, which crosses spectacular mountain landscapes. Car rental in San Luis Potosí capital lets you plan your own trip.
- From Tampico: if you depart from the port of Tampico, the trip is shorter—around 3 hours by car via Federal Highway 70. This route is ideal for quick access to the festivities. Choosing car rental in Tampico lets you go directly to Huasteca towns and explore different points where Xantolo arches are built and traditional dances take place.
- From Mexico City: traveling from the country’s capital involves a journey of 7–8 hours by road. One common route is Mexico City–Querétaro, then connecting with Federal Highway 85 until reaching the region. Car rental in Mexico City gives you the flexibility to leave whenever you like, visit cities along the way, and comfortably arrive to experience the magic of the altars and dances of Xantolo.
Cultural tourism: experiencing Xantolo as a visitor
If you plan to visit the Huasteca Potosina during these dates, get ready for a trip full of surprises. The cities of Ciudad Valles, Tamazunchale, and Aquismón are some of the main points where Xantolo rituals and dances take place.
Take the opportunity to combine the cultural experience with natural tours: waterfalls, rivers, and green landscapes that make the Huasteca an unparalleled destination. Local gastronomy is also part of the journey—from the traditional zacahuil (a giant tamale weighing several kilos) to typical sweets made with regional fruits.
Xantolo in the Huasteca Potosina is not just a cultural event, but a window into Mexico’s deepest roots. From October 30 to November 2, 2025, this festival will fill the region’s communities with altars, dances, music, and flavors that celebrate the memory of the ancestors. If you’re looking for a unique Day of the Dead experience, the Huasteca Potosina awaits to show you how indigenous communities have kept this tradition alive for centuries.